Lifting shingles, moss-covered singles, vent discolouration — these are all sure-fire signs that your roof shingles need a repair, or you need to replace your roof. When it comes to roof replacement vs. roof repair, it will depend on the extent and amount of damage. Replacement can be costly, but it is crucial to protect the quality of your home.
Without tending to your home’s roof, you can experience leaks, wood rotting, and eventually your roof collapsing. So, let’s take a deeper look at the process to repair roof shingles vs. replacing roof shingles and how you can tell which best suits your situation.
Assess the Roof’s Condition
Inspecting your roof may require you to get on a ladder to take a closer look, so make sure you use safety measures and have someone supervising.
Signs of replacement will include excess moisture, an abundance of moss on the shingles, lifting shingles, curling shingles, and shingles that have fallen off. Additionally, you should assess your ceiling inside and check for any leaks.
Determine the Extent of Damage
Damage to your roof falls into two types: structural and aesthetic. Structural damage goes beyond the shingles and is a more serious issue, as it can compromise the functionality of your home. Aesthetic damage is on the surface. With aesthetic damage, your roof may look older, making it sore on the eyes and potentially lowering the property value.
While aesthetic damage doesn’t require urgent attention, you should still have a professional look at it, so it doesn’t snowball into a bigger issue down the road.
Evaluate the Roof’s Age and Lifespan
An important question that leads you to define your roof’s age is, “How long does a roof last?” For asphalt shingles, they usually last 15 to 20 years.
If you know how long you’ve had your current shingles for and it’s coming to the 15-year mark, then you may want to plan for a replacement. Other signs of age include chipped shingles, faded colour, and lifting.
Consider Shingles Repair Options
For superficial and localized damage that has not affected your home’s sturcture, repairing your shingles is the way to go. For instance, when an intense storm rips of a few shingles, only those shingles will need to be replaced. You don’t have to redo your entire roof for that. A small repair like this is inexpensive, but it can increase depending on the material of your shingles, such as if they’re made of steel.
Sometimes it can be a challenge to match the new shingles exactly to the rest, but a good company will find the most accurate option. Even if an area of your roof has structural damage that has only affected a small portion, you can do a repair over a total replacement.
Consider the Benefits of Replacement
First off, it refreshes your home’s aesthetic and increases your home’s property value. A 2019 study done by Remodeling showed that updating a roof can increase a home’s value by $15,427. Due to this, some people intentionally replace their roof before putting their house on the market to get a better return on investment.
Also, a brand-new roof gives you peace of mind. No matter how wild the winds howl, you know that you and your family are safe and secure and that your shingles aren’t going anywhere.
Consider Budget and Financial Factors
Any time you make an update to your home, consolidate your budget first. This will give you a game plan for reroofing or replacing. Replacing your entire roof is more expensive than a repair upfront, but it could save you money long-term.
If you know your roof will need multiple repairs in the next few years, then a total replacement is best, as individual repairs will add up. At Dream Roof, we always stay within your budget no matter what you choose.
Energy Efficiency Factors
Replacing your home’s roof is an effective way to make it more energy efficient. Newer materials are created with sustainability in mind, and with this recent focus, you have several material and colour options to choose from.
Also, down the road, you can make back what you spent on the roof replacement. With an energy-efficient roof, heating or cooling won’t escape, saving you money on utilities.
Weather and Climate Factors
If you live in an area with fluctuating temperatures and harsh weather conditions, then replacing your roof will be more effective than a repair, as it will ensure long-term quality. The shingles on a roof swell with heat and constrict with cold.
Over time, this repetitive pattern can wear out the shingles faster. If you get torrential thunderstorms or tornado threats, a total roof replacement will protect you better long-term compared to a repair.
Warranty and Maintenance
When looking for a company to help you with your roof needs, make sure they have decent warranty and maintenance options.
Companies that create shingles typically have warranties of 25 to 50 years, meaning you’re guaranteed quality for years to come. It gives you extra protection during the installation process.
Consult with Roofing Professionals
At Dream Roof, we’re passionate about working with roofs of all types: metal, steel, and asphalt. When you consult with our team of professionals, you’re guaranteed high-quality products, seamless processes, and inclusive customer care.
We take the time to understand your project and assess your needs before getting to work. Contacting professionals can save you a lot of headaches, as we’re experts at roofing.
Making an Informed Decision
When you connect with our team, we won’t just give you the option that will cost the most. We survey your unique issue, as well as your budget, to make sure they align.
From there, we will inform you about the best directions to go, whether it be a repair or replacement, and you have the flexibility to choose.
We’ve been offering Toronto and the GTA cost-effective roofing solutions for years. If you need assistance, call us today at 647-667-9962 for a free quote.