When your roof is damaged – by a fallen tree branch, a sudden hailstorm, or something else entirely – you have two options: repair the roof or replace it outright. For many homeowners, the decision between roof repair vs. replacement is tricky, especially given the drastic differences in terms of cost and time.

Not sure which to choose? Read on, and we’ll explore all the factors to think about when deciding between these options.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Roof Repair vs. Replacement

Whether or not it’s wise to repair vs. replace your roof depends on a handful of critical factors, like your roof’s age and the extent of the damage affecting it right now. You should balance all these factors carefully before making your final decision or speak to a roofing professional to get their advice on the best solution for your home and your wallet.

Roof Age

The age of your roof can help you decide between repairing or replacing it. Generally, the older your roof is, the better a replacement can be for your wallet (in the long term) and your property value.

Most residential roofs last anywhere between 15 and 30 years, with some (such as roofs made with cedar shakes or slate tiles) lasting even up to 100 years if they are well-maintained. If your roof is approaching the end of its normal lifespan – say you have an asphalt shingle roof, and it’s 30 years old – it might be a wise idea to replace it the next time it’s seriously damaged.

Otherwise, you may find that you need to pay for costly repairs next year, and the year after that, and so on, just because that old roof isn’t as sturdy as it used to be.

Roof Damage

Naturally, the extent of the damage affecting your roof will impact whether a repair or replacement is a good idea. If your roof is only mildly damaged, repairs are usually fine. For instance, if a hailstorm broke a few asphalt shingles off your roof, you should hire a reputable roofing contractor near you to replace them ASAP.

On the other hand, if a tree falls on your roof and breaks it in several places, a full-on replacement may be a better solution. If you’re unsure whether the extent of your roof’s damage calls for a replacement or just repairs, ask your contractor for advice. They’ll be able to provide a recommendation based on their previous experience.

Roof Type

You should also think about the type of roof covering your house. If your roof is covered with 30-year-old asphalt shingles, and you’re looking to upgrade or renovate your property anyway, replacing that roof with a new one made of slate tiles or wood shakes may be a wise and strategic choice.

The type of materials protecting your roof can provide it with more durability. Slate tiles, for example, are tougher than asphalt shingles in the face of severe hail, so a complete upgrade could be worthwhile.

Local Climate

Don’t forget to consider your local climate, too! In the hot Texan sun, clay tiles are popular choices for many homeowners due to their insulating effects. They can help keep your home cool and comfortable throughout the summer, which could save you money on your utility bill each month.

If your roof gets extremely hot because it’s made of asphalt shingles, you might be tempted to swap out that roof with a new clay tile roof. Again, ask a roofing contractor whether a replacement is a smart choice based on your climate and the kinds of inclement weather your roof will likely face in the years to come.

When To Repair Your Roof

Generally, it’s a sound idea to repair your roof:

• When it’s relatively new. For instance, if you just got a new roof for your home last year, some hail damage isn’t a good enough reason to replace it with a new one already.
• When the damage is minor. Some surface-level shingle wear and tear can be fixed with a repair job instead of a replacement.

When your budget calls for it. Repairing your roof can cost a few hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars. In either case, it’s much more affordable compared to a complete roof replacement.

When To Replace Your Roof

There are some situations where it makes more sense to replace your roof, such as:

• When your roof is 30 years or older (or older than its normal lifespan, depending on the material).
• When the damage to your roof is so severe that repairs would practically necessitate a new roof anyway.
• When you’re looking to increase your home’s value before moving out and selling it. A new roof could add substantial resale value to your property if the current roof is less than stellar.

How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?

Average roof replacement costs are around $11,500 for a typical home. But the actual cost of a full roof replacement can be upwards of $20,000 or much more depending on the materials you choose, the size of your roof, and the kind of labor required to get the job done.

This potentially high cost is a big reason why you should only work with a Texas roofing contractor who quotes you a fair price and is willing to discuss the bottom line. The best contractors will explain exactly why the final price is what it is and will do what they can to make it work for your budget.

Conclusion

In the end, only you can decide whether repairing or replacing your roof is the better choice. But no matter which option you pick, you should only make your final decision after an inspection from a licensed roofing expert.

At Stonewater Roofing, we’re qualified and capable of inspecting your roof after it’s damaged and providing a professional recommendation for your next actions. Then, we can help tackle roof repair or replacement, whichever you opt for. Don’t wait – contact us today to get a free damage assessment.