As a diligent homeowner, you know that your roof needs sprucing up periodically. However, before getting in touch with a trusted Greenville roofing contractor, you have to decide between roof repair vs. replacement.
Since there is a significant difference in cost between the two projects, here are the most important aspects to consider.
1. The Extent of the Damage
If you notice a few curled or missing shingles, then any residential roofing contractor would recommend repairs. However, if you notice extensive patches of mold or algae growth on the roof, then your home needs a roof replacement.
The rule of thumb in this case is that if the damaged area is 20% or less of the total surface of the roof, then you can hire roofers to fix it. For more extensive damage, a full replacement makes more sense from the point of view of the cost/benefit ratio.
2. The Type of Roofing Materials
Each type of roofing material has a different lifespan. Slate tiles, for instance, can last for up to 100 years. Meanwhile, asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 20-30 years. Thus, you need to factor in the remaining useful life of the tiles during the analysis of roof repair vs. replacement.
For instance, if you have an asphalt roof that is already 22 years old, then you should not waste money with repairs, since you would have to replace the entire roof within a few years.
3. Energy Efficiency
You know that the roof plays a key role in the energy efficiency of your home. As professional Greenville roofing contractors, we can tell you that modern roofing materials are better at reflecting heat away from your home during the summer and insulating it from cold during winter.
If your old roof is no longer doing its job of helping reduce your energy bills, then you should consider replacing it with new shingles instead of making repairs.
4. The Level of Urgency
How pressing is it to have the roof fixed? Are severe storms forecast for the near future in your area? In this case, it is more important to safeguard the roof and help it withstand bad weather through quick repairs.
Once the urgency is gone, you can call an experienced roofer to give you an estimate for a new roof and explain how long the current one is expected to last.
5. Building Codes
Some homeowners opt for the middle solution between roof repair vs. replacement: reroofing. This means adding a new layer of shingles over the existing one, thus fixing any problems at the exterior of the roof.
However, this is a solution that works only a limited number of times. Most building codes do not allow more than two layers of shingles on a roof. The reason for this is that the roof would become too heavy, causing damage to the foundation and structure of your home.
6. Your Future Plans
Deciding between roof repair and replacement also depends on how long you plan to live in your home. If you want to sell it in the near future, a completely new roof will increase the sale value of your home. By contrast, an old roof with patchwork repairs would put it in the “fixer upper” category, giving potential buyers arguments to demand a lower price.
However, if you plan to live in your home for more than 10 years, you can consider repairing small damages now and starting to save for a new roof.
8. Your Budget
All considerations aside, your choice between roof repair vs. replacement will be strongly influenced by the available budget. However, our advice is to start saving as soon as your roof reaches two-thirds of its lifespan. Thus, you can call us for roof replacement in due time, without the pressure of making your roof safe and insulated from water leaks.
Call Our Greenville Roofing Contractors for a Free Quote!
If you are not sure if you need roof repair or replacement, call the experts. Our team of Greenville roofing contractors will give you a professional opinion and a fair estimate.
Once you hire us, we will comply with the deadlines and agreed budget. Don’t wait any longer! Call us now at 864-416-4166 to get a free estimate!