Your roof is one of the most important structures of your building. It serves as a barrier that protects you and other occupants from rain, hail, wind, snow, and debris. Over time, however, these outside elements can cause wear and tear that can’t be ignored. If your roof is damaged, you may have to make a decision between roof repair vs roof replacement.
When to Replace a Roof or Repair It
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, investing in regular maintenance can maintain the health of your roof system and help you avoid costly expenses down the road. Unfortunately, regular maintenance does not guarantee that your roof won’t deteriorate or sustain damage at some point. When this happens, your roof is going to either require repairs or you may have to get a full roof replacement.
If your roof is in poor shape, it could lead to issues like leaks, mold and mildew build up, and other problems. Which route you take depends on several factors, including the type of damage, age of the system, and how much of the roof has been affected by the damage. Here are a few factors to consider that can help you figure out what type of service your roof is going to need.
Roof Age
All roofs have an expected amount of time that they will remain structurally sound. This time span is known as the roof’s service life. The average service life of a shingle roof is about 15-30 years. If there is some damage, but the majority of the roof is still in good condition, performing repairs would make sense. However, if your roof is nearing the end of its service life, it would be better to go down the replacement route.
Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common reasons why repairs or replacement is needed. While there are plenty of clear indicators that a leak exists, like water running down the walls or water marks, it can be tricky to find. If a leak is found quickly and only a small area has been affected, repairs should be fine.
The Extent of the Damage
An experienced roofing contractor like New Image Roofing can investigate your roof for you. Based on our findings, we can tell you everything you need to know about your roof, including the extent of the damage. The larger the area of damage or deterioration, the more likely roof replacement will be needed.
Where You Live
Some regions are more likely to experience weather conditions like hailstorms, hurricanes, and blizzards than others. For example, New York City experiences rainy weather much more frequently than Los Angeles does. As a result, your geographical location can play a big role in the decision for repairs or replacement. Roofs in areas with higher fluctuations in weather tend to have a shorter service life than roofs where the weather is more consistent.
Budget
Replacing an entire roof is going to cost more money upfront than a single repair. Some businesses may not have the budget to pay for a replacement. However, an aging roof may require multiple repairs. If you’re paying for multiple repairs over the course of a few years, it could quickly exceed the cost of replacement.
It’s also important to remember the difference between a reroof vs a new roof. When considering roof replacement, you have the option to replace the entire roof or you could have an expert place a protective layer on top of the existing roof. While it may not last as long as a new roof, a reroof is cheaper than a replacement.
Get First-Class Roofing Services
To find out if your roof needs repair or replacement, you should partner with a trustworthy roofing firm like New Image Roofing. Our team performs thorough inspections to determine the best solution for your needs. If your roof still has 15 or more years of service life left, we can save you money by completing a repair. If you only have one or two years left, we recommend scheduling a replacement.
To learn more about our commercial and residential roofing services, contact us today!
