Repairing Vs. Replacing Your Roof: Which Option is Right for You?

At some point, your roof will grow old and need to be replaced. But is it the right time to put money down on a replacement? Or would repairs be sufficient for your roof to stand strong several more years?

When deciding whether to repair your roof or completely replace it, think in terms of minimizing unnecessary long-term costs. Reroofing is a complicated job that can make a significant dent in your bank account, so it’s important to make sure this is the best route before spending the money.

On the flip side, trying to maintain your roof after it’s beyond proper repair will just become an endless money pit. At that point, it’s best to replace the whole roof rather than make several repairs and then need a replacement anyway.

If you plan to sell your house, you’ll want to weigh the factors below to decide the best option. Replacing and upgrading a roof can significantly increase the value of a home, but it may not be worth the investment if your roof is already in good condition.

5 Considerations When Deciding to Replace or Repair

Age of Roof

When was your roof originally installed? That date is usually a good indication of when to replace a roof, depending on the materials used. Typically, lower-end shingles can last up to 20 years, and higher quality shingles can last up to 40 years.

Some signs of an aging roof include:
• Shingles curling or balding
• Missing shingles
• Sagging roof
• Moss on roof
• Rotting roof
• Streaks and discoloration

Some of these issues can be resolved with repairs. But if the problems are paired with an old roof, it may be time to think about replacing the entire roof.

Leaks

Water stains across ceilings or down walls indicate a leak. Leaks are important to solve right away because a small leak can turn into a bigger problem down the road. A repair may be sufficient however, if extensive damage has caused mold and/or rotted framing, a replacement may be the best option.

Location

If you live in a part of the country that encounters hail, tornadoes or other severe weather, it’s vital to repair your roof immediately after the damage occurs to prevent future issues. Your roof may not have as long of a life span under such conditions, which may mean more frequent repairs or a sooner replacement than in a different geographical area.

Neighborhood

When making the decision to either upgrade your roof or continue making repairs to your old roof, take a look at your neighbors’ houses. . If the houses on your street have the newest, up-to-date roofing materials, consider upgrading to keep your own home’s value on level with the rest of the neighborhood.

On the other hand, avoid upgrading your roof to a far better standard than your neighbors. The best rule of thumb is to make your roof blend in with the other houses on your street.

Selling Your Home

If your roof shows signs of wear and damage, your home will be harder to sell. A new roof instantly improves curb appeal, and you’ll receive a high percentage return on the replacement cost. However, if your roof looks fine and isn’t very old, a few repairs are likely all that’s necessary before placing your home on the market.

Our roofing experts at Enterprise Roofing are prepared to help you with a roof evaluation to determine the best next steps for your roof. Contact us at 937-298-8664 or utilize our roof calculator for an estimate.