When it comes to New England home maintenance, few tasks are as daunting as dealing with a problematic roof. You have roof leaks to worry about, mold growth, and even high energy bills. And to top it all off, you’re faced with a critical decision: repair or replace your roof?
It really is a simple question, but the answer is loaded with implications. There’s a lot of considerations to make when it comes to repair vs replace roof, including the safety of your home, and even your peace of mind. Is patching a roof worth it? Can you replace shingles without replacing the whole roof? Is replacing shingles the same as replacing a roof?
These are just a few of the questions that might be swirling in your mind. But don’t be dismayed–as a New England roofing contractor, we can help you determine if it’s time to repair or replace your roof.
Roof Repair vs Replacement: What’s the Difference?
Roof repair involves fixing specific areas of your roof that have been damaged. This could be due to a leak, missing shingles, or other minor issues.
On the other hand, roof replacement means removing the entire existing roof and installing a new one. It’s a more extensive and costly process, but sometimes it’s the best or only option.
To decide between the two, you need to consider several factors. These include the extent of the damage, the age of your roof, and the cost-effectiveness of each option.
Here’s a quick rundown of what each process entails:
+ Roof repair: Fixing specific damaged areas that are minor or moderate in terms of damage. This includes replacing a missing shingle or two.
+ Roof replacement: Removing the entire roof and installing a new one. This is often necessary when the roof is old, damaged, or otherwise poorly performing.
When is Roof Repair the Right Idea?
Roof repair is often the first option homeowners consider. It’s typically less expensive and less disruptive than a full replacement. Roof repair has its place in several situations, including the following:
+ You have a small area of your roof that is leaking
+ A small amount of shingles are loose
+ The overall condition of your roof is good
+ Your roof is 5 years old or less
However, roof repair isn’t always the best long-term solution. That’s because repairs may not address underlying issues, and you may find yourself dealing with recurring problems. For example, the last thing you want to do is take a band-aid approach to a rotting roof deck.
Also, if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, frequent repairs can end up costing more than a replacement. While most homeowners end up paying $1,100 on average for roof repair, you can pay as much as $8,000 for a roof repair project.
When Should You Choose Roof Replacement?
Roof repair has its place, but there are times that you want to skip the repair process and go right to replacement. With a new roof, you won’t have to worry about recurring issues or constant repairs. New roof installation also increases your home’s value and improves its curb appeal!
Pay attention to the following red flags that you need a new roof:
+ Finding coarse, black granules resembling sand in your gutters.
+ Deterioration such as worn-out caulking around the chimney, which can allow water into your home.
+ You find mold where the roof meets sidewalls or around window frames.
+ Sagging in the roof structure can be dangerous and may lead to collapse. Causes for sagging include water damage, heavy snow accumulation, bad construction of joints, and general aging of the roof.
+ Your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan (typically 20-25 years for asphalt shingles).
Can You Replace Shingles Without Replacing the Whole Roof?
A wind storm blew through your town, leaving big tree branches on the ground and roof shingles scattered in the yard. In cases like this, you can replace individual shingles without replacing the entire roof–assuming there is no damage beneath the shingles. It’s best to ask a roofing contractor (not a storm chaser!) to check out your roof in this situation. We can give you an honest assessment and make sure your roof is otherwise in working order.
Is Replacing Shingles the Same as Replacing a Roof?
No, replacing shingles is not the same thing as replacing your roof. Shingles are the most visible part of your roof, but there is an entire roofing system underneath that needs replacing as well. Shingle replacement will take care of the condition of old shingles and remove surface damage.
While replacing shingles can address surface damage, a roof replacement involves replacing the entire roofing system, including the underlayment and flashings. It’s a more comprehensive solution for severe or widespread roof damage.
Is It Better to Repair or Replace a Roof?
Whether it’s better to repair or replace a roof depends on your specific situation and your own roof. If the damage is minor and your roof is relatively new, a repair might be the best option. But many times an entire roof replacement puts you further ahead with more benefits, including energy savings and peace of mind with an industry-leading warranty.
Repair vs Replace Roof: What Does a Roof Warranty Cover?
What does a roof warranty cover? When it comes to repair vs replace roof, you don’t want to overlook the importance of your roof’s warranty. A warranty will make a major difference if your roof has craftsmanship or labor-related problems. Warranties can even cover shingle blowoff from high winds!
For example, our GAF asphalt roofing warranty covers:
- Overall coverage period of lifetime (50 years)
- + Covers the roofing system as well as the shingles
- + Unlimited windspeed warranty–your shingles are guaranteed to stay in place!
- + Cost of installation and labor is included
- 100% coverage period of workmanship for lifetime shingles (25 years)
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- + Installer certified
- + Tear-off costs included
- + Disposal costs included
- Warranty transferable for free
- + Good Housekeeping protection on the roofing system
When you choose to replace your roof, you can enjoy the protective benefits just like these for many years to come! This can make your decision to repair or replace your roof that much easier.
Repair or Replace? Call Coastal Windows & Exteriors for a Free Assessment
The decision to repair vs replace roof requires a lot of thought. Ultimately, this decision shouldn’t be made without a thorough evaluation of your current roof’s condition. What may seem like a simple repair job might have more insidious problems lurking below.
If you aren’t sure that you need to repair vs replace roof, we can help you make this decision. As the #1 woman-owned roofing contractor in New England, please reach out to us for a free roof assessment and estimate!
