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Some roofs can be restored with a repair, while others require a full replacement. So, how do you decide which your home needs? Many factors influence this important choice, such as the type of damage, the age & wear of the roof, if it’s leaking, and more. Given the many variables, a professional inspection is usually necessary to determine what your roof needs. This blog will cover major factors that determine whether a roof should be repaired or replaced, the advantages of each, and the importance of consulting a professional.
When a Roof Repair is Usually Enough
Most of the time, minor issues can be repaired as long as they are in a small area of the roof. This applies to most roof types, such as shingle, metal, flat, etc. However, it’s important to take into account that if your current roof color is already somewhat faded, a repair will most likely stand out next to the older materials of the current roof (this mainly applies to shingle roofs). Another thing to consider is that repairs can often be quite expensive. The reason being is that it’s very costly for a contractor to send someone to fix a roof (especially if it’s far away) for a minimal repair that brings very little to no profit to the company. Therefore, many roofing companies won’t even do repairs. If you are considering a roof repair, it’s best to find a company that is close to you, as this will bring the overall costs down.
Common Issues that can be Addressed with a Repair:
- A few missing or broken shingles on a relatively new roof
- Small leaks
- Minor flashing issues
Benefits of Repairs vs Replacements:
- More affordable
- Faster
- Extends the life of your roof (when caught early)
When a Full Replacement Is the Better Choice
Sometimes the damage is too severe for a repair to be a long-term solution. In those cases, replacing the entire roof is the best option.
Common Signs that a Replacement Is Needed
- Storm damage throughout the roof
- Missing shingles across multiple areas
- Large amounts of granule loss
- Curled, cracked, or brittle shingles
- Fiberglass exposure
- Major leaks or several smaller leaks
- Roof is past its expected lifespan
- Significant amounts of mold in the attic
- Soft decking
Why Replacement Might Save More Money Long-Term
- Avoid recurring repairs
- Improves energy efficiency
- Improve attic ventilation
- Prevents interior damage (when addressed early)
How Storm Damage Changes the Decision
In most cases, if your home was hit by a storm and the damage is sufficient, you can qualify for a full replacement through your insurance. This applies even if your roof already had some damage previous to the storm. To learn more about homeowners insurance and the process to get your roof approved, check out our blog: “Homeowners Guide: Will Insurance Pay for my Roof in Ohio? What’s Covered and What Isn’t.”
Why You Shouldn’t Try to Diagnose Roof Problems Yourself
Oftentimes, there is hidden damage that is hard to see with an untrained eye, especially from storms that were not very aggressive. Because of this, it’s very important that you get a professional inspection, particularly if your roof experienced a storm within the last year. In addition, if you suspect damage from age, this is also a good reason to get a professional inspection. If no damage is found, then you can feel at peace knowing your roof is fine and still has some life before it needs to be replaced. Fortunately, you can do this at no cost, since almost every contractor offers free inspections.
Reasons Why You Need a Professional Inspection
- Many issues are hidden in the attic
- Storm damage isn’t always visible from the ground
- Incorrect DIY repairs can void warranties
- A trained inspector can determine the real cause of the issue
How Asbury Roofing & Siding Can Help
Here at Asbury, we do our best to go above and beyond for every customer. As a family-owned business with a team of eleven, and nine of us being family members, we genuinely care about the people we serve. Our goal is to answer any questions you may have, guide you through the process, and make sure that you’re taken care of from start to finish with any project you’re planning
What We Can Help With
- Free roof & attic inspections
- Roof repairs (shingle, metal, & flat)
- Clear explanation of whether a repair or replacement is best
- Guidance on insurance claims (if applicable)
- Up-front pricing and honest recommendations
Key Takeaways
In essence, the best solution depends on the severity, age, cause, and type of damage. If you suspect any issues with your roof, it’s best to act promptly and contact a local roofing company that can perform an inspection and guide you on the next steps, if any are needed. No matter what your roof needs, proactive inspections will always lead to a better outcome and a longer roof lifespan.
