As a homeowner, it can be hard to tell whether you need to take care of roof repairs or your roof is need of a full replacement. While a full replacement will certainly cost more, it makes more sense in many situations. Discover some of the key factors to consider when determining whether repairs are still enough to keep your roof in great shape or if it is time for a replacement.



Repair Frequency
Take a few minutes to think about how frequently your roof needs repairs or shows general issues. If it seems as if you are calling your roofing contractor every few months, then you likely need a new roof. At this point, you may be wasting hundreds or even thousands of dollars on repairs that will only last a few months. You will get much more for each dollar spent if you replace the roof and do not need to make any repairs for years.

Roof’s Age
One of the biggest considerations when it comes to replacing or repairing the roof is how old the structure is. If your roof is not yet close to its projected lifespan, you are less likely to need a replacement. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule so do not judge your roof on age alone. Keep in mind that the typical asphalt shingle will last between 15 and 30 years. Other roofing materials may last longer or shorter.

Will You Be Moving Soon?
As odd of a consideration as it may seem, you should also think about how long you want to stay in your current house. If you plan on staying there for the foreseeable future, then you can ignore this factor and focus on everything else. If, however, you plan on selling the building in the next several years, it will become important. In the case of a sturdy roof that just needs some minor repairs, you would likely be wasting your money on a replacement since you would not get the long-term benefits of it. Replacing a strong roof for another strong one will not necessarily add value to your home. If you plan on selling soon and the roof is about to fail, then you should definitely replace it as this will make a significant difference in your asking price, and maybe even your ability to sell the home.

Extent Of The Damage
Another very important factor to consider is how severely damaged your roof is. In the case of severe storm damage from a tree or something else, it may be worth it to replace the entire roof. Even something that appears to be minimal damage may have long-lasting effects that make it wiser to replace the roof instead of just repairing it. In fact, sometimes your insurance company may even prefer replacing the roof despite the higher up-front cost. You will also need to consider the extent of the damage in situations when the current problems are the result of wear and tear. A few missing shingles, for example, can probably be repaired without reducing the lifespan of your roof. Similarly, you may be able to patch a small section of the roof without any major concerns. The best way to tell if the damage is severe enough to require replacement is by asking a licensed roofer.

Your Current Budget
If we lived in an ideal world, your current budget would not play a role in whether you repair or replace your roof, but the world is not ideal. A new roof will easily cost several thousand dollars if not tens of thousands depending on size and other factors. This is not a cost that everyone can accommodate in their budget, at least not without planning. But you will need to carefully balance your current budget with the long-term costs. Remember that if your roof really needs to be replaced but you can only afford to repair it, you will spend the cost of the repair right now, but still need to pay for a replacement at some point in the near future.

Do You Want An Upgrade?
Assuming you have room in your budget for a new roof, there is no rule saying you cannot replace it before it becomes necessary. This can be a good option if you were looking for an excuse to change the style of roofing or make energy-efficient changes. In that case, required repairs may pose the perfect opportunity to just replace the entire structure.

The Best Methods – Ask A Reputable Roofer
While all of the above factors will give you an idea of whether you should repair or replace your roof, the absolute best way to make the decision is by consulting a roofer. Ask a reputable roofer for their professional opinion. Thanks to their knowledge and experience, they will be able to tell if you are just extending the life of a failing roof or the structure is still fully functional and just needs some minor repairs.

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