You build your house with so much care and precaution and you do not intend any damage to be done to your house. However, you do understand the fact that different things deteriorate over time. The roofs are the ones that need to be taken care of the most. Roofs protect the entire house from rain, storm, and extreme weather conditions. Therefore, these roofs require constant inspection and repair. Nevertheless, how do we know when the roofs should be repaired or replaced? This article will serve as a complete systematic guideline to differentiate between different situations of either roof repair or replacement.

Before moving further, it is important to have a clear understanding of different types of materials that are used to construct a roof. Once we know the characteristic features of these materials, we can easily identify if the roof can be repaired or replaced.

Types Of Roofing Material

  1. Wood Roof – These roofs were once quite popular due to their aesthetic appearance and lightweight. However, these roofs are comparatively expensive and require a lot of maintenance as compared to any other roofing material.
  2. Asphalt Shingles – These roofs are affordable, easy to install and essentially, dependable. These features make this type of roof quite popular among the public. The downside is that asphalt shingles are not durable and do not last long. Their life span is around 15 to 30 years at max.
  3. Tile Roof – These roofs are a one-time investment as they are durable yet expensive. This roof makes the exterior of the house quite attractive thus, increases the overall value of the house.
  4. Metal Roof – Though metal roofs are noisy during rain and wind but they are resilient and affordable. The disadvantage of metal roofs is that they have poor insulation and get rust with time.
  5. Slate Roof – These roofs are at the top of the list due to their durability. It is said that they can last for more than a century so the homeowners are always ready to pay even a higher price for this kind of resilience.

Roof Repair Or Replacement Option Based On The Material Type

As discussed, slate and tile roofs can last as long as more than 50 years so these roofs are rarely replaced. It is best to do extensive repair process if required, a replacement will involve large capital. On the other hand, it is always better to replace a damaged wood roof as the roof does not last long and requires a lot of regular inspection and maintenance. Although, wood roofs have been a symbol of aesthetics due to their elegant appearance inside and out. However, the homeowners have realized that it is not worth spending a large amount of money on lesser resilience provided by the wood roofs.

Although people are not much in favor of metal roofs but these roofs are the toughest and do not require any repair during their lifespan. A Metal roof can last for decades so it means that they only get replaced once they are retired. However, in case of any permanent damage by some outside, then the required repairs can be done to the metal roof.

It is relatively easy to patch the asphalt and repair the roof. However, this kind of roof does not last long as compared to the rest of the roofing material. An Asphalt roof is quite affordable so it can be easily replaced several times. It is somewhat tricky to select between repair or replacement in case of Asphalt roof as both the options go well with it.

Replacing asphalt shingles is also an option to consider before replacing the entire roof. The shingles are cheap and can be replaced to restore the outlook of the roof. However, before you opt to replace the shingles, you can have a professional inspection of the roof to check if the decking is damaged or not. There is a difference between damaged roof, roof leak and missing shingled due to wind or storm.

Major Deciding Factors

  1. Age of the roof – This is the most important deciding factor as different types of roofs have different ages. Therefore, based on the material and age, you can decide if it is time to replace the roof or not.
  2. Major or Minor Leak – You should go for a thorough inspection if you suspect a leak. If there is a leak along the flashing points then you can go for isolation and roof repairing option. However, if the leak is happening at multiple points then the chances are you have to replace the entire roof.
  3. In case of roof replacement, always go for an upgrade to add to the durability of the roof.
  4. Only certified professionals should do roof inspection. If the roof is under warranty then the minor repairs by some independent will nullify the warranty.
  5. Exact location of the damage can help us to determine to opt for repair or permanent replacement. If the damage is in some isolated area then minor repair and patchwork can easily be done. However, if the damage is near chimney or pipes, or widespread then replacement is a better option.
  6. You also need to consider the weather and other environmental factors. If there are seasonal rainfalls and windstorms then it is better to go for an upgrade roof replacement. Climatic change is now a global phenomenon so this factor is worth considering.
  7. There are some other inherent issues including water accumulation at the settled portion of low-slop roofs. Alternatively, frozen ice in winters can damage the roof insulation. It is not the fault of the roof design or material of the roof. However, you should take the responsibility of identification of such issues. If such problems are identified before time then you can save your money by repairing the affected patches of the roof.

Final Verdict

Repair cost is always less expensive as compared to complete roof replacement. In case of roof replacement, a hidden cost includes landscape damage and other minor expenses. However, you need to keep in view all the major points including the type of roofing material, age, the extent of damage, and all the environmental factors to decide the best option for a deteriorating roof.