How to Know If You Need Roof Repair or Replacement

Roof damage can be one of the most serious problems you can encounter as a homeowner. One thing you need to worry about is your roof starting to leak and potentially damaging other parts of your house or leading to major mold growth in the attic. Professional roofers can repair most types of damage and restore the roof to its previous condition, allowing you to avoid the high cost of a roof replacement.

Nonetheless, there are certain situations where replacement is still the best option even if the damage can be repaired. While choosing between roof repair and replacement isn’t always easy, focusing on all of the factors can help ensure you make the right decision for your home so you don’t end up wasting money on repairs when replacement was obviously the better way to go.

Extent of the Damage

When assessing whether it’s worth repairing a damaged roof, the first thing you need to consider is the extent of the damage. The main concern when it comes to a home’s roof is it getting damaged by a storm. Storm damage is especially common for roofs with asphalt shingles, as they aren’t nearly as strong and durable as other options like metal roofing and slate or concrete tiles.

One thing you can encounter during a major storm is strong winds lifting some of the shingles and tearing them off or causing them to break. All types of roofs can also be susceptible to impact damage, such as from large hailstones or flying debris.

If your roof just has some missing shingles or broken shingles or tiles in one area, it usually won’t cost more than a few hundred dollars to $1,000 at the most to repair the damage and ensure the roof doesn’t leak. Professional roofers can also easily replace any metal roof sheets that have suffered impact damage.

If the damage extends across numerous sections of the roof and you’re looking at needing to replace more than a quarter to a third of the existing roofing materials, roof replacement is usually going to be the better option. Repairing extensive roof damage typically costs at least a few thousand dollars, in which case it’s worth paying a bit extra for a full new roof.

You also need to assess the overall condition of the roofing materials and what the roof will look like after you have it repaired. For instance, if your shingles or metal roof sheets have started to fade, the area that was repaired will stand out due to the replacement materials being brighter.

There’s also a chance that the original materials you used may no longer be available, in which case the repair area will definitely stick out. While this isn’t a concern for everyone, it can detract from the appearance of your home and diminish its curb appeal—especially if the repair is in an easily visible area.

Age of the Roof

Even if your roof only has fairly minor damage and won’t cost a huge amount to repair, it’s usually only worth going through with the repairs if you can expect it to last at least another five years or so before needing to have it replaced. The typical lifespan for architectural asphalt shingles is between 20 and 30 years, whereas three-tab asphalt shingles usually don’t last for much longer than 15 years.

Shingles typically have a shorter lifespan in hotter climates, as a result of the heat causing them to deteriorate more quickly. Composite shingles can often last for up to 40 years, whereas metal roofing usually lasts for 40-50 years. Roofing tiles have the longest life expectancy and may last for 75 years or more.

When assessing a shingle roof, you also need to consider if there are any issues that will likely lead to the roof failing sooner or beginning to leak. One thing to consider in this regard is whether most of the granules on the shingles remain in place. The granules help to reflect sunlight and protect the asphalt layer of the shingles from experiencing increased UV damage.

If many of the granules are missing, it will lead to the shingles degrading more quickly and starting to become overly brittle and more susceptible to future damage. Another concern is if many of the shingles have started to curl or warp, as this will often result in water getting underneath them and the roof potentially leaking.

Condition of the Roof Deck

The condition of the underlying wooden roof deck is another major factor when determining whether it’s possible to repair the roof and if it’s worth doing so. The roof deck can be susceptible to rotting, warping and cracking, especially if you leave roof damage unchecked for a long time.

This can allow water to continually get under the roofing materials every time it rains, which has the potential to lead to the section of the deck between two trusses starting to sag. This could result in that area of the roof collapsing if there’s more than a small amount of snow on the roof.

If there are only issues with a small section of the deck, it is possible to tear off the roofing in that area and then replace the damaged sheets without needing to tear off and replace the entire roof. However, if it may have gotten to the point where any part of the roof is sagging. If so, it’s almost certain that numerous other issues exist to the point that the roof isn’t going to last much longer even after being repaired.

Insurance Considerations

Homeowner’s insurance will almost always cover part of the cost to repair storm damage as long as the roof was still in decent condition before the storm. In case of extensive damage that requires roof replacement, your policy should also cover some of the cost. Most policies are prorated, meaning the percentage of the cost that will be covered depends on the age of the roof and how much life it would typically have left.

If the insurance adjuster determines that the damage isn’t extensive enough to warrant a full replacement, you always want to think carefully about whether it’s worth going through with the repairs. There are times when you may be better off putting the insurance money toward the cost of a new roof. It really depends on how much the insurance company is willing to pay and how many more years of life you can likely get out of the roof if you have it repaired.

Call Us Today

If you’re concerned about damage to your home’s roof, you can count on Greater American Roofing for a full, no-cost roof inspection and honest advice on whether repair or replacement is the smarter decision. Our team has decades of professional roofing experience and is ready to help ensure your roof is in good condition. We’re a CertainTeed Shinglemaster Certified Installer, an IKO Certified Craftsman Premier Contractor and a Brava Preferred Certified Contractor, allowing us to offer some of the best products and warranties in the industry.

We have a wide range of options to choose from, including shingles, tiles, cedar shake and custom metal roofing. Whether it’s a minor repair or a complete replacement, you can trust us for top-quality work and honest pricing.

To schedule an inspection or any other roofing service in the Alpharetta area, contact us today.