The Pros and Cons of Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement for Homeowners

As roofs age, they start to show signs of wear and tear. They may also suffer damage from storms that leave a house vulnerable to the elements. No matter the reason for the damage, homeowners should act quickly to restore their roofs.

However, it can be difficult to choose a roof repair vs. roof replacement. Most homeowners don’t know which option is appropriate for their needs, and some automatically opt for a repair because they feel it will be cheaper. 

This isn’t always the best option, though.

Edwardsville homeowners need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of both a repair and replacement to determine which option is right for their home.

Roof Replacement

A roof replacement is the process of removing all old roofing materials down to the decking. From there, the contractors install a completely new roofing system from the underlayment to the shingles. Most commonly, roof replacements are done when a house’s roof reaches the end of its life cycle.

Pros

• Lasts Longer: When a homeowner chooses to replace the whole system rather than patching the damage, they can expect a bigger return on their investment. The new roof can last 20-30 years longer than the roof repair.
• Improved Efficiency: A roofing system upgrade also gives homeowners the opportunity to improve energy efficiency with better insulation. This saves money on heating and cooling costs, and it makes the house more comfortable.
• Can Identify Other Problems: Since a roof replacement removes all of the materials, the contractors can check for any signs of leaks or other hidden damage that may need to be fixed as well. 

Cons

• Requires More Preparations: A roof replacement is no small project. It requires a lot of planning and preparation. In addition, the homeowners have to make several decisions about the materials and colors used in their new roof. 
• Costs More: There’s no debate over which option costs more. An entire roof replacement requires more money upfront.
• Disruption to Daily Routine: It’s typically difficult for homeowners to remain in their house when they get a new roof replacement, and unfortunately, they take much longer than repairs. Therefore, this project will cause a larger disruption to a family’s daily routine until it is completed.

Roof Repair

A roof repair can look different depending on the problem, but the term is used broadly to refer to any repair for wear and tear, damage, and leaks. Roof repairs are typically only done if less than 30% of the roof is damaged. Some common examples of roof repairs include missing shingle replacements or tree damage repairs.

Pros

• More Affordable: When compared to a complete roof replacement, a roof repair is much more affordable. Some Edwardsville homeowners may also be able to get insurance coverage for the repair to help minimize their out-of-pocket expenses.
• Faster Results: Since repairs are usually minimal, they don’t take nearly as long as a replacement. They also don’t force people to leave the home, so the job gets done quickly with minimal disruption.
• May Be Fixed without Help: Depending on the type of roofing problem, a homeowner may be able to fix it without hiring a professional. However, this typically isn’t advised for people without the right training and tools.

Cons

• Can’t See the Entire Roof System: When a roofing contractor completes a roofing repair, they are focusing on fixing the visible issue. Since they don’t remove the different layers, they may not see hidden problems. As a result, homeowners could end up spending money on repairs only to need more repairs or a replacement.
• May Not Last: Repairs do not last nearly as long as a new roof, and they can only extend the life of a roof for so long. Eventually, homeowners will have to spend the money on a replacement anyways, so sometimes it’s better to skip the repairs. 

Factors Homeowners Should Consider for Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement

After looking at the pros and cons of a roof repair vs. roof replacement, homeowners should consider which option is best for them and their needs. They should also carefully consider these key decision factors:

• The Age of the Roof
• How Long a Homeowner Plans to Live There
• What the Budget Is

Find out More About Choosing a Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement in Edwardsville

To learn more about the difference between a roof replacement and repairs, homeowners should contact Lagunas Roofing right away. Their team of highly trained contractors can provide more information over the phone, or they can schedule an in-person consultation.

Customers can reach their Edwardsville roofing contractors by calling (618) 300-5661, or they can submit their project details through the online quote form.