Roof Repair vs. Replacement: What’s Right for Your Home?
Imagine sitting in your living room or dining room, and a drop of water hits the top of your head. Yeah, you've got a leak in your roof. That’s a problem. And thinking about whether you'll simply need repairs or a complete replacement is enough to give anyone a headache. How do you know which one your roof needs? That depends on certain things, such as:
The age of the roof
Extent of the damage
How long do you plan on staying there?
Your present financial status
These factors will mainly decide whether you'll need a replacement or if simple repairs will do. Of course, you should also get a professional roofer for a roof inspection. That way, you can also get a picture (or a couple), and an expert opinion on how the damage looks before deciding. Let's get into it!
The Age Of Your Roof
The first thing that comes to mind when people notice a roof needs repair or replacement is its age. If it's a really old roof that has reached the end of its lifespan, there's not much you can do. You'll need a replacement.
For example, the lifespan of architectural asphalt shingles is around 25 years. That's if everything is installed correctly and your attic is well ventilated. Once a roof like this reaches 20 years, you should start budgeting for a roof replacement.
Usually, the roof will start showing signs of ageing by then. Some of the signs you'll see on an asphalt roof include:
Roof leaks
Cracked or broken shingles
Dark spots under the roof decking
Vegetation growth
If your old asphalt roof is already showing these signs, get ready. You might need to give your roofers a call soon for a full replacement. However, the roofing contractor will still need to check to know the real condition of the roof.
Extent Of The Roof Damage
Several things can damage your roof. It could be natural storm damage or something really annoying, like a branch falling and causing a leak. The thing is, most times you can't really tell the full extent of roof damage until a professional checks it out. That’s why you need to contact your roofing company and schedule an inspection.
After the inspection, you'll receive a couple of pictures showing the extent of the damage, and the roofing contractor will also advise you on the best way to proceed. Whether you'll need basic repairs or a full replacement, it's best to listen to what the experts say.
If it's just some minor damage on a relatively new roof, you'll probably only need to repair it. But, if the damage covers a wide area, or the roof is too old, you'll most likely need a full replacement.
How Long You Plan To Stay There
After you've understood the damage level, the next thing you need to ask yourself is how long you plan to remain in that house. If you're not in your permanent home and the roof is still in decent condition, there's no reason why you can't go for repair instead of replacement.
It all depends on the condition of the roof. However, you should also note that if you plan on selling the house after, too much repair work can affect the market value. In cases like this, it's best to get a complete replacement before selling the house. Not only will it increase the market value, but it’ll also make it look more appealing to buyers. That’s a win-win for you.
Too much repair work can also affect you, even if it's your forever home. You might feel it's okay to continue repairing, but it could lead to costly issues in the future. If the roof is already old (over 20 years) and has many patches, it's best to consider getting a replacement.
Your Present Financial Status
Whether or not you can go for a full replacement or simple repairs depends a lot on how much you have in the bank. For example, a quality architectural asphalt roof on a mid-class home (2000 sq ft) in the DMV area can cost up to $20,000. Not everyone can spend that amount at once without planning.
If you can't afford a full replacement immediately, you can talk to your roofer to see if you can make simple repairs until you have the money. However, remember that this only works if the roof isn't already at the end of its lifespan.
Also, if you need help with finance, some reputable roofing companies can help you with that. For example, DA Roofers partners with Acorn Finance to help homeowners in the Washington D.C/ Maryland/ Virginia area finance their projects and pay over time. That can be a lifesaver if you're in a pinch and need a little financial support.
Pros And Cons Of Roof Repair
Here are some of the pros and cons of roof repair:
Pros
It's cheaper to repair than to replace
They don't take long
It lets you address specific issues, like a few damaged shingles
Cons
It's not a long-term solution
It might not fix underlying issues
Pros And Cons Of Roof Replacement
Here are some of the pros and cons of roof replacement:
Pros
It's better in the long run
It increases your home’s value
It adds to aesthetic appeal
Cons
It's expensive
It takes longer to tear off layers and install a new roof
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether your home needs roof repair or replacement doesn't have to cause a headache. All you need to do is contact your roofer for an inspection and consider the factors we mentioned earlier.
If your roof is old and reaching the end of its lifespan, you'll probably need a replacement. But if it's still relatively new, simple repairs can be enough. It's best to contact your roofing company first before deciding on anything like roofing installation or repair.
Also, remember that although repairs might be cheaper, they're not a long-term solution. If you're having issues making up your mind, talk to your roofer. I'm sure they're happy to help.
FAQs
How do I know if my roof needs repair or replacement?
The easiest and recommended way to know if your roof needs repair or replacement is to have a professional roofer come over to physically inspect it. If it's an old roof with wide-area damage, you'll need a replacement. However, if it's still a new roof and there's just a little damage, repair can work just fine.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a roof in the DMV?
In the DMV and other places in the US, it's always cheaper to repair your roof than to replace it. However, it's not exactly a long-term solution, and the cost of repairs can eventually pile up to an annoying amount. Replacement, on the other hand, is better in the long term but more expensive upfront.
What is the average lifespan of a roof?
The average lifespan of a roof depends on its material. For asphalt shingles, which are common in the DMV, the average lifespan is 25 years if it's well-ventilated and installed correctly. However, it's better to start looking forward to a replacement after the 20-year mark.
How long does a roof replacement take in the DMV?
The time required to replace a roof depends on several factors, such as its size, complexity, and pitch. In areas like Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, most replacements happen within 3 days to a week max. However, the time for repairs is way shorter; you can get most done within a day.
