Should I Repair My Roof or Replace It?

Before determining if you need a roof replacement or repairs, there are some things you need to consider.

Knowing how old your roof is, how long you plan on staying in your home, and more give you an idea if it’s time to replace your roof. 

When it comes to your home, an ounce of prevention is most definitely worth a pound of cure. In other words, regular maintenance is good for both your home’s appearance and your wallet. Putting off needed repairs might save you in the short-term, but it will end up costing you a lot more in the long run.

However, not all home improvement decisions are cut and dry. For example, it’s sometimes possible and entirely acceptable to repair a roof rather than replace it. Which route you take depends on several factors, including the type of damage and what percentage of the total roof surface is in need of repair.

In some cases, replacing a few shingles is all you need to restore beauty and function to your roof. Asphalt shingles are designed to last for decades, and today’s modern roofing designs are engineered to last for as long as you own your home.

Before you decide to replace shingles, however, it’s important to have a professional inspect your roof to determine if any of the underlayment or decking is damaged.

There’s a big difference between a few missing shingles lost during heavy winds and a leak that extends through the various layers of your roof. If the damage is extensive, it’s usually a better idea — and a better value — to replace the entire roof.

Also, keep in mind that shingles are exposed to rain, snow and heat. Even if you have a spare box of shingles leftover from when your roof was installed, you might have a hard time matching the “new” shingles to the ones on your roof.

Depending on the location and the size of the area in need of replacement, it might be difficult to blend replacement shingles into the rest of the roof. Looking for roof repairs? Look no further! Top Glaze has you covered.

How to Determine When Your Roof Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced

The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It is the primary barrier between you and anything that can fall out of the sky. When taken care of, a good roof can last years.

Unfortunately, your roof will eventually get damaged, and you will have to decide whether it is time to repair or replace the roof. Repairing your roof is often the go-to solution to maintaining your roof.

Other times, the repair won’t be enough. In this article, we’ll teach you to recognise signs of roof damage and help you assess whether repair or replacement is right for your roof.

Leaky Roof

The first and typically most obvious way of noticing a repair is needed is a leaky roof. If you notice water drippage, a wet spot on your ceiling, or a puddle forming on the floor, your roof may be the culprit and could lead to water damage within your home.

A leak can occur for several reasons, including ice build-up and rain damage. Extreme weather conditions, mislaid shingles, and old age are just some of the many factors associated with a leaky roof. While a leakage can sometimes be obvious, there are other factors that might not be as noticeable.

Wear and Tear

As with most things in life, a roof does not last forever. The same is true for roof shingles. You can identify old shingles in a number of ways, and the sooner they are assessed, the less you have to worry. If you look at the shingles on your roof and they are cracked, curled or even missing, it might be time for a new roof.

Old shingles can also lose granules – which are the minerals on the shingle that give shingles its texture and protect the shingle from sunlight.

This can be noticed by identifying dark spots on the roof that look dirty. Roof shingles have handled years of weather conditions, and with their useful life coming to an end, you should consider a new roof before more damage occurs.

Blistering / Peeling of Interior / Exterior Paint

Do not underestimate the damage associated with heat and the humidity. With temperatures rising, it is not uncommon to see exterior decay and the peeling of interior or exterior paint.

Interior stains, as well as mold and mildew, can also be signs for concern. Typically, this is due to inadequate shingle underlayment, which then leads to an attic with poor ventilation. Check for any one of these signs, as humidity can damage more than just your physical assets.

The Savings Could be in a New Roof

If you are unable to see any physical damage to your house or roof, you might want to check your electric bill. A strong, durable roof is one that keeps out moisture, hot and cold temperatures, and furry critters.

If your roof is creating insufficient ventilation through the attic, your heating and cooling energy will increase. With an increase in energy use comes an increase in your electric bill.

The Basic Roofing Materials

Your choice of roofing materials often depends on your locality, as much as on your own personal taste. In some regions, for example, metal roofing is a common selection due to its fire resistance, while in other regions, the predominant home styles might call for a Spanish-influenced tile tool.

Roof pitch (angle) also affects the kind of roofing materials you can use. For example, wood shake shingles can be used for steeper pitched roofs but are not suitable for flatter, low-pitched roofs. Check out our roof replacement Melbourne services.

The most common choices for residential roofing include: 

• Asphalt composition shingles: These are cheap and easily obtainable, but they are less attractive than other options due to their flat appearance. This is by far the most popular type of roofing material.
• Wood shakes or shingles: These are pricey but attractive shingles. They have great durability but aren’t a good choice in regions where there is a fire danger. 
• Metal Roofing: Metal roofs made of steel or aluminum have become more popular in recent years, due in part to their durability and because they are fireproof. These are expensive roofs that require specialty contractors for installation, but they may be cost-effective over the long run due to their long life. Several types of metal roofing systems are available, including raised-seam panels and products that mimic the look of composite shingles. 
• Slate roofing: This is a highly attractive, high-end roofing option, but it is expensive and very heavy. Slate roofs are extremely slippery to walk on and difficult to repair when damaged. 
• Composition slate: These synthetic tiles made from 95 percent recycled materials, including rubber, are gaining in popularity. They closely resemble slate and other forms of stone tile but are much lighter and less susceptible to damage.  
• Clay or ceramic tile: Long the most predominant image in Southern California and Florida, the so-called Spanish-style red tile roof is still common but is being gradually replaced by metal and composite materials that mimic the Spanish tile look. Other roofing materials are now available which meet ceramic tile’s fire retardant ability, with much less weight put on the roof. This type of shingle is called the half-barrel because it is essentially a cylinder cut in half length-wise, roughly 16 inches long.

Cost Considerations

Several factors go into the cost of a roof, beginning with your choice of roofing materials (ranging from cheap three-tab asphalt shingles up to architectural shingles or even slate).

The roofing contractor you choose, the pitch (steepness or your roof), and the square footage of your roof are other factors that affect the cost. Rock-bottom, a three-tab composite roof for a small home may cost as little as $7,000.

Nationally, a typical roof using architectural asphalt shingles costs between $3.50 and $5.50 per square foot—a cost that includes all demolition, permit fees, waste disposal, and cleanup. 

Typical average costs of different roofing options: 

• Three-tab asphalt shingles: $7,000 to $12,000
• 30-year shingles: $9,000 to $15,000
• 50-year shingles: $11,000 to $20,000
• EPDM rubber: $8,000 to $14,000
• TPO or PVC membrane: $10,000 to $15,000
• Wood shingles: $14,000 to $25,000
• Steel shingles: $14,000 to $25,000
• Aluminum shingles: $15,000 to $28,000
• Standing-seam steel roofing: $23,000 to $30,000
• Natural slate: $25,000 to $50,000
• Concrete tile: $20,000 to $40,000
• Clay tiles: $25,000 to $50,000

Roofing DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

It’s wisest to hire a professional roofer instead of attempting DIY roof repair. If you try to repair your own roof, you risk damaging it and the rest of your home. You may also void your warranty and end up costing yourself much more than if you had hired a professional roofer in the first place. Unlike many DIY home projects, DIY roofing isn’t safe, cost‐effective or simple.

When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, most homeowners make the mistake of hiring any random company they can get without researching enough. Not all roofers out there are to be trusted. Roofing installation, repair, or replacement requires a lot of skills that are not easily earned. Top Glaze has the best range of help if you’re looking for Melbourne roof repairs.

Therefore, hiring any roofing contractor you can find is not the smartest idea at all. Qualified and professional roofers in Essex suggest that you always seek the most popular, reputable, and experienced roofing contractor that can guarantee the best quality service. Below, we highlight the top benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor.

Enhanced Work Safety

Accidents and mishaps associated with roofing installations and repairs are not strange. During the construction of a house, working safety must be aptly maintained to keep unnecessary risks at bay.

A certified and professional roofing contractor often maintains extreme safety by paying heed to the safety concerns of their team members during work. And even if any mishap happens, a professional roofing contractor is equipped with a valid insurance plan that saves you from unwanted consequences.

Quality Materials

More often than not, a professional roofing contractor has access to high-quality roofing materials, which ensure your repair lasts a long time. Many local hardware stores are filled with low-quality roofing materials that might not withstand harsh weather elements.

A professional roofer knows how to differentiate poor quality materials from higher quality ones that are suitable for your specific roofing project. Even more, most professional companies can source top-quality materials at wholesale costs.

Cost-Effective

Many homeowners tend to believe that they can minimise their cost expenditure by fixing their roofing. In most cases, homeowners who have little to no experience regarding quality roofing repairs may end up causing more harm than good. In reality, hiring professional roofing contractors can be cost-effective, considering that they have a good rapport with suppliers, and you will get raw materials at relatively lower costs.

Furthermore, they are equipped with the right tools suitable for every project. If you were to buy the required tools and roofing materials on your own, your expenses would significantly increase.

Quality Installation

Certified and experienced roofers have been in the industry for several years and have dedicated their entire time to learning and gaining expertise in the field. Having been in the roofing industry for quite a long time, they have worked on several projects with different clients.

When it comes to installations or repairs, they can deliver excellent results using the recommended techniques and products. Hiring a professional roofing contractor with adequate experience is a sure-fire way to avoid leaks and tiles falling off your roof.

Fast & Smooth Service Execution

Even though installing or replacing a roof is a time-intensive process, professionals will be able to provide fast and smooth service within the stipulated amount of time. Hiring an amateur involves a lot of risks, yet the job may not be completed at the right time.

For instance, a novice roofing company may not be able to provide a proper solution for a stubborn leak or crack. In this case, choosing the right contractor with a huge reputation in the market is a great way to ward off leaks, damps, and cracks for good without wasting much time.