3 Pros and Cons Regarding Roof Repair or Replacement
If you are trying to decide between roof repair or replacement, it is a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before settling on the direction you want to take. If your roof only needs minor repairs, fixing only what is broken can save you time and money, but putting off replacing a roof in bad shape could lead to other damages to the home.
Advantages of Roof Replacement
Home Value
A new roof, unlike roofing repairs, will add a great deal of value to the home. If you are considering selling the home in the next few years, then the choice between roof repair or replacement should be approached from the long-term potential gain. Simple repairs preserve the home but don't add any significant value at the time of the sale.
2. Curb Appeal
Roof repair will not blend perfectly with the existing roof, even if you use the exact same roofing material and color. Your existing roof has slowly faded with the passage of time, and repaired areas will typically stand out when viewed against the original roof.
3. Peace of Mind
A new roof will last for 20 years or more, giving your family the peace of mind of knowing that the home's interior is well-protected against leaks. In contrast, making localized repairs may stop leaks for the time being, but indicate that your roof is beginning to age and more repairs may be necessary in the near future. It is logical to replace the entire roof at once rather than multiple smaller jobs in a few short years.
Disadvantages of Roof Replacement
Cost
Full-roof replacement can be very expensive, especially if you choose to go with certain types of roof material such as ceramic tile. Luckily, as long as the roof beneath those tiles is still in good condition, individual roof tiles are easy to replace and will not require removing more tiles than need to be replaced.
2. Disruption
Putting a new roof on your home will be a disruption for your household for a short time. Keep in mind that a new roof entails tearing off the old one and hauling away the debris, while a tear-off and dry-in can be done relatively quickly, it does add steps to the roofing process. Between the noise of hammers and saws, and delivery lifts or other heavy equipment you should be prepared for some inconvenience.
3. Time
You can have a small area repaired in the course of a single day, but replacing the whole roof-- especially when a tear-off is necessary-- will take a good deal longer. At best, quality roof replacement is going to require 3 to 4 days, but 7 to 10 days is a more realistic estimate. Climatic conditions like rain can delay progress. Even after the roof is dried-in, roofers aren't going to be working on a slippery, wet roof.
If your roof is leaking, missing shingles or the soffits and fascia boards are looking bad, it is important to get roof repair or replacement as soon as possible. If you aren't sure which route is best for you, your roofing contractors can offer a wealth of advice, including offering you some excellent options for roofing materials that are appropriate for your home and region.
