A good roof should last you for decades, but they do go through a lot of wear and tear – particularly in areas like Buffalo, NY. Weather conditions like snowfall, freezing temperatures, heavy rains, and high humidity in the summer can all contribute to roofing issues. But it is only a matter of time until you will be forced to face the question: Should I repair or replace my roof?

If you’ve had roofing issues, you may be wondering whether you can get by on repairs or if you need a full replacement. Depending on the severity of the repair, services will cost a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. But a full roof replacement costs an average of $22,000 – so, you’ll want to be sure it’s necessary.

There are lots of preventative measures homeowners can take to prolong the life of their roofs. Prepping it before winter blows in can protect it from snow and ice damage and keeping up with routine maintenance can also help. But there may come a time when it’s simply best to get a full replacement.

Here are some useful tips to help you determine when to repair or replace a roof.

1. What Roofing Issues can be Repaired?

If there is an isolated issue with your roof, you can probably just get that area repaired. The most common residential roof repair services include replacing missing shingles, fixing leaks, and replacing damaged flashing or insulation. But roof repairs can include major restoration projects, such as electrical wiring repairs and water damage reconstruction.

These problems often arise after severe storms or due to the age of the home. If you notice any issues like leaking in your attic, missing shingles, or ventilation problems in your home, you’ll want to call a roof repair service as quickly as you can. Issues like these can soon progress into larger problems that will cost you way more to repair – or even require a full or partial roof replacement.

Roof repairs costs vary depending on the type and severity of the damage. Investing in a repair can prolong the life of your roof – but it may not always be an option if your roof is too damaged.

2. What Are Signs You Need a Roof Replacement?

If you’ve neglected smaller roofing issues for too long, they could lead to structural damage requiring a full roof replacement. For instance, say that you’ve got some missing shingles on your roof. This eventually develops into a leak, so water damages the insulation and roof deck beneath. Your roof could start to sag in this area – an issue that means you’ll need a replacement.

There are other situations when a roof replacement is going to be your only option. Any major mold growth in the shingles and the structure beneath can only be fixed with a whole roof replacement.

Another factor to consider when deciding between a roof repair vs replacement is the age of your home and roof. If it’s been 20 or more years since the roof was installed, chances are that the entire thing should be replaced. Even if you are at the 15-year mark, you might qualify best for a replacement as roofs in areas with harsh weather conditions (like Buffalo) might not last as long as the national average.

You can look for telltale signs of an old roof, like curling or bald shingles, moss growth, discoloration, and roof sagging. These will all indicate that a replacement is necessary.

3.When to opt for a Roof Repair vs Replacement

Knowing when to repair or replace a roof can be tricky. It really depends on the gravity of the issue, along with factors like the age of the home and the overall performance on the roof. But there are times when repairs can be done as a preventative measure to avoid a whole roof replacement.

Roof repairs can be made to correct issues which could eventually lead to a replacement. Addressing issues like small leaks and holes or damaged flashing can protect the structure from water damage. But if you don’t catch them soon enough or you’re needing the same repairs over and over again, you’ll probably be better off with a replacement.

One of the best ways to avoid major repairs is to have regular roof tune-ups and cleaning services. Inspectors will look for any signs of damage and make minor repairs (like a shingle replacement) during tune-ups. Roof cleaning services help to remove build-up which could lead to mold growth. This can up the curb appeal of your home and prolong the life of your roof by years.

So – Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

Roofing problems should never be ignored. Investing in your home can help to save you lots of money down the road. In many cases, you can get by with a roof repair vs a replacement. But you will want to make sure that this is the best case for your home – paying for multiple repairs over the course of a few years could end up costing you more than a whole roof replacement!

Ultimately, you’ll want to consult a roofing expert to see whether you’re better off with a roof repair or a replacement. Wm. C. Rott & Son has been servicing the Buffalo, NY area for decades. We can give you a reliable opinion along with a free, accurate estimate for all of our roofing services.

To learn more about all of our roof replacement services, repairs, and roof cleaning options, contact us online. One of our team members will be in touch to provide you with a fair estimate and talk you through your options.