As a homeowner, you’re always crossing your fingers, hoping you can get through a few more months or years without a major home improvement project. So when your roof starts leaking, you notice a spike in your energy bills, or you see blown-off shingles in your yard, you’re probably not stoked about what you’ll need to do next.
As soon as a roofing issue arises, you’re likely wondering, “Do I need a roof repair or replacement?” While the only way to know exactly what your roof needs is to consult with a professional roofer, you can get a pretty good idea of the service you need by answering the five questions below:
- How old is your roof?
- Are you selling your home soon?
- What’s your budget like?
- How significant is the damage?
- Do you have any structural issues?
1) How Old Is Your Roof?
The age of your roof is one of the biggest considerations that factors into the difference between needing roof repairs and needing a total replacement. Because after a certain age, repairs simply won’t do much good for your roof.
Asphalt shingle roofs traditionally last 15-20 years at most. However, some asphalt roofs reach their lifespan closer to 10 or 12 years, especially if you’ve been affected by a lot of inclement weather.
If you sustain roof damage on an asphalt shingle roof that’s 15 years or older, it’s likely time for a roof replacement. If your roof is less than 10 years old, you can probably get by with a repair.
Metal roofs, on the other hand, often last up to 50 years or more. Unless you’re nearing your metal roof’s 40th birthday, you’ll probably be in the market for repairs.
2) Are You Planning On Selling Your Home in a Few Years?
Another factor to consider is if you plan on living in your home for the foreseeable future or if you want to sell it soon. It may seem counterintuitive to get a brand-new roof if you don’t plan to live in that house in a few years. However, it can be hard to sell a home that urgently needs a new roof.
Plus, a house with a new roof is a huge selling point. You’ll get to enjoy your new roof for a few years, and you’ll also get to reap the benefit of the increased home value that comes with it.
Your ultimate decision is best made when considering all of the questions on this list. If you’re planning on selling your home soon, but your roof is only 6 years old, your money is best spent on repairs. But if your roof is 14 years old and you’re planning on selling within the next few years, a total replacement may be in your best interest.
3) What’s Your Upfront Budget?
Money is the biggest concern for many homeowners. High-quality, professional roofing service isn’t cheap, and the sticker shock of a total roof replacement may be overwhelming.
Even though many reputable roofing companies offer financing for repairs and replacements, you may need to pinch pennies for whatever reason. Even though roof replacements often mean less money spent in the long run, you may need to solve issues in the meantime with repairs, depending on your budget.
Never feel ashamed of asking your roofing contractor if they offer financing. Even if your preferred roofing company doesn’t have any financing partners, you may be able to secure a low-interest loan through your local bank or credit union. Here at Scro’s Roofing, we never want finances to get in the way of protecting your home and your loved ones inside it.
4) What Is the Extent of the Damage?
The intensity of your roof damage will also point you towards either a repair or a full replacement.
One or two missing shingles? A repair is all that’s needed. A tree fell on your roof and left a big hole? You’re going to need a replacement.
The rule of thumb is that if the damage covers more than 1/3 of your roof, you should prioritize getting a total roof replacement. Smaller, more localized issues can be solved with repairs.
5) Are There Any Structural Issues?
Structural issues are no joke when it comes to your roof. A sagging roof deck needs to be addressed immediately because it threatens a total roof collapse. If you or your roofing contractor notice a rotten or sagging roof deck, you will need a full roof replacement as soon as possible.
Your roof deck is the plywood underneath your shingles that supports your roof and is the last line of defense against water damage. There’s no way to repair a rotten roof deck— it must be replaced.
We’ll Help Advise You Between a Roof Repair or Replacement
At the end of the day, the only way to really know if you need your roof repaired or replaced is to set up an inspection with a qualified roofing company. To feel confident that you’re working with someone honest, be sure to read online reviews and listen to your gut when interacting with a roofing contractor.
Here at Scro’s Roofing Company, our always-honest team never pushes an unnecessary roof replacement if all you need is repairs. When we do recommend a total replacement, you can trust that our assessments are backed by more than 25 years of industry experience and expertise.
Don’t let your roof damage get worse by waiting to take action. Contact Scro’s Roofing today to set up a free inspection!
