When Does My Roof Need to be Replaced vs Repaired? Monday, March 29, 2021

Trying to figure out if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced is somewhat of a daunting task. Replacing a roof when it simply needed a minor repair can cost you extra money while repairing a roof that desperately needed to be replaced can prove to be even more costly. Your home is a long-term investment that requires good decision-making to remain valuable. If your roof is fairly new and only has one or two areas that contain damage, it probably just needs to be repaired. But if your roof has suffered extensive damage like water damage or structural damage, it most likely warrants a roof replacement.

Either way, a professional roofing company like ours can perform a roof inspection to help you determine what's best for your home. Take a look at the main factors that should be considered when deciding whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced.

Scope of Damage

How damaged is your roof, really? Are there simply a few shingles missing or is there sizeable damage to the structural elements of your roof? These factors should be determined before jumping the gun on scheduling a roof repair or replacement. Aesthetic damage like missing shingles, bald asphalt shingles, or a worn-out appearance can be taken care of by a minor roof repair.

On the other hand, if your roof suffered extensive deterioration caused by water damage, a roof replacement may be best. Small leaks in your roof can slowly lead to a rotting frame, mold growth, and destroyed insulation if they're not caught in time. The safest option for you and your family would be to have the entire roof replaced just in case undetected structural damage is present.

Age of Roof

This factor is commonly skipped over by the average homeowner, but the age of your roof plays an important part in deciding whether to have your roof replaced or repaired. Here's a little fun fact: the average life span of a roof in Florida is 15-20 years.

If you know your roof is a few decades old and has had multiple roof repairs, it would be more cost-efficient to simply have it replaced versus repeatedly paying for several roof repairs.

For a home with a newer roof, a roof repair may suffice for minor damage instead of having the whole structure replaced. However, if your roofing material is cracked, breaking off, or has incurred major water damage, your roof should be replaced.

Geographical Area of Your Home

If your home is located in an area where the climate is pretty stable and weather conditions aren't extreme, a roof repair for minor damage is a reasonable option. But, for people who live in climates like Florida where hurricanes and tropical storms are very common, moderate to extreme damage should be resolved with a roof replacement.

This is important to consider because repairing damage right before a tropical storm hits would be in vain due to the more extensive damage the storm would cause. If you go ahead and replace your roof before extreme weather conditions, your new sturdy roof has a better chance of holding up to the elements.

Weigh the Costs of Each Option

Before you go with one or the other, decide which option is more cost-efficient in the long run. Yes, a roof replacement is more expensive than a simple roof repair. BUT, several roof repairs over a small amount of time could actually exceed the cost of the average roof replacement.

Basically, one option could immediately save you money but cost more down the line while the other option would cost more upfront but save you money in constant repairs in the long run.

Call Our Roofing Experts To Schedule a Roof Inspection Today

Whether your roof needs to be replaced or repaired, your insurance will cover both of them. Our team can also file your roof insurance claim to take one thing off your plate. We can also perform a professional roof inspection for both a roof repair and roof replacement to help you determine which option is better for your specific home. If you live in Wesley Chapel, Plant City, Lakeland, or a nearby city in FL, call us at 863-800-1800 to schedule a service today!