Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement

When your roof shows signs of damage, it can sometimes be hard to know whether a roof repair will be enough or if a roof replacement is more appropriate. A certified roofing contractor like us can help you decide which option is best for your home.

When a roof gets repaired, it only fixes a small part of the structure. But if it’s being replaced, it replaces the entire visible area. This home improvement process requires you to strip off everything to expose the deck before installing the new roof and may involve repairs to sheathing, rafters, and trusses.

Pro tip: If you suspect a storm has damaged your roof, we offer a courtesy inspection – contact us!

When to consider roof replacement

You notice sagging:
Structural problems such as the roof deck plywood sagging between the rafters is only fixable by replacing the roof and decking boards.

Signs of age:
Roofs can suffer from the weather and sunshine. If you find curling or shrinking shingles, an abundance of shingle granules in the gutters, bare spots, blistering or extensive moss or algae growth, it may be time to replace the roof.

Missing Shingles:
More than a few missing shingles on your roof means it’s probably time to replace it before the problem gets worse. It’s often a sign of an underlying problem.

Ceiling Stains or Spots:
This leak could be a malfunction in your commercial roof system or a leak with another part of your facility, such as HVAC units or leaking pipes.

Also, you will want to get insurance involved when your roof is damaged by extreme weather, including tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, and straight-line winds, whereas the coverage in your policy will play a role in determining whether your roof gets repaired or replaced.

When to consider roof repair

Natural Damage:
Fallen limb scars, minor hail damage or minor wind damage are often repairable. If the roof is only several years old, repairing or re-roofing a section may be a low-cost option over replacement.

Leaks:
Modern roofs use rubber, tar and plastic around some pipes and vents. These materials often degrade faster than the roofing material and develop a leak. They’re relatively easy to replace and are likely all that’s needed if water is leaking at these spots.

Installation Problems:
Look for large amounts of tar covering flashing. It’s usually a sign of poor workmanship and can lead to bigger problems. Also, look for missing kick-out flashing at the bottom or dormer wall intersections and missing crickets behind chimneys which are normally a code requirement.

Improper Ventilation:
If you notice condensation on the underside of your roof deck, de-laminating roof plywood in the attic or have trouble keeping the second story cool on hot days, your attic may need more venting.

Something to keep in mind is that the storm damage has to be major enough to cause issues with the roof’s structure or function. Getting an experienced storm damage inspector to assess your property will be necessary at this point. If the damage to the roof is deemed cosmetic, the homeowner may not be reimbursed by homeowners insurance for their roof insurance claim.

FAQ

What does financing a roof mean?
This lets you pay for your roof in installment amounts you can afford and prevents you from having to pay for a multi-thousand-dollar roof project in one lump sum. To learn more about financing and insurance check out “What to know about roof repair and insurance?“.