CHOOSING BETWEEN ROOF REPAIR AND ROOF REPLACEMENT
Choosing between roof repair or total roof replacement is a major decision. Your roof is both an aesthetic and functional part of your home that is a long-term investment. Allied Construction and Restoration offers the following information to help you make an informed decision when your roof needs work.
TYPES OF ROOF SERVICES
1. ROOF REPAIR
If you need to repair a small portion of your roof or maybe a few shingles, then repairing your roof will be relatively simple and inexpensive. It is not necessary to invest in a new roof to repair minor damage. Keep in mind, it is sometimes difficult to match roofing materials so the repair blends with the rest of the roof.
2. PARTIAL REROOFING
If the damage is more extensive, but located in one area, a partial reroofing may be an option. Again, it may be difficult to match new roofing materials with the existing ones. Roofs fade over time due to exposure.
3. FULL ROOF REPLACEMENT
With a full roof replacement, all the shingles on your roof will be removed, the roof decking will be inspected and repaired, and the new underlayment and shingles will be installed. As a rule, if the damage affects more than 30% of your roof or if you have an aged roof, it is better to do a complete roof replacement.
4 FACTORS HELP WITH CHOOSING BETWEEN ROOF REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT
1. AGE OF ROOF
The age of your roof is one of the most important considerations. A roof replacement is generally recommended based on the material used. If your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, replacing it is recommended.
AVERAGE EXPECTED LIFE OF ROOFING
Asphalt Shingles: 12-30 years
Wood Shingles: 20-25 years
Metal Roof: 40-70 years
2. EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE
A leak is one of the first signs you have an issue with your roof. When you find a leak or stain on the ceiling from a leak, you’ll need to have a professional roofing company assess the extent of the damage. A small or localized leak can easily be repaired but leaks that cover more than 30% of the roof usually are better eliminated with a full roof replacement. Also, you’ll want to assess if this leak is just the beginning in a line of repairs or if it is an isolated event.
Either way, it’s important to solve a leaky roof problem immediately to avoid further damage. Small leaks can lead to bigger problems, like mold, rotted framing and roof sheathing, damaged ceilings, and wet insulation.
3. TYPE OF ROOF REPAIR
There are two types of roof damage – Aesthetic and Structural.
Aesthetic
Your roof looks old and worn. The color has faded. You see moss or mold growth. Dark streaks are visible on the shingles.
Structural
Your roof is showing signs of cracked, broken, or missing shingles. Shingles with missing granules or bald spots. You have rusted metal shingles or panels. Your roof is leaking or sagging.
If the repair is simply cosmetic a repair is generally less expensive and advisable. The largest issue is correctly matching the color of your shingles.
If the repair is structural with no obvious cause, it’s usually best to remove the old shingles and fully replace them. This fully exposes the decking on your roof and allows your roofer to assess and repair any underlying issues. And an added benefit is that you can choose the color of your new roof.
4. COST
Cost is of course one of the biggest considerations. That is why most homeowners put off a roof replacement as long as possible. However, depending on the conditions of the repair home insurance or a home warranty may pay for the repair.
Regardless of how you cover the cost, you don’t want to put off repairs and increase your risk of further damage and more costly repairs down the road.
Repairs will cost less individually, but multiple repairs over a few years may exceed the cost of a new roof.
A complete roof replacement requires a larger payment upfront, but you’ll be sure that your home and family will be protected. And you’ll save on continued repairs.
BENEFITS OF A COMPLETE ROOF REPLACEMENT
CURB APPEAL
Give your home a brand-new look. A new color can improve the outward appearance of your home. And increase your home’s value.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
With new and improved roofing materials on the market, you will increase your home’s energy efficiency. Environmentally friendly features may qualify you for local and federal tax credits.
Our knowledgeable roofing installers would be happy to discuss the many options available to choose from.
PEACE OF MIND
Give yourself peace of mind knowing your home and the people who mean the most are protected.
LOWER INSURANCE RATES
You may also qualify for a significant discount on your homeowner’s policy. Using materials that are more resistant to fire or wind and hail damage will often result in lower rates.
QUICKER HOME SALE WITH HIGHER PRICE
A new roof is a big investment but yields a big return. Reports show that a new roof yields more than 80% of its original cost upon resale. In fact, real estate agents attribute quicker sales to roof restorations.
SHOULD I GET A FULL ROOF REPLACEMENT OR SHINGLE OVER THE OLD ONE?
Some roofers will cut corners by installing new shingles over your old shingles. While this will restore your roof’s appearance and may provide a second protective layer, it does not ensure you’ve taken care of any structural issues beneath the original shingles.
In our opinion, and according to best industry practices, re-shingling over your existing shingles should NOT be an option.
With over shingling, there’s no way of knowing if damage exists underneath your current roof. You may save a little money upfront, but you’ll risk greater expenses later. In the end, you may spend more due to repairs and subsequent water damage in your home.
In addition, you’ll end up paying more when a roofing company has to tear off two layers of shingles. Over shingling simply defers some of the cost of roof replacement to a later time.
With a full roof replacement, old shingles are stripped from the roof. Damage to your roof is repaired. New underlayment is applied to help protect from water and other elements. New shingles are then installed on top of the underlayment.
A new roof lasts longer than re-roofing. And ensures that your roof is safe and structurally sound. Stripping the old shingles when replacing your roof will more in materials, time and labor but is worth the investment.
If you want to learn more check out what you need to know about roof replacement.
CALL ALLIED CONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION AT 248-814-2852
Allied Siding and Roofing has been providing exceptional roofing installation since 1998. We guarantee the highest standards in sales, service, and roofing repair and installation.
Give us a call and request a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll come out and do a thorough inspection of your roof inside and out. We’ll determine the condition of your roof and give an honest assessment to help you make the best decision for your home and budget.
Repairs are less expensive but offer a short-term solution to extend the life of your roof. And a new roof will last for decades giving you peace of mind you shouldn’t have that expense again for many years.
Call us at 248-814-2852 today!
Allied Siding and Roofing is located in Highland, MI and serves South East Michigan.