Should You Repair, Patch, or Replace Your Roof?
A durable roof that you can rely on is an integral part of making your home feel safe. As the seasons pass by, mother nature can take a beating on this protective layer as the seasons pass by. If you’re noticing cracks on your roof, leaks in your ceiling, or shingles in the yard, it’s time to tend to your home’s most important barrier.
The question then remains, “Do I need a total roof replacement, or will some simple patching and repairing do the trick?” Before making your decision, let’s discuss what to consider.
How Old is The Roof?
If your roof has aged far past its prime, repairs may only periodically mask the real problem. In this scenario, a roof replacement will soon be inevitable to keep your family safe and avoid having to perform constant upkeep.
The lifespan of your roof will depend on several factors. The material, quality of the build, and environment will all play a role in determining how long your roof lasts. Below, we’ve provided you with an estimation of how long each roofing material should typically last:
- Three-tab shingles – 15-20 years
- Asphalt Shingle – 20-25 years
- Wood shake – 25-30 years
- Metal – 50 + years
- Slate and tile roofs – 50 + years years
- Clay Tile – 50+ years
Keep in mind that these are only estimations. To determine how old your roof is and how much longer it may last, we encourage you to consult with a local roofing contractor. If your roof has experienced a significant amount of damage and is coming up at the end of its lifespan, it’s better to replace it entirely, as this will need to be done in the upcoming years regardless.
How Damaged is The Roof?
One of the most important assessments to determine whether or not your roof needs repaired, patched, or replaced is the severity of the damage that has been done. There’s no doubt that roof replacements can be expensive, and it would be great to avoid this at all costs, but at what point does it become necessary?
Damage For Patching
Patching a roof is the most inexpensive option and works great when there are small isolated areas of the roof that need to be fixed. While a roof patch is the simplest process of the three options, two components make it a bit tricky.
First and foremost, you must be able to determine if there is any damage beneath the surface of the rooftop that doesn’t meet the eye. If this is the case, patching will serve you no good, and the roof will need a more extensive repair.
Second, it’s important to try to match the color of the patch to the roof’s shingles. Of course, this won’t affect the structure’s integrity, but we all want our roof to look aesthetically pleasing to add that extra bit of curb appeal.
Damage For Repairing
Repairing makes sense when the majority of the roof is in good condition, but the job will require more than just patching over small areas of damage. This is typically best when leaks are coming through the ceiling, or the roof has been damaged in a storm by harsh winds or fallen tree limbs. Sometimes you may be able to replace small areas of shingles or roof tile instead of re-roofing entirely.
Damage For Replacing
When you notice large sections of your roof have suffered damage, it’s time to consider a roof replacement. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a majority of the roof that’s been affected, a good rule of thumb to follow is about 30% or more.
If the gutter is clogging from shingle debris or a large portion of the shingles are beginning to curl, a roof replacement is a wise decision. Perhaps the biggest tell-tale sign is if the roof begins to sag. This means the problem has become structural and could be putting your family in immediate danger if not properly taken care of.
Are You Considering a Move?
If you plan to move in the near future, a roof replacement before putting your house on the market may be a worthwhile investment. This will increase the value of your home. It will also likely look much better than a roof repair or patching, as the shingles and tiles are guaranteed to match.
A new roof makes your home much more attractive and valuable to potential buyers. Consider the fact that most new homeowners won’t have the money available for a roof replacement after just purchasing their home, meaning they may not make offers on houses that need significant repairs.
Studies vary on the return on investment (ROI) you will see with a roof replacement. According to Remodeling Magazines Cost vs. Value Report, homeowners see anywhere from a 60-70% ROI when replacing their roof. The National Association of The Remodeling Industry has findings that indicate a 109% ROI, meaning you will actually turn a profit by replacing your roof before selling!
Keep in mind that replacements do take more time than roof repairs and patching, so if you are caught in a bind and have to move in a hurry, then performing some quick repairs is certainly better than nothing.
When in Doubt, Call a Professional Roofer
The roof of a home isn’t something that should be left to chance. If you find yourself going back and forth between patching, repairing, or replacing, call a professional roofing company like ourselves over at New Roofs Inc. to come and take a look. We understand the desire to make everything a DIY project to save money, but often the trained contractors will actually save you more money in the long run by doing the job correctly the first time. Not to mention, you will gain invaluable peace of mind knowing that your home is in the hands of a professional.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, and give us a call today at 262-232-8004, or fill out a contact form to get started on your quote!