One question homeowners frequently ask is, “What is the difference between roof repair and full roof replacement?” Let’s explore the answer to that question.
Roof repair vs. roof replacement can vary based on the severity of the damage, age of the roof and overall long-term plans for your home. Roof repairs fix one issue in one localized area, while a roof replacement means removing your roof and installing a completely new roof system.
Read on to learn more about roof repairs vs roof replacements to help you decide what’s best for protecting your home and your budget.
What Is a Roof Repair?
Roof repair means fixing a problem without replacing any of the roofing material. If you have damage to your roof in only one area and the rest of your roof is performing well, you should only need to have that one problem area repaired.
Examples of roof repairs include:
- Missing shingles
- Storm Damage
- Roof leaks
- Damaged flashing
- Roof penetrations
- Damaged ridge cap
- Water damage
Roof repairs usually occur because of a particular problem that has developed. The idea of a roof repair is to fix that problem while keeping as much of your roof intact as possible.
What Is a Full Roof Replacement?
A roof replacement means tearing off your existing roof and installing a new roof from scratch. Most of the time, a roof replacement will include replacing damaged or missing shingles. However, during a roof replacement, your contractor will also inspect the roof deck and install any new underlayment, flashing, and vents.
A roof replacement doesn’t focus on one area of your roof that may have a problem. Instead, it removes your old roof and replaces it with a whole new roofing system.
When Is Roof Repair the Better Option?
Most of the time, if you only have damage that is in one spot on your roof, you can get by with just a roof repair. Other times, your roof may still be young, and it may not make sense to replace your whole roof.
Here are some times when a roof repair is a good idea:
- You have damage in one spot
- Your roof isn’t too old
- You know where the leak is coming from
- Most of your roof materials are in good shape
- Damage was caused by a storm
- Your roof structure is solid
Any time you can limit your roof work to just one small area is a good time to consider a repair.
When Is Full Roof Replacement Recommended?
A full roof replacement is going to be a better idea if your roof is very damaged. Or if the damage is spreading throughout your roof.
You may need a roof replacement if:
- You have multiple leaks
- You have shingles that are cracked, missing, or buckling
- Loose granules are widespread
- Multiple areas of water damage
- Major storm damage
- You have a history of roof repairs
- Your roof is old
- There is roof sagging
When you start to experience damage in multiple areas, or your roof is older, it’s usually time to replace it.
Does the Age of the Roof Matter?
Yes. Roof age can play a big role in deciding whether you should repair or replace your roof.
If your roof is only a few years old, you can usually get away with having one or multiple repairs. Since your roof isn’t old, there will be plenty of life left in your roof.
However, if your roof is 15-20 years old, depending on the type of shingle you have, and you keep having to have repairs, it may be time to replace your roof.
Think about it this way. You probably don’t want to keep spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on roof repairs if your roof is only going to keep needing repairs or will need to be replaced in the near future.
It may be beneficial to have a professional come and inspect your roof and let you know how much life your roof has left.
How Do Costs Compare Between Repair and Replacement?
Typically, a roof repair will cost less than a roof replacement. Since most repairs are localized to one area of the roof, it will not take as many materials or labor to complete the work.
Think of a repair like this: you don’t have to tear off your roof, so that will save on labor alone. However, just because something is cheaper does not always mean it’s better.
If your roof is constantly needing repairs, this could start to add up. Also, if your roof is older, it would be better to replace it instead of continuing to try to patch it.
Another thing to consider is that if you replace your roof, you will not have to worry about repairs for a long time, and your roof will come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Can Roof Repairs Extend the Life of a Roof?
Yes, roof repairs can extend the life of your roof. If you have a relatively new roof and a few shingles become damaged or you experience a leak and get that taken care of, your roof should last quite some time.
However, if your roof is 20+ years old and needs a repair, you may want to consider replacing it.
As we stated above, if your roof is damaged and you are constantly needing to repair it, you could be just throwing money away. However, if your roof is young and a few shingles need replacing, chances are your roof will continue to go.
Also, keeping up with yearly maintenance and repairs when they are needed can also help prolong your roof’s life.
The expert roofers at Atlas Roofing and Siding can provide you with a professional roof inspection, honest recommendations, and tailor-made solutions to help protect your home. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection, and we’ll help you learn more about your repair or replacement options.
If you still have questions such as, “Is it time to repair or replace my roof?” contact us to request a free roof inspection. We offer honest and professional roof inspections with free recommendations to help you decide what you should do.
