Photo by John Kinnander

Originally Posted On: Should I Repair or Replace My Roof? (thewowstyle.com)

If you’ve ever had to put pots and pans down to catch dripping water during a rainstorm, you know how important roof maintenance is. 

A damaged roof isn’t just an inconvenience. When water gets into your home, it can also put your health at risk by causing mold. Your home’s structure could also suffer from water damage, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs. 

One question that every roofing contractor gets asked is whether a homeowner should repair or replace their roof. Read on to get the information you need to make an educated decision before hiring a professional. 

Age is the Main Factor When Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your Roof

The age of your roof will play a major role in deciding whether you need roofing maintenance or roofing installation service. 

As roofs age, they become exponentially more expensive to repair year after year. Once a roof reaches the 15-year mark, the cost and frequency of repair will make replacing your roof the most obvious solution. If your roof is under ten years old, you can get away with making repairs unless there’s substantial damage. 

For a roof that’s between 10 and 15 years old, you’ll need to take other things into consideration. 

Are There Dark Stains on Your Roof?

During a roofing inspection, your roofing contractor may notice dark stains on your roof. This means that you have a leak that’s impacting the interior of your home. 

As mentioned above, leaks can lead to the weakening of your home’s structure and mold, which is both a health risk and expensive to remove. A small leak caused by a few loose shingles isn’t enough to justify replacing a younger roof, but if there’s severe damage, you may end up needing a total replacement. This is a discussion that you’ll need to have with the inspection service, as your homeowner’s insurance may cover part or all of the expense. 

The cost to replace roof shingles vs. replacing an entire section will determine which option makes the most financial sense. 

Do You Live in a High-Risk Area?

If you live in a moderate climate, you’re able to get away with repairing a roof more frequently. For extreme climates, getting a new roof that’s more suitable for the area might be your best bet. 

If you live in Florida, for example, you’re at a higher risk for severe storms and hurricanes. You need a roof that’s strong enough to withstand storms, or you’ll end up having to repair your roof multiple times a year. Out west in desert climates, you could face a similar situation, as the heat can cause damage that shortens your roof’s lifespan. 

Talk to a professional about what material makes the most sense for your situation. You may find out that you have a roof that isn’t ideal for your climate, meaning it’s better to replace vs. repair. 

Replacement Might be the Cheapest Option Long-Term

When replacing a roof, you’ll pay more money upfront, but if you add up the total costs of repairs over a five-year period, you may find that you save money long-term. When deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, it’s important to talk to a professional roofing installation company before settling on a decision. 

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