Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement

Since the roof is one of the most important—if not the most important—parts of the home, it is a big problem if it falls into disrepair. Should that happen, the big decision is whether you should try to repair the roof or just replace it altogether. This is not a decision to be taken lightly, and there are many factors involved in making the right choice. These factors can include the extent of the damage of the roof, as well as the type of damage to the roof.

Any type of roof damage can have a detrimental effect on the house and its inhabitants. The roof provides security and protection from the elements, so anything that compromises either of those is cause for concern. Indianapolis residents know how important it is to have a roof to protect then from extreme weather, so Jackson Contracting Inc is always ready to take care of their roofing contracting needs. But first, you should find out whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced entirely.

When a Roof Repair Is The Right Option

There are some cases where a simple patch or shingle replacement is enough to fix whatever damage has been sustained by the roof. In these instances, the damage should be repaired as quickly as possible before it gets worse and more extensive repairs—or a roof replacement—are needed.

If the roof has suffered damage because of the wind, a fallen tree limb, or for some other reason, then you should have a professional roofing contractor from Indianapolis inspect it to find out the extent of the damage. They will check both the roof and the underlayment to find out if there is damage to either; if there is only damage to the shingles and the underlayment is untouched, then the shingles can be replaced or patched over.

Some other factors that could warrant a roof repair include the following:

The Age of the Roof – If the roof is in the beginning or middle of its lifespan, then any minor damage can be repaired. However, if it is closer to the end of its lifecycle, then it is better to replace the entire roof instead.

The Size of the Damage – If 30% of the roof or less needs to be fixed, then a repair may be the logical option. If a larger area needs repair, then a replacement is the better choice. The reason is that the cost of a roof replacement will be only slightly more than the cost of fixing such a large area.

When a Roof Replacement is The Correct Option

If the damage to the roof is extensive, then a replacement is necessary. Extensive damage is defined as damaged or missing shingles over a large area of the roof and/or damage to the underlayment of the roof. The underlayment is another layer of protection for the roof and any damage to it can result in moisture damage or severe leaks. The underlayment has a limited lifespan, so if it is near its end, then the entire roof needs to be replaced.

Some events that can result in a roof replacement include a severe storm consisting of high winds, a hailstorm, or a winter storm that causes several inches of snow. If your home has experienced any of those, then you should get a professional roofing contractor to assess the extent of the damage to find out if a roof replacement is necessary.

Other factors that can necessitate a roof replacement instead of a roof repair include:

The Importance of Uniform Shingles  – In cases where shingle replacement is an option, you should note that the new shingles may not be a perfect match for the old ones. So, if the roof having a uniform pattern is important to you, then you might consider a whole roof replacement instead. Matching roof shingles are particularly important if you plan to sell your house in the future because mismatched tiles could be a potential turnoff for prospective buyers.

Moisture Damage on The Roof Deck – Moisture damage indicates that the underlayment is damaged in addition to the roof, in which case new shingles or a patch will not solve the problem. A roof replacement is the best solution in this case.

Make Sure You Know If You Need To Repair Your Roof Or Replace It

Of course, the other big factor in deciding on a roof repair or a roof replacement is the cost. A repair may seem cheaper than a replacement, but if the damage requires the latter and you choose the former, it could end up costing you more in the long term. That is because the damage could get worse and you would need to pay to fix that damage and then end up paying for a roof replacement anyway.

That is why it is vitally important to have a qualified roofing contractor evaluate your roof after a catastrophic event. Jackson Contracting Inc will perform a thorough inspection of your roof and then perform the repair or replacement you need to restore the protection and security of your home.