If your roof needs some work done to it, then you’ll be wondering whether to replace the whole thing, or simply patch it up where it’s needed the most. Do you really need to replace the whole roof, or can you get away with simple roof restoration? It very much depends on the state of your roof, and what needs mending or replacing. Here’s a guide to picking the right option for your roof, and what you should be looking out for.
4 Considerations of Roof Restoration and Replacement
Before determining whether you should opt for roof restoration or replacement, there are four things you should always consider.
- Preventative Repairs: Can you prevent potential damages and issues with simple roof restoration repairs?
- Partial Re-roofing: Is it worth it to replace the whole roof, or should you consider partial re-roofing?
- Roofing Materials: What type of material is your current roof? Depending on your material, is roof restoration or replacement a better option?
- Patching a Roof: Can patching the roof restore it, or do you need a full replacement?
These four considerations will help you to determine whether you can solve your problems with roof restoration, or if you will need a full roof replacement.
Preventative Repairs
With most things in home care, preventing issues later down the line can save you a huge amount of time and money. Sometimes, a smaller repair may be all you need to keep your roof in top condition. For example, if some of the shingles are missing, you can simply replace them to keep the roof secure and water tight.
If you’re going to do this, it’s best to call in an expert first to inspect your roof. If shingles are missing, your roof may have suffered damage. If it hasn’t, then you just need some simple roof restoration to replace those shingles. If you have a box of them left over from the last time the roof was replaced, be aware that the colors may no longer match up, due to wear and exposure on the roof.
Partial Reroofing
Your roof may have suffered damage from a storm or other event, but only on one side. When this happens, many homeowners decide to just replace that section of the roof. In theory, this makes sense. The rest of the roof is fine, and it would cost less, wouldn’t it?
However, as noted in this Bob Vila article, that often isn’t the case. It cites the example of a four sided hip roof. The price for replacing one side was $2,800, which seemed reasonable. However, the cost of replacing the whole roof was $9000, which comes out to $2,250 per side. This means that it was actually cheaper on a cost per square basis to replace the whole roof. Not only does the cost become cheaper, it also saves you from other potential issues from partial re-roofing. These include colors that don’t match, lopsided ridges and gaps, and more.
If this is the problem you’re looking at, look into how much it would be to replace the whole roof rather than just the one side. It may well be worth the money.
Roofing Materials
The materials your roof is made of will have an effect on your decision to replace or repair. Different materials have different properties, and some can stand up to damage more than others.
For example, if you have a slate or tile roof, then you may be better off doing extensive repairs, rather than replacing the roof. This is because these materials can last for up to 70 years before needing to be replaced. Replacing can be expensive, so repairing is the better option in this case.
Metal roofing is known as one of the hardest wearing roofing materials out there. If it takes impact damage, it can be repaired and keep on going. If it does need replacement, it’s usually after decades of service. Replace it with another metal roof, and it’ll keep going for years to come.
Asphalt shingles are less hard wearing, but they’re also more versatile as a roofing material. If a couple are missing and there’s no damage, then you can just replace them. However, if many have taken damage and there’s damage to the roof below, then the whole roof will have to be replaced.
In all of these cases, it’s much better to call in an expert and see what they think, before you make any decision about your roof.
Patching An Entire Roof
In some cases, you may be able to patch over the entire roof, applying new shingles over the existing ones on the roof. If you only have one layer of shingles currently, then you can consider this as an option. It’s a lot cheaper than tearing off and replacing a roof, and you are allowed to have up to two layers of shingles on your roof.
However, there are some downsides to this approach. Firstly, shingles are heavier than they look. Having two layers of them on the roof can actually cause damage to it, in the long run. As well as this, having an extra layer means you can’t check for damage effectively. There may be damage to the first layer of shingles, but if you have another layer on top, you won’t be able to see it.
How To Know When To Replace A Roof
So, how can you tell if the roof needs to be replaced entirely? There are a few warning signs to look out for:
- Sagging roof: If your roof is starting to sag in the middle, that’s a clear warning sign that it needs to be replaced. This usually happens over time, so a sagging roof is one that’s reaching the end of its lifespan.
- Water damage: Water is your roofs number 1 enemy. If it gets under the tiles, the damage it can cause is immeasurable. If you’ve spotted water damage on your roof, then now may be the time to replace the whole thing.
- Recent storms or bad weather: If you’ve had a bad storm recently, then the damage it’s caused your roof may be enough to require a full replacement. Even a harsh winter can do this, as frost and snow can take its toll on your roofing.
- Age: The age of your roof will play a large factor in whether it needs replacing. The average roof lasts for around 20 years, or longer depending on the materials used. If an older roof is leaking or damaged, it may be better just to replace the entire thing.
As you can see, there are a few things that will affect whether you replace your roof or just repair it. You’ll need to take into account the age of it, the damage it has sustained, and the materials its made of. If you want help, you can call in a roofer to take a look at it for you. They’ll give you their expert opinion, and help you decide.