Replace vs. Repair: How to Decide to Replace or Repair Your Roof

When damage happens to the roof of your home, it can cause you a great deal of frustration. The roof can be an expensive area to fix and you want to be sure you are investing in the best services to help you improve your situation. Understanding whether you should repair the roof or replace it all together requires a bit of preliminary thinking on your end. Consider these factors and see what actions you should take to get your residence back into the right shape in no time.
 
Cause and Age

If you have damage to your roof, knowing the cause may help you decide whether to repair or replace your roof.  If your roof is relatively new and you discover a small leak or if there was damage from a storm that is isolated to one spot, a roof repair may be your best bet.  But if your roof is older and has protected your home for years from intense storms, high winds and falling branches, you may have a larger problem and a spot fix won’t suffice. 

​If you’ve lost shingles over the life of your roof, you may have prolonged water damage resulting in rot or warping in the materials your roof is made of.  This usually results in the need for a new roof as well.  Or you may be victim of a sudden and violent storm that damages your roof from hail or a falling tree or large branch.  Damage like this often necessitates the need for a new roof as well.   When you look at the circumstances leading to the need for repairs, it can help point you in a general direction.  But no matter the circumstance, your best bet is always to call a professional roofer.  Many times, they offer a free roof inspection and their advice will help you make the best decision. 
 
Other Factors

After you have assessed the cause of the damage, you need to think about a few additional factors. How long do you plan on living in your current home? What is your current financial situation? How long have you lived in this residence? Asking yourself these questions can provide some insight into what you should do next. For example, if you’re planning on selling your home soon, you may not want to invest in a new roof and a repair may suffice.  On the other hand, the new roof may attract potential buyers improving the overall curb appeal of your home.  Should this be the house you plan on living in for a long time, a spot fix may be too risky, and you may want to protect your home with a new roof. 
 
Make the Right Call

When it comes to fixing your roof, there are several things you need to consider before deciding.  Gather the necessary information to make the right decision and don’t go it alone.  Give a local professional roofer a call.  Find someone you can trust and take their advice into consideration before you determine whether you should repair roof damage or replace it altogether.