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Mississippi and the surrounding areas of the Gulf Coast region get a lot of bad weather with strong storms and heavy rain being a common occurrence for the better part of the year.
This harsh weather can really wreak havoc on roofs, and when they become damaged, their repair should be one of your first priorities. At this time, you’ll be faced with the primary choice of repairing or replacing the entire roofing system.
A lot of homeowners get confused about which option is best suited to their needs and, more importantly, which option is the right one.
This is where we can help. Today, we will explain the difference between repairing a roof and replacing it completely. By the end of this blog post, you will understand the characteristics of both and learn which option is the best one for you.
What Is Roof Repair? What Does It Include?
A roof repair means fixing specific problematic spots on your current roofing system. It involves finding and addressing issues like leaks, missing or cracked shingles, flashing problems, or small structural damage. Repairs tend to cost less than a replacement and can add years to your roof’s life.
Common Signs That A Roof Repair Is Required
Leaks:
Leaks are one of the main reasons for repairs. A professional roof inspection will locate where the leak starts, which could be from cracked shingles, damaged flashing, or other issues, and make fixes to stop it.
Missing/Damaged Shingles:
Over time, shingles can crack, curl up, or blow off due to weather or age. The roofer will remove the bad shingles and install new ones, ensuring that they’re sealed properly and blend seamlessly with the rest of the existing roof.
Damaged Flashing:
Flashing is the material sealing the joints and intersections on a roof, such as around chimneys or skylights. If it’s damaged or installed wrong, it will need to be replaced, or resealed in order to prevent water from getting in.
Minor Structural Damage:
Sometimes, small portions of the roof deck or rafters may have rot and need fixing during a roof repair. This could involve cutting out sections of deteriorated or moisture-damaged wood and installing new plywood patches to restore structural integrity.
What Is A Roof Replacement?
When repairs are not sufficient, or damage continues to occur, you have no option but to move ahead and replace the entire system. A roof replacement involves meticulous planning, careful consideration of the type of roofing materials, and finding the right contractor to get the job done. This can be expensive, but it’s worth it to avoid future problems
Signs To Replace The Whole Roof
While roof repairs can help extend the useful life of your roof, there comes a point when a complete roof replacement becomes the smartest long-term solution. Here are some key situations where it’s strongly recommended that you get a total roof replacement:
Your Roof Is Way Past Its Age
No roofing system will last forever. For example, asphalt shingle roofs have an expected service life of around 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance. A metal roof or a tile roof can last for around 50 years.
As your roof approaches or exceeds this age range, it becomes more prone to widespread failure. Shingles lose their protective coatings and get excessively brittle. They may also crack, and leaks become more frequent too. When all these happen after just 10 or 15 years, repairs are typically the go to option. But if your roof is past its lifespan then the recurring cost of repairing and patching an aged roof year after year will likely outweigh the expense of a full replacement using new, longer-lasting materials.
Widespread Damage
Severe weather like hailstorms, high winds, or fallen trees can inflict extensive damage across large portions of your roof. When over 25% to 30% of the roof’s surface is compromised with missing or torn shingles/tiles, and potential underlayment damage, then just repairing your roof will not be sufficient.
A full roof replacement will provide a fresh, cohesive, and durable surface to maximize protection against future weather impacts.
There Are Problems With The Roof’s Structure
If, during a roof inspection, your contractor finds that the underlying roof deck or structural framing members like trusses have sustained significant damage, then repairs alone won’t properly fix the issue. The deck or the structure is usually made of wood and is vulnerable to moisture damage, rot, and sagging. All of these can compromise the integrity of your roof.
The overall condition of your roof depends on the underlying structure, and once it gets damaged, its effect will be seen on both the interior and exterior of your home.
These critical components of support need to be structurally sound. A full roof replacement allows the replacement of damaged decking and framing to create a sturdy base for new roofing materials.
You’re Lacking Energy Efficiency:
Energy efficiency is the need of the hour. Roofing technology and materials have vastly improved over the decades in order to provide better insulation and energy efficiency. If your current roof is over 20 years old, it likely falls short of modern standards. A new roofing system utilizing reflective coatings, improved ventilation, radiant barriers, and insulation can help reduce your cooling costs substantially while making your home more comfortable year-round.
The Difference In Cost Between Roof Repairs & Roof Replacements
Cost is the biggest difference between both these types of roofing services. Roof repairs are typically less expensive than replacements, but the long-term costs of repeated repairs may eventually outweigh the initial investment of a new roof.
For example, roof repairs can cost you around $400 to $2,500, or more. The average roof repair cost is usually in the range of $1,500. Minor repair jobs such as repairing cracked shingles or gutter and downspout cleaning are less expensive. On the other hand, damaged flashing repairs or roof leak repairs are on the more expensive side.
The cost of replacing your roofing system is naturally more expensive since there is more involved. You can expect to pay around $7,000 to $30,000. However, there are many factors that come into play here, such as the type of roofing material you choose and the size of your roof.
Hire The Best Roofers On The Gulf Coast For Your Roof Repair Or Replacement
We hope that you now have a better understanding of the difference between a roof repair and a roof replacement. To sum it up, remember to consider these factors before making your final choice.
- What is the age of the roof? If the roof has lasted longer than its expected timeframe or is nearing its age, then replacing the roof is typically the better option.
- What is the extent of the damage? Roof repairs are the best choice when the roof damage is minor or moderate.
- Cost of the project: Repairs are generally less expensive and can be sufficient to maintain the integrity of the roof until a replacement is completely needed.
Regardless of your choice, you will need a roofer you can trust. At Renova Roofing & Construction, we’re the team best known for offering outstanding customer service. We are a premier roofing company serving the Gulf Coast neighborhoods that are licensed and insured with industry-leading certifications. We offer both roof replacement and repair services. Contact us today at (601) 647-3433 to book a free roofing inspection.