Into the life of every home, a little rain must fall, and that usually means concerns over roof repair or replacement as well. Most of the time (90 percent, in fact), roofers tend to do a full-scale replacement.
But is that always necessary? In the following article, we explore the three key areas to look at when weighing your decision to repair or replace. Let’s begin!
1. How Old Is Your Roof?
One sign you may need to contact a roof repair company is that it’s been more than a decade since your roof has been replaced. (Or had any work done to it at all.)
A US News report from 2019 stated that the modern roof is designed to last about 30 years but acknowledged that isn’t always the reality. Factors like the type of material, weather conditions, and the quality of the labor are key factors.
2. What Are the Existing Concerns?
If you’re living in your home, there’s the temptation to put it off, to say you can’t really afford it right now and will get to it when you get to it. However, prepping your home for the real estate market can cause those little nagging concerns to become giant.
Granules and Shingles
A roof replacement may be necessary when you notice missing shingles here and there from the rooftop. Another sign is that granules have fallen off the roof and are collecting at the house’s base.
Do a walk-around every month or so to see what you notice. If you get to the issue early, you may only know that by getting a professional roof inspection, you might be able to handle the issues without a full-on replacement.
Leaks or Discoloration Inside
Another sign to look for when weighing whether to hire a roof repair service to repair or replace is on the inside of your home, particularly the ceiling itself. Walk each room of the home for a safety check every month or so.
If you notice there are parts of the discolored roof, your roof could be breaking down and allowing water into the actual structure. Water spots, leaky roofs, and sagging ceilings are all signs of a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Also Read: The Roof Is on Fire! 5 Main Things That Cause Roof Damage
3. Will Insurance Cover a Full Roof Replacement?
As you get into the various internal and external home improvement projects around your home, you’ll notice that some are covered by insurance, and some are not. The question of whether roof repair or replacement largely depends on what caused the damages in the first place.
Homeowners bear the responsibility to upkeep their roofs properly. If there is evidence that the roof has not properly been maintained, then the answer is no. In such a case, roof repair might be all that you can afford.
Be mindful of the threats to your roof’s integrity. You can click here to learn more about what to watch for. If a weather event damages your home’s roof, then it’s more likely the damages will be covered, so a replacement will only cost you your deductible out-of-pocket.
Also Read: 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing Roof Replacement Companies
Deciding Between Roof Repair or Replacement Demands Research and Consideration
So, is it roof replacement or roof repair? Choosing the path that’s best for you depends on the issue(s) experienced, the age of the roof, and the cost that you’re able to afford, as well as whether an existing homeowners insurance policy will cover the roof replacement.
Consider each of these areas before making your decision. For more home improvement tips and advice, check out some of our additional posts!