Roofing Design

5 Factors To Consider When Repairing Or Replacing A Roof

Here are some things to consider when deciding between a roof replacement and a roof repair.

The Age of the Roof: Do you know when was your current roof was installed? Depending on the type of roofing material used, its age may be a good guide of when it needs to be replaced. If your roof showing signs of aging and/or has experienced storm damage, leaks, or other issues, it may be time to replace it. Replacing an older, damaged roof, instead of having to repeatedly pay for roof repairs, is probably worth the investment regardless of whether you will stay in your home or plan to sell soon.

Roof Leaks:  A leaking roof is the most common reason that homeowners need either roof repair or replacement. A key sign of a leak is water stains inside your home that run across ceilings or down your walls. Finding the source of the roof leak on your own can be tricky. However, a certified roofing contractor like Suncoast Roof Pros can help solve the mystery.

It’s important to solve a leaky roof problem as soon as possible. A small leak can quickly  lead to bigger problems, such as:

• Mold
• Rotting framing and roof sheathing
• Damaged ceilings, and
• Wet or destroyed insulation
  

Roof Damage:  Normally, if deciding between roof repair or  replacement, your roof has either deteriorated in appearance and/or has suffered physical damage. Partnering with a trusted roofing contractor like Suncoast Roof Pros can help analyze roof damage so you can a decision that is right for both your home and budget. Indications of roof damage will vary between various types of roofing material but generally fall into two main categories:

Aesthetic damage:

• Roofing material looks old and worn
• Moss, dark streaks or algae is growing on or between the roofing materials

Structural damage:

• Warped or curled edges on asphalt or wood shingles
• Areas of missing granules or bald spots on asphalt shingles
• Cracked, broken, or missing asphalt, tile or wood shingles
• Damaged or pierced asphalt, tile, wood or metal roofing
• Severely rusted metal shingles or panels

Roof Replacement Costs:  Usually, the expense of a new roof is one of the biggest considerations for homeowners when it comes to a reroof vs. repair decision. All things being equal, roofing repairs are going to cost less than a complete roof replacement project.  That being said, if you end up paying for numerous repairs in a few years, the total repair cost will eventually exceed the cost of an entire roof replacement.

Suncoast Roof Pros can provide free estimates to help you in your analysis of what might be the most budget-conscious solution.  This can certainly be done without putting your home at risk.

A complete roof replacement might be more expensive up-front, but it does ensure you won’t have to pay for successive repairs, or multiple trouble spots on your roof. Additionally, a completely new roof offers peace of mind, knowing that your home and its contents is protected from the elements.

When to get your roof repaired:

If You Have Minor Damage

If you require repair to a small portion of your roof or need to replace a couple of shingles in a localized area then replacing damaged material in that section can be relatively simple and inexpensive.

When you find damaged, torn, or missing asphalt shingles they can usually be replaced with new ones pretty easily. Other types of roof materials, such as metal roofing, may be more difficult or expensive to replace individually.

One disadvantage to conducting limited roof repair is in trying to match roofing materials so that the repaired area matches the rest of the roof.  Another option is to ask your roofing contractor to order shingles that correspond to the existing color as much as possible.

If You Have Moderate Damage

If roof damage is more significant but still confined to one area of your roof, a partial re-roofing may be the best option. It’s likely to be less costly than a complete re-roofing.

Just as in the case above, a downside to partial re-roofing is aesthetics. It may be more difficult or even impossible to match the new roofing materials to the existing ones. With time, roofing materials fade due to exposure to the sun and weather. As such, the newly reroofed portion will look different from the rest of the roof.

When to Get a New Roof

Despite the upfront cost, a new roof may be less expensive in the long run,  This is possible by avoiding the mounting costs of multiple repairs or additional damage over time.

New Roof Advantages:

• Looks and curb appeal: The roof typically makes up a large portion of your home’s appearance. A new roof looks attractive, and it gives you the opportunity to choose a new color/style of shingles.
• Energy efficiency: Newer roofing materials have improved over time by keeping out the elements and reflecting sunlight.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that the people and belongings in your home are protected from the elements. 

If you’re weighing your options between a roof repair and a complete roof replacement, call Suncoast Roof Pros to help you decided based on experience.