ROOF REPLACEMENT VS. ROOF REPAIR

When your roof starts showing signs of wear and tear, it can be challenging to decide whether the damage can be repaired or requires a complete roof replacement. An experienced roofing contractor in Toronto like Royal Roofing can help you decide which option is optimal for your case.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof: 5 Things to Keep in Mind

Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof:

1. Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are one of the most common reasons homeowners consider roof replacement or repair. If you notice water stains inside your home across ceilings or on walls, this could indicate a leaky roof. While finding the exact source of the roof leak is often difficult, a certified roofing professional from Royal Roofing will be able to help you with the process.

Whatever the cause of the leak, it is crucial to solve the problem as soon as possible. Even a tiny leak can lead to significant problems, such as:

• Rotting sheathing and framing
• Mold
• Wet or destroyed insulation
• Damaged ceilings

2. Age of the Roof

If you know when your current roof was installed, its age may give you a good idea of whether the roof requires replacement. Depending on the type of roofing material used, a roof is expected to last a certain amount of time. When it starts showing signs of aging or has suffered from leaks, storm damage, or other issues, it may be time to replace it.

If your roof is old or significantly damaged, replacing it might be more cost-effective than paying for roof repairs again and again. So, if you are planning to stay in your home for many years to come, a new roof is a worthwhile investment.

3. Geographical Area

If you live in a geographical area prone to hurricanes, hail storms, and tornadoes, it is important to replace missing shingles – or other materials – immediately after the storm in order to avoid future problems like roof leaks. The damage from falling debris or hail can also negatively impact the long-term performance and appearance of your roof.

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4. The Extent of Roof Damage

If you are thinking about either a roof repair or roof replacement, chances are your roof has suffered physical damage or deteriorated in its appearance. Working with a professional roofing contractor can help you to determine the extent of the roof damage and make the right choice appropriate for your home and budget.

Signs of roof damage can vary between different types of roofing materials, but can be divided into two categories: structural damage and aesthetic damage.

Structural damage:

• Bald spots and missing granules on asphalt shingles
• Cupped or curled edges on wood shingles
• Rusted metal shingles or panels
• Broken or cracked tile, asphalt, or wood shingles
• Perforated or dented tile, asphalt, wood, or metal roofing components

Aesthetic damage:

• Moss, dark streaks, or algae growing on the roof
• Roofing material looks old and worn

5. The Cost of Roof Replacement

Without a doubt, the cost of installing a new roof is one of the most important considerations for homeowners when it comes to roof repair vs. replacement.

Most of the time, roof repairs are much cheaper as compared to a complete roof replacement project. However, if you are paying for multiple repairs over the course of several years, the expenses might add up to exceed the cost of an entire reroof.

At Royal Roofing, we are happy to provide you with a cost estimate to help you evaluate your options and find the most budget-friendly solution. While a full roof replacement might be more pricey upfront, it typically means that you will be able to go for a long time without roof repair expenses. In addition, having a new roof can give you peace of mind, knowing that your home is safely protected from environmental elements.

When to Get Roof Repair

1. Minor Damage

If a small area of your roof is damaged or a couple of shingles are broken from wind, then replacing the damaged part of the roof can be relatively simple and affordable.

For example, torn, damaged, or missing asphalt shingles can be replaced with new ones quite easily. Metal panels and some other materials, on the other hand, may be more expensive or complex to replace individually.

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When replacing an isolated area of the roof, it can be difficult to match new roofing materials exactly to the existing ones. For example, even if you have leftover shingles from when your roof was originally installed, the colour might not match exactly due to environmental exposure.

Another possibility is to ask your roofing contractor to place an order for shingles that match the existing colour as much as possible.

Moderate Damage

If your roof has sustained a more significant damage, but it is confined to one side of the roof, partial roof replacement may be an option. It will likely cost less than a full roof replacement, but it may also be difficult to match the new roofing materials to the existing ones. With time, any roofing material can fade from being exposed to the sun and precipitation. As a result, a newly replaced portion may differ from the rest of the roof.

When to Get a New Roof

While getting a brand new roof is typically more expensive upfront, complete reroofing may save you money in the long run by preventing the costs associated with multiple repairs and additional damage.

In addition, complete roof replacement offers the following benefits:

• Increased energy efficiency. Modern roofing materials have greatly improved in regard to reflecting sunlight and keeping out the elements. As a result, you can enjoy a better energy efficiency of your home.
• Aesthetics and curb appeal. Roofs greatly impact the curb appeal of your home. A new roof looks fresh and attractive, and it gives you an opportunity to choose a color and style that you like.
• Peace of mind. Knowing that your family and valuables are protected from harmful elements while under your roof can give you peace of mind during high winds or heavy rains.