Should I Patch or Replace My Roof?
Having your roof in tip-top shape is crucial to keeping your home and family safe. When dealing with a damaged or worn-out roof, homeowners can face a rather tough decision. Deciding whether you should patch up a roof or replace it entirely can be an overwhelming event. Replacing a roof is a drastic measure which is much more resource-consuming than a simple replacement – but sometimes it is the only right decision. How do you know the right thing to do? Here are some things you should take into consideration:
1. Age of the Roof
Even the sturdiest roofs aren’t built to last forever. That being said, they are meant to last quite a while still. If your roof is under 5 years old, it is rather unlikely that the whole roof needs to be replaced. However, if you have a leak in a 30-year-old roof, it’s probably time for a total repair.
2. Cost Differences
A total roof repair is always the safer option. Unlike partial repairs that target a particular area, total repairs will address both these noticeable damages and potentially hidden problems. One of the reasons why people don’t repair their entire roof every time they notice a leak is because of the cost. Repairing the whole thing is typically more expensive than patching up a small part of the roof.
While paying for the entire roof is sometimes necessary, there are circumstances where it is just financially practical. If the estimated repair costs to the leak in your roof are comparable to the costs of fixing the whole thing – it’s smarter to fix the whole thing and get more bang for your buck. Plus, it would end up saving your money if you find out you need to get another repair in the near future due to not replacing your roof the first time.
3. Time to Spare
Aside from the cost, the other constraint discouraging people from replacing their roofs so often is time. Having any major repairs done on your home is going to cost you some time. Depending on the size of your roof, it can take a while to fix. If you are facing dire constraints, it might make sense to just patch it up now and deal with it later. It can be difficult to manage a roof replacement while hosting an event or being away on vacation.
4. Aesthetic Preferences
If you are a stickler for the look of your home – you may want to consider getting a total roof repair for the sake of uniformity. When you do partial repairs on your roof, contractors do not always have the exact shingles to match the rest of your roof. Even if they are identical models, your old shingles may have faded or weathered a bit, making the location of your partial repair more obvious. Of course, contractors will do their best to match the rest of your home, and if aesthetics aren’t your priority, you probably won’t even notice the difference.
5. Extent of Damage
The most important factor you need to consider is the extent of the damage. Ripping apart and replacing your entire roof over a tiny leak is a little extreme. However, if you are having consistent and worrisome problems, it’s a safer move to replace the whole thing to ensure the safety of your home. You need to address any potential structural damage quickly and severely as possible. A roof replacement is not going to feel like such an inconvenience when you compare it to your home falling apart.
If you are unsure about what decision is right for you, talking with an expert is an excellent way to make the right choice. Experienced contractors are able to assist you in navigating repairs and securing your home so you have peace of mind for you and your family.
