Roof Repairs vs Roof Replacements
Your guide to knowing when to repair or replace your roof.
Start From the Top
And yes we mean the top of your house…your roof! This is an essential part of your home and it does require a little TLC to keep performing. But, we often hear our customers ask: “How do I know when I need a repair versus a replacement?” It’s a good question. Oftentimes, it won’t be obvious what your roof needs and most homeowners end up fearing a full replacement because of budget worries—we’re here to tell you to not worry and just scroll a little farther to have all that fear replaced with the support and expertise from our knowledgeable team.
Here’s what our roof specialists have to say about repairs and replacements…
The Difference Between the Two
So, it’s important that we all understand the difference between a repair and replacement when it comes to your roof. A repair is usually minimal in scale and typically addresses smaller damage to your roof. A replacement is a little more involved and requires removing all of the old roof structure, and yes sometimes even the framework, to restore your roof back to a functioning state.
Spotting the difference between the two can sometimes be tricky though—that’s where we come in!
Recognizing A Repair Is Needed
So, let’s say you are at home and you happen to look up at your ceiling and you notice some stains that look like it could be from water or liquid. This is usually a telltale sign that something is going on with your roof. There are other signs, like shingles on the ground, clogged gutters, and even visible missing shingles (if you can see your roof from the outside), that can also signal that it might be time to have a professional look.
Recognizing these signs early is important as a repair can quickly turn into something more significant if left unaddressed. Our team loves to tell our customers that if you see something that is off, see water damage inside, or think you are losing shingles, to call our team to take a look. Leaving repairs unchecked for too long can cause a simple repair to turn into a replacement. Repair time can also vary depending on the fix needed but tend to be faster and less involved than roof replacements.
Knowing When to Replace
There comes a time in every roof’s lifespan when it will need a complete replacement. However, when you know the signs, you’ll be able to do the most for your budget, time, and home. A replacement is typically needed when a roof has reached at least 10 years of age or there has been significant damage to the roof from weather or wear and tear. Major damage is obviously not good for your roof or home—this can expose the upper levels to the elements and cause bigger issues inside the home from leaks if not addressed properly.
With a deeper look from our team, you’ll learn if you need to replace any foundational parts of your roof along with the standard replacement options which include reshingling, updates to protective materials, and even a gutter cleanout. If you think you are in need of a replacement, the best thing to do is call some professionals (like us) to come take a look. Our team highly recommends not going onto your roof by yourself if you think it is in need of replacement or repair, as weakened systems may collapse.
No Longer Fear Roof Work
Now that you know what to look for on your roof and in your home, we hope you feel more confident about keeping an eye on the part of your house that keeps everything else out! We also just want to make sure you know…we do repairs AND replacements and are always happy to come take a look if you have questions.
It’s better to know what your roof needs than to wait for an emergency roof situation. Our experts are ready to be your partner in keeping your home and family safe!