Roof Repair vs Replacement: What Does Your Roof Need?

In 2021, 1,376 tornadoes hit the U.S. Extreme weather or decades of wear and tear can start affecting your roof. When that happens, you’ll need to consider whether you need roof repair.

But how do you know if you need a repair or a full roof replacement? This guide walks you through how to decide.

When to Get Roof Repair

Roof repairs are more appropriate when there’s damage to only a small part of it. If you notice a problem on one corner of your roof or on one side, it’s likely that you’ll need roof repair vs. replacement.

Leaks and Drips

You’ll likely first notice leaks and drips after it rains. Be sure you take note of where the leak is coming from and don’t wait to call for a repair. Water damage can spread throughout your roof if you leave it unattended. 

Sometimes, leaks and drips don’t make it through the ceiling, but pool between its layers. So, you may see bubbles forming on your ceiling or spot areas that look stained. These are other signs of water leakage that require quick action to repair.

Worn Shingles or Tiles

You’ll want to consider repairing your roof if you notice any damaged shingles or tiles. Those materials can warp over time with prolonged exposure to the sun, wind, and rain.

You may spot chunks of shingle material in your gutters or on the ground. Or they may look cracked, warped, or be missing entirely. In that case, call about a repair. 

What’s Involved in Roof Repair

It’s not always easy to know what to avoid when repairing your roof yourself. So be sure you work with qualified professionals.

When you call a roofing company for repair, they’ll work on only a small section of your roof. They may patch holes in the leak barrier or ventilation layers of your roof. Or they may replace any missing tiles or shingles.

When to Get Roof Replacement

You should replace your roof every 15-20 years or so, depending on its material. The life span of a roof can be shorter if it faces extreme weather conditions throughout the year. In those instances, it’s wise to replace your roof every 12-15 years. 

Extensive Storm Damage

Storms like hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes can cause irreparable damage to your roof. After every storm, be sure you have your roof inspected.

Sometimes, it’s easy to spot storm damage because you’ll see loose or fallen shingles. You may see places where tree branches or other debris may have cracked your roof. If the damage is extensive, you may need to replace your roof.

You’re Renovating Your House

You may also decide to get a full roof replacement if you’re renovating your house. If you’re adding a second floor, your roof will need to come off beforehand. If you’re changing the style of your house, you’ll need to replace your roof with one that matches. 

What’s Involved in Roof Replacement

There’s more involved in roof replacement vs. roof repair. The former requires the removal of the entire roof.

This means each layer is taken away until only the wooden deck of the roof remains. From there, the new roof is installed layer by layer. 

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement

If you ever doubt whether you need roof repair or replacement, contact a roofing company. They’ll send a professional out to inspect your roof and see the extent of the damage. Then, they’ll be able to provide a quote for you on what services will get your roof back in proper shape. 

For more on how to tell if your roof needs repair, visit our Home Improvement section.