When Should I Repair vs. Replace My Roof?

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Things to consider when considering roof replacement:

– Is your roof nearing or at the end of its life expectancy?

– Do you have damaged tiles, flashing, etc.?

– Has there been extensive water damage?

– Are your shingles less than 15 years old? If so, it is likely not time for a new roof.

– How much would it cost to repair the roof? If you can, do so without spending too much more than half of your total estimate on replacement costs.

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you should consider getting a new roof. Many roofs fail well before their anticipated life expectancy, due to damage or poor installation. Many people believe their roofs are fine until one day they find themselves with a broken tile, flashing, etc. If your damaged item is not too expensive to fix and you can do it without spending more than half of the total roof replacement cost (or if the contractor says your current shingles can be repaired), then it may be best to get your existing roof repaired before getting a new one.

Solar panels are known to help prolong the life expectancy of your roof. A solar panel system installed on your rooftop can reduce the temperature of your home which reduces heat, prolonging the life of the panels will trap heat during the day,  keeping your roof warm. The warmth will help to keep any snow from accumulating on your roof. Once the snow has melted, it will be easier for you to remove any buildup of ice or water that can damage tiles or other parts of your roof.

Roof replacement estimator

Roof replacement estimator tools are available online to help you estimate the cost of having a roof replaced at home. These estimates are rough estimates that use information about your property, including how many square feet are covered by your current roof, the year the roof was installed and the type of shingle. In addition, these estimates consider what is included in “average” prices for labor and materials. These estimators may not include less-typical items such as higher-than-average shingle costs due to steep slopes or a two-story home with a high roof line.

Tips to maintain your roof with preventative maintenance

Regularly inspect your shingles. Look out for curling, cracking, splitting or any other damage that may result in leaks. Ensure that there are no leaves or debris blocking gutters. Make sure you have enough insulation wrapped around the attic space to keep heat from escaping through the roof.

Do not allow snow and ice to accumulate on your roof. Remove old paint and any loose or rotting wood that may be a hazard.

If you live in an area where it snows heavily, ensure that the snow is cleared from your gutters as soon as possible before it has time to start melting and blocking them up.

Carry out any repairs or maintenance before the start of winter.

Roof replacement can seem very expensive if you are not sure about the costs involved, but it is far better to get your roof replaced at the first sign of damage than wait until tiles begin to break or leaks develop. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure after all!