When Does a New Roof Make More Sense Over Roof Repairs?

One of the best things about roofs is they are repair-friendly. In fact, a typical roof can undergo repairs throughout its service life as many times as needed. However, at some point replacement will overtake roof repairs as the practical solution to roofing problems. In today’s post, local roofing and siding contractor Homecraft Inc. discusses the signs that you should save your repair budget and have your roof replaced instead.

Your Roof Is Too Old

All roofing systems are expected to last a certain number of years, with proper care and maintenance. Standard asphalt shingle roofs are expected to last 20 to 30 years and metal roofs 50 years. Slate and tile roofs are expected to last even longer at 100 years or more.

As the roof approaches the end of its expected life span, it will start to show signs of wear — an old asphalt shingle roof may have eroded or “bald” shingles while metal roofs may have widespread corrosion. It’s not impossible to get a few more years out of an old roof, but it would be more practical if you went straight to replacement if your roof is in this condition.

Your Roof’s Framing Is Structurally Compromised

The roof framing is the roof’s “bones,” and if it’s in less-than-ideal condition, trying to save it through repairs or reinforcements can be costly and may not be a long-term solution. Roof framing can be structurally compromised by one or more factors, including installation errors, poor structural design, severe damage, or use of low-quality materials. Another factor that may cause structural problems is foundation issues like uneven settling. This can make repairs to the roof (and other exterior components such as siding) impractical unless the issues with the foundations are fixed.

Your Roof Has Too Many Holes

It is possible to patch holes in the roof if there are just a handful of them. Considering how many layers it takes to build a residential roof, widespread holes are indicative of severe damage to a weakened roof. A new set of decking, underlayment, and shingles is a better and longer-lasting solution.

Homecraft Inc. is your leading provider of roofing and vinyl siding installation services. Give us a call at (302) 703-1109. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Hockessin and Wilmington, DE.