What to Consider When Deciding to Repair or Replace Your Roof?
Making any sort of change to your roof can be a costly and time-consuming venture. However, depending on a number of circumstances, making a major change to your roof may prove to be necessary. Once you’ve established your roof needs work, you need to contact a licensed and insured roofing professional to determine whether your roof needs a replacement or a repair. It is important that you find out a few things about your roof and tell your roofing contractor about the problems that led you to believe that it needs fixing.
What’s The Cause of Your Roof Issue?
The first major thing a homeowner should consider before committing to either a repair or a replacement is what caused their roof damage to begin with. Though there are a multitude of things that can damage a roof, there are two scenarios that typically lead a homeowner to seek roof work.
Storm Damage
Storms are the cause of many roof problems. Whether high winds blew off parts of your roof or hail impacted your roof or chipped off pieces of it, many things can go wrong during a storm. Storm damage is often covered under certain home insurance policies and it can lead to a roof replacement or repair being fully paid for by your insurance company. A roofing company experienced with insurance claims, like Advanced, can help a client navigate the entire insurance claim process.
Roof Age
The age of your roof is another factor to make note of when you are considering either a roof replacement or a roof repair. If your roof is very old, then a repair may not cut it. An entirely new roof may be what is needed to ensure that any damages from shingle issues or attic ventilation problems are handled. Repairing an old roof may just be putting a band-aid on a larger problem that could cause more damage in the long run and risk your property issues being seen as homeowner negligence by your insurance company later down the line. In some instances, it might be better to commit to a new roof and reset the clock on your roof’s age.
How Old Is My Roof?
Figuring out how old your roof is means more than just knowing when it was installed. The material the roof is made out of and how it’s been maintained both contribute to how long a roof can last or how quickly it can age. Below are some common signs of an aged roof.
Signs Of an Aging Roof
Issues associated with an aged or aging roof can sometimes be seen from the ground. Damaged shingles that are brittle or appear to be cracking can be due to the age of the roof. If your attic is not properly ventilated, your shingles may suffer, age faster and can appear blistered as a result. You may also see algae growth. The presence of algae usually means that the roof is at least 5 years old. You may also see a loss of roof granules which can end up in your gutters or on the ground.
How Long Do You Plan on Staying In Your Home?
When debating whether to get a roof replacement or a roof repair for a damaged roof, you should think about how much longer you will be in your house. If you plan on moving out soon, getting a new roof may help you during the selling process and can attract more buyers to your home as well as increase the value of your home. If you plan on staying in the house for a while, it may be a good idea to consider what materials will last the longest. If you choose to replace the roof, rather than just repairing it, you may want to opt for a metal roof, as they can last 2-3 times longer than asphalt shingle roofs.
How Much Are You Willing to Spend on A Roof Issue?
You need to establish the amount that you are able to spend on a new roof or a roof repair. Revisiting your budget during this process is important so you are able to make financial decisions with ease and opt for better product upgrades or extended roof warranties if your budget allows. Establishing how much you can spend should be a top priority. You will want to make sure you can pay for your roof repair or replacement in a timely manner. Your insurance company may also pay to replace your roof due to storm damage, which means you would only be responsible for paying your deductible to your roofing contractor. You can also learn more about financing options offered through Advanced by clicking here. These options can also be found when you click on our financing button at the top right corner of our home page.
Insurance
When budgeting for a roof repair or roof replacement, check your insurance policy. If you file a claim with your insurance company, it’s possible they will cover your roofing fees if the damage is due to a wind or hail storm. If you do choose to do this, you are still responsible for paying your deductible to the roofing contractor. At Advanced, we can help you through the insurance process and make sure you understand the steps that are taken to complete your roof replacement through your insurance company.
Have You Had a Roof Estimate?
The very first thing you should do when you realize your roof needs help is schedule an appointment for a roof inspection. This will help you establish which option is recommended by a roofing professional and why. At Advanced, we will take a look at your roof, assess any damage found and then provide you with a free roof estimate for the work needed. All you have to do is call our office at 256-603-9171 and our office staff will schedule an appointment with you. A project manager will come out to your home and assess your roof as a whole, as well as focus on the issue at hand and how best to resolve it. Whether your project manager recommends a roof repair or a full roof replacement, there are pros and cons to remember about both processes.
Roof Repair Pros and Cons
Every project has its pros and cons. Different costs and benefits are associated with roof repairs and some of the most important ones are explained below.
Pros
The main pro of having a roof repair done rather than a roof replacement is the cost. It usually costs less to repair a roof than it does to replace it, assuming you are paying out of pocket. If an insurance claim is involved, the cost of a roof replacement may only boil down to paying your deductible. A repair may also take less time to complete than getting a brand new roof installed and it can solve your roof problem temporarily, allowing you more time to save for a replacement.
Cons
The main con of getting your roof repaired is that a roof repair is a temporary fix. Even if it fixes whatever problem you’re having at the moment, it will only fix it for a little while. The area of concern may give you problems again in the future so it is best to plan for and budget for a future replacement should you need one. Also, workmanship warranties won’t last as long on repairs and there are no extended manufacturer warranties available for repair jobs.
Roof Replacement Pros and Cons
Though a roof replacement is a bigger job, it may be the right move for someone who has many roof issues. If your roof has had issues in the past and still has persistent issues, a replacement may be necessary. If a major storm or weather event happens, you should call Advanced Roofing & Construction to request a free roof estimate right away to see if you need a roof replacement. The pros and cons of a roof replacement are listed below.
Pros
A new roof will ensure that all rot from your previous roof is gone, thus setting a good foundation for a new roof. When Advanced Roofing & Construction replaces a roof, we tear off the entire old roofing system, all the way down to the roof decking. This allows us to inspect that decking for rotten areas, soft spots or other water damage. We make sure you are aware of any decking that needs to be replaced during your roof replacement. This gives your new roof a solidly sheathed foundation to rest on and gives you the peace of mind knowing your roof decking is strong. A new roof may also come with updated components compared to your old one. Ask your project manager about product upgrades available and which products give your roof the most protection. Your attic ventilation will also need to be inspected and potentially updated to preserve the longevity of your new roof. A new roof may help the curbside appeal of your home and can increase its overall value while better protecting you and your family within. One more pro about replacing your roof is that it only takes around 1-3 days to complete once tear-off begins, depending on the weather and the size of the roof.
Cons
The biggest con of a new roof is the cost, but for good reason, as your roof is one of the biggest ticket items of owning a home and the first line of defense against the elements! Replacing your roof isn’t cheap and shouldn’t be advertised as such or you may not get the quality products and workmanship that a strong roof requires. It also takes time for the process to actually begin, even if the job itself doesn’t take very long. You will first need to accept and sign your roofing proposal and choose your roof color. To secure your roof’s place on the production schedule, you’ll need to put down a deposit and allow time for your roofing contractor to order the materials needed for the job and have them delivered to your home. A dumpster may also be used for the disposal of your old roofing system during the replacement. Though an insurance claim may help with the cost, it can also add time to the preparation process. Several steps are involved in a roof replacement, but with patience, you’ll have a new roof and better protection for your home and family!
Where Do I Start?
Getting a roof repair or a roof replacement doesn’t need to be a difficult process. Here at Advanced Roofing & Construction, we are ready to help with all of your roofing needs. We are a trustworthy licensed and insured roofing contractor and we prioritize customer service and integrity in all we do. We operate in the Huntsville area and we service Madison County and its surrounding areas. If you’re in need of a roofing expert, call us now at 256-603-9171.
