Listen, this isn’t just another article telling you to replace your roof when it’s easily repairable. Repair may be the best option if your roof is within its lifespan and doesn’t show significant damage. On the other side of the coin is the homeowner who tries to save his roof till the bitter end, often far beyond manufacturer specifications.
In our experience, we’ve encountered roofs with more than six different types of mismatched shingles varying in from two years old to over 30. In these cases, replacement is, unfortunately, the only option.
To figure out which side your roof falls on, read more to discover if it’s better to repair or replace your roof.
What’s Involved in a Roof Repair?
Before we can discuss whether to repair or replace your roof, it’s important to address the components of each project. Let’s discover what’s involved in a roof repair first, so you can decide if it’s a good solution for you!
Designated to a Certain Area
So, can you patch a roof instead of replacing it? Yes! If a small area of the roof is damaged, it’s better to do some repairs than a complete replacement. Partial re-roofing is also available if one side can use more TLC than the other. Some shingles are removed and replaced with similar-looking materials during these projects.
It Might Be Harder to Find a Repair Company
Contrary to what you might think, it’s challenging to find a roofing company that focuses on repairs. A roof repair might only take a few hours to complete. Replacements, on the other hand, are a full day’s work. For this reason, it’s harder to find roofers willing to work for shorter hours and for less money.
Luckily, we offer full repair services at Renowned Building Solutions. We’ll never try to sell you on a replacement when a repair will do the trick. We’re transparent and respect our customers too much to try and make more money off an unnecessary replacement.
You can patch a roof instead of replacing it if the damaged area is small enough. Don’t let any roofing professional tell you otherwise.
What’s a Roof Replacement?
Roof replacements are another alternative people can choose. This task is more labor-intensive and takes longer to complete.
Brand New Start
Roof replacements consist of tearing all the old shingles off a roof. By undergoing a replacement, you can rest assured that all roofing problems, even ones under the shingles, are addressed. Since more steps are involved, additional resources are needed to complete the job.
Replacements Last Longer
Life is life, and roof replacements can get expensive. ‘Repair til forever’ has become many homeowners’ battle cry over the last decade; as long as the leak stops, they’re happy. Yet, this a temporary quick fix. Replacements, however, last well into the future.
We’ve overviewed what’s involved in a roof repair vs. replacement. Now, it’s time to discuss what circumstances warrant a repair and what justifies a total replacement.
Can a Roof Be Repaired Instead of Replaced?
As previously stated, a roof repair is possible if the damage is limited to a particular area. There are other situations where a roof repair will suffice—let’s discuss them below!
Shingles Are in Good Condition
If the wind blew a shingle or two, but the roof is in otherwise great condition, a repair could be a good choice. Furthermore, centralized damage from a tree branch or hail can be repaired if the damage is limited.
You Have a Newer Roof
This is one of the biggest tells. If the age of your roof still falls way below the manufacturer’s warranty, a repair could be your best bet. Often newer roofs may have a shingle or two come off in high wind situations. There could also be just one improperly installed shingle. Whatever the case, if the age of your roof is significantly lower than the manufacturer’s warranty, look at ways to repair instead of replacing it.
Repairs are warranted if your roof is new/still under warranty. Keep in mind, residential roofs can last up to 30 years. So, if the shingles are in good condition, repairs might be the solution.
When Does a Roof Need to Be Replaced?
Full roof replacements are heavy-duty projects. For this reason, some homeowners try to put it off as much as possible. However, there are times when replacement is necessary.
Quantity of Needed Repairs is Excessive
Sometimes a roof repair may be more trouble than just replacing it. We inspected a roof years ago where the tar strip had completely failed on the shingles. The homeowner requested a quote to reseal every shingle on his roof. In this case, the repair process would have cost him just about the same as a replacement due to the meticulous labor. A qualified roofer will be helpful in determining this if you are unsure.
You Want to Keep the Architectural Integrity of the Home
Another reason to replace a roof instead of repair it is to keep the architectural integrity of the home. Constantly doing repairs will lead to mismatched shingles and layering. It’ll completely change the look of the residential or commercial roof and reduce its curb appeal. Consider a whole replacement if you’ve repaired the roof so many times that it looks like a colored jigsaw puzzle.
Changing circumstances will determine whether you need a repair or replacement. Factors like the roof’s age, condition of the shingles, the quantity of repairs needed, and the architectural integrity of the home will play a part in what step you should take.
How Does the Insurance Process Change?
The final factor that’ll affect whether you need a repair or replacement is the insurance. Filing a roof insurance claim is challenging, so it’s best to have a clear idea of what you want before starting the process.
Insurance Companies & Repairs
Much to homeowners’ dismay, insurance companies have the right to require repairs before doing a full replacement. Unless there are numerous repairs in multiple sections, insurance companies will try to keep the project to a minimum.
Replacements & Insurance Coverage
It’s much more difficult to get a replacement approved than it is a repair. Again, adjusters have the right to recommend repairs first. The situation only changes if there’s extensive damage that makes the home or business inhospitable. Or if the roof’s been patched up too many times.
There are staggering differences between roof repair and roof replacements. For starters, the processes couldn’t be more opposite. Repairs take a few hours, and roofers only fix a particular damaged area. Replacements, on the other hand, require a full day’s work and are more labor-intensive. Readers wondering if it’s better to repair or replace a roof should know that the answer depends on a few factors.
Do You Need Roof Repairs or A Replacement?
Contact Renowned Building Solutions today if you’re experiencing roofing problems. We’ll never try to oversell you. We’re one of the few companies that offer repair services, and we’ll never try to sell you something you don’t need. We value our relationships with customers and will only recommend what you need. Trust us; we’ll never steer you wrong!
Looking for more valuable roofing tips, tricks and general information? Check out our other blog posts!
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published on May 3, 2021, and updated on August 30, 2022.
