Do You Need a Roof Repair or Replacement?

By Scott & Karen Dillman | May 10, 2023

Investing in a home's roof is one of the biggest decisions you will make. According to Forbes, over 5 million residential roofs are installed in the U.S. annually. If you are a homeowner who is experiencing some issues with your roof, you may be wondering if you are in need of a roof repair or roofing replacement. Understanding the issues that most commonly impact roofs can help you to best determine when it's right to turn to the professionals for the roofing services you need. Here are a few things to consider when deciding to repair or replace your roof.

Damage From a One-Time Incident

If you have recently endured a major storm, a downed tree branch, or even poor workmanship on your roof, you may be in need of a one-time repair job. A downed tree or storm damage to the roof is much different from the roof aging over time or becoming worn as the years or decades pass. If the damage only affected a small portion of the roof, it makes more sense to repair it than it would make to replace the entire roof of your house. If you're not sure about the extent of the damage, a roofing professional can perform an inspection.

Minimal Wear and Tear

This is a key factor to keep in mind whenever you are inspecting your roof to determine the extent of any damage that has been done. When inspecting your roof, it is important to keep the actual age of the roof in mind. Consider the type of materials that were used in creating the roof and how many years old it is. It is also important to investigate the actual date your roof was installed. This will provide you with valuable insight into the actual age of the roof itself. Look through your records to see when it was last replaced. If you can't confirm the date, or if you recently moved into your home, ask your neighbors if they remember the last time a roof replacement happened at your house. With this information, you can determine the best course of action to take whenever you experience issues or are in need of repair.

An Isolated Issue

If you stumble upon a fallen shingle in your yard, you may immediately think that your home is in need of an entirely new roof. However, this is simply not true. Most of the time, when an incident on a roof is isolated, it is possible to address the issue head-on with a repair. From broken shingles to even minor leaks, many roofs can be repaired if the roof itself is not too old and is still in decent condition. Asphalt shingles in particular are simple to replace. Each shingle can be individually removed and replaced with a new one. You will need to speak directly to professionals who offer roofing services to determine whether a repair is right for the isolated issue you encountered with your own roof.

Time and Budget Constraints

There are times in life when it's not feasible to invest in a brand-new roof, regardless of how much or how hard you work each day. If you are limited with the budget you have for your roof, you may want to opt for a repair job over an entire roof replacement. While this is possible in some instances, it's important to work with roofing services that can guide you through the process. Professionals know whether it is possible to remedy an issue with a roof with a repair versus an entire replacement. You may also be limited by time. Let's say your family is visiting for a couple of weeks, and there's suddenly a leak in your roof. It simply isn't convenient for you to schedule a full roof replacement while you have guests in your home. In this kind of situation, you can have the roof repaired instead of replacing it. This will not only be faster, but less disruptive for you and your guests.

Curb Appeal

A reason to consider a repair instead of an entire roof replacement is that you are planning to move and place your home on the open market. If you intend to place your home on the market anytime soon, ensuring that your roof appears in good shape is essential for curb appeal purposes. A roof that appears worn, dilapidated, or has missing shingles is not as likely to appeal to a larger group of prospective buyers. While having your roof fixed and repaired before moving is more affordable than investing in a brand-new roof for the property, it won't be as appealing to potential buyers. If you're not sure if a replacement is necessary, ask a qualified roofer to give their opinion.

Widespread Wear and Tear

Once you begin to notice an increase in wear and tear each year as the seasons change, it may be time to consider a full replacement, depending on the age of your roof. If your roof is only expected to last 10 years and you are already coming up on that time, it may be time to start considering alternative investments and new types of roofs that are right for you. Whether you are in the market to buy a new home or have just moved into your current one, consider the age of the roof currently in place. Keeping track of the age of your roof will be extremely helpful down the line once you have made the decision to invest in a replacement roof.

Ongoing Issues

Persistent and ongoing roofing issues can be extremely devastating, especially as they begin to spread. If you notice widespread issues that are connected to your roof, such as major leaks, it may be time to consider calling in the professionals. Professional roofers who understand the ins and outs of roofing can easily pinpoint and identify potential problem areas and culprits when it comes to leaks, rotting, and other major roof-related issues. When working with professionals, ask questions regarding your roof's current condition and whether it is best to consider repair work or an entire replacement.

Roof Frame Damage

If a leak occurs and it is ignored or avoided for an extended period of time, there is a chance that you will experience roof frame damage. What is a roof frame? It's the wooden frame underneath the shingles. This frame supports the roof and is essential to any roofing system. Roof frame damage typically occurs over time as shingles begin to fall off of the roof or as the roof becomes neglected. Once the roof frame has become soaked in water or damaged completely, it is likely best to consider a full roof replacement as opposed to a standard roof repair solution.

As a homeowner, knowing when it's time for a roof repair versus a replacement can help you to determine the roofing services you need at any time. When you are familiar with common roof repairs and causes for replacements, you can make your decision in hiring roofing services feeling comfortable with and confident in your choice. Are you thinking of a roof repair or replacement service? Call Dillman Brothers Contracting Inc to learn more about our services today.

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