With weather like Miami’s, it’s easy to notice when something goes wrong with your roof. Water spots can start popping up on the ceiling, recent storm activity might have blown off some of your roof tiles, or the heat and humidity have caused your shingles to start curling and buckling like a crumpled piece of paper.
The real difficulty is determining whether the problem requires a simple repair or a full roof replacement. Roof replacements can represent a significant cost, but simply patching up the obvious damage can mask an underlying problem that can lead to a far costlier repair down the road.
The extent of the damage to your roof may not be immediately apparent and will likely require an expert to inspect and report to you. By determining the extent of the damage and asking yourself the following questions, you’ll be ready to determine whether a repair or replacement would best fit your situation.
Questions To Ask When Deciding Between A Repair And A Replacement
How old is the roof?
Depending on the material used in its construction, a roof’s lifespan can range from twenty years to more than fifty. For example, asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 15-20 years, metal roofs can last anywhere from 40-70 years, and tile roofs can last even longer when installed properly.
If your roof is relatively new (ten years or less), it’s often more cost-effective to simply repair the damage. If the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, the accumulated degradation from years of consistent exposure to the elements may mean that even localized damage will cause widespread failure. It would likely be less expensive to simply replace the roof than to continue repairing problems as they pop up.
How extensive is the damage?
This question is best answered by a licensed expert who has inspected your roof. If the extent of the damage is a few missing tiles or some damaged shingles or is confined to a small section of the roof, a roof repair will often be enough to ensure that your roof stays weather- and water-proof.
If the damage has impacted a large area of the roof, the structural elements that seal the building are likely also significantly damaged. A full replacement will likely be necessary if these seals are damaged.
How much will it cost to repair vs. replace?
Roof repairs are significantly cheaper than a full replacement, averaging around 25% of the price per square foot. However, repair prices will vary depending on various factors, including the extent of the damage and the type of materials used.
Repair prices should never exceed 30% of the cost of a new roof. Once they have exceeded that threshold, the benefits of investing in a new roof begin to outweigh the short-term cost savings of opting to repair.
What is the condition of the roof?
Observing the roof’s condition primarily means keeping watch for signs of water damage. Small, localized leaks characterized by small and infrequent water spots are likely fixable with a simple repair. More severe leaks and signs of structural damage like sagging can indicate a major problem requiring a full replacement.
What are my long-term plans for the property?
Your plans for your property can significantly impact your decision on how to handle a damaged roof. If you plan on selling the property soon, a full replacement of a moderately damaged roof midway through its lifespan may represent too large an investment of your time and money.
Importance of Hiring a Professional Roofing Company
In general, it is best to work with a reputable roofing company like A&E Brothers Roofing when determining whether repairing or replacing your roof will be best. We have trained staff with the necessary skills to work safely on a roof, and our roofing professionals have access to the high-quality equipment required to complete the task.
A&E Brothers Roofing is the company to call if you need a high-quality roof installation or replacement. With over 50 years of industry experience, our professionals can help you with roofing, material selection, and installation. Get in touch with us to learn more about our roofing services and receive a free quote.