Countless Kansans will see signs of roof damage this spring and wrestle over whether to patch up the section that is in need of repair or simply replace their entire roof. Are you one of these people?
Certainly, there are pros and cons to each approach. To help you make the best decision, here is a list of questions you should answer first:
What’s your time frame?
If you are not in a time crunch, you can choose either option. But if you need to fix a leaky roof ASAP, you may not have time to wait for a contractor to schedule a roof replacement.
How old is your roof?
If it is relatively new or even in the middle of its life cycle, a repair might be okay, but if it’s 18 years old, replacing the whole roof may be the way to go.
It is important to know when your roof was installed, as well as the life expectancy of the material in question. Roofing materials you may have on your home include:
- Asphalt Shingles: The most widespread form of residential roofing is asphalt, and typically lasts 20 to 30 years.
- Wood Shingles: Often made of redwood or cedar, wood shingles last generally between 30 to 40 years.
- Slate Shingles: A more advanced roofing material, slate can withstand inclement weather and lasts around 100 years.
- Clay Tile: Clay or concrete tiles are virtually immune to the impacts of hail and wind, and can last for 100 years.
- Metal Roofs: Long a fixture of buildings, metal roofs have gained traction with homeowners in recent years. A metal roof could potentially last for several decades, though this largely depends on the type of metal.
How big is the area that’s damaged?
If you only need to fix one or two small areas, you can probably have a roof repair man out there that day to fix the problem. If it’s more than, say, 30 percent of your roof, you might strongly consider a roof replacement.
What’s the additional cost to replace the entire roof?
For example, it might cost you $4,000 to repair your roof but replacing the whole roof might only run you $6,800. In this case, a roof replacement is a better value and investment. If your roof has been damaged from a recent storm, you can file a claim through your insurance company. Depending on the damage, you may only be responsible for your deductible. Learn more about filing an insurance claim here.
How important is it to you that your roof shingles color match?
Any new shingles will not precisely match the same hue as your existing shingles because of weathering. If your roof is highly visible and you don’t want mismatched shingles, you might be happier with a new roof.
Do you have moisture damage to your roof deck?
If the underside and supports of your roof show significant moisture damage, shingling over them will not solve the problem. Roof replacements include fixing these areas, so that is likely your best option.
Do you need to replace your gutters as well?
If it is time to install new gutters, it may be more convenient for a contractor to rip off the old guttering, lay down a new roof, and put on a new gutter system all at once.
To determine whether your roof needs repair work or a total replacement, it’s best to have a roofing specialist examine it and make an assessment. At Eaton Roofing & Exteriors, we have been roofing the Kansas skyline for over 27 years. Contact us today for a free roof replacement or restoration quote.
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