Pros and Cons: Roof Repair vs. Replacement

Many homeowners face the decision of whether it is better to repair or replace a damaged or old roof.  It is important to make the right decision so you get the maximum life out of your home and value for your dollar. When you realize that there is damage to your roof you have a decision to make. In order to help you make this decision, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option.

Repair

This is a more affordable way to repair visible roof damage. If your roof has taken damage due to storms, high winds, or fallen tree limbs then a shingle replacement is relatively easy. Damaged shingles can be removed and replaced by new shingles. Issues may arise in that you won’t have spare shingles lying around. A patch may not be sufficient in matching the existing roof shingles. However, when dealing with minimal damage this repair could lengthen your roof life for a number of years.

It’s important that you use a qualified roofing professional, even when making small repairs. This will ensure that your system is waterproof. You may self-repair and think it looks good, but leave yourself open to further damage.

Partial Replacement

Perhaps your roof hasn’t taken enough damage to require a full replacement but is a bit too far gone for a simple repair.

A partial roof replacement is possible if the damaged is confined to just one side, or area of the roof. This will cost significantly less than a full roof replacement but offer a more appropriate fix than a repair. It is also easier to reroof a section and blend new materials with the old roof.

However, a partial replacement could result in more expense in the long run. This is because repairing a small area is a complicated process. The entire roof is a sealed system, so ensuring that that is maintained in a partial roof replacement can be tricky. When the sealed system is compromised there is no guarantee that other areas of the roof won’t fail, despite the damaged area being repaired.

This is why it’s vital that a professional roofer completes the repair or partial replacement, this ensures that the overall integrity of the system is maintained.

Full Replacement

Whether your roof has taken serious damage or is simply showing signs of wear, a complete roof replacement may be in order.  Because roofing costs are affected by square footage it can be cheaper to do the entire roof at once. It really is dependent on the damage that your roof has sustained, though. It’s important to consult a fully qualified roofer as there can be hidden damage to the truss system or roof deck.

Conclusion

There is no simple answer as to which is best for your roof, which is why it is helpful to receive a professional consultation.  EMA Construction’s qualified roofers are able to advise you on whether a full replacement, partial replacement or a simple repair is best for you. We recommend based on your needs and make sure you’ll get the most life out of your roof and best value for your dollar.