Roof Repair vs Replacement: How to Decide What's Best
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Written by: FTC Oury Group
A good roof helps protect your home and provides you peace of mind. As roofs age, they begin to deteriorate, one season at a time. Years of exposure to UV rays, harsh winds, ice, and other extreme conditions can take a toll on your roof. Eventually, homeowners must decide between roof repair vs replacement.
One way to find out what your home's roof needs is to contact reputable roofing contractors in the Chicago area. If you're not sure whether to seek roof repair or roof replacement, the professionals at FTC Oury Group can help.
As one of the most respected roofing repair contractors in Chicago, we can help you decide when it's time for a new roof. We can use our years of experience and expertise in roofing and other exterior renovations to help you decide which type of home improvement (repair or replacement) is right for your roof.
What is Roof Repair?
Roof repair is the process of diagnosing a roof problem that can be repaired to extend an existing roof's service life. Examples of typical roof repairs include:
- Replacing missing or damaged shingles
- Replacing damaged, worn ridge cap shingles
- Replacing damaged or corroded flashing
- Repairing a single leak
In most cases, roof repair is only worthwhile if the repairs are likely to extend the roof's service life by several more years. Some repairs, like replacing worn ridge caps, are usually needed when the roof is about halfway through its service life. Replacing ridge cap shingles can often increase the service life of the roof by another ten years, provided that nothing else is wrong.
Roofing materials like asphalt shingles have a service life of approximately 20 or 30 years. Once they've reached the end of their service life, repairs cannot restore these materials to a like-new state. This is when it's time for a roof replacement.
What's Involved in Roof Replacement?
Roof replacement happens in steps. If your home needs a roof replacement, here's what you can expect.
- Contact contractors to discuss your new roof. When you contact us for a free in-home consultation, FTC Oury Group will send someone to your home to inspect your roof and discuss options. If your home needs roof replacement, we'll talk to you about materials, colors, and timelines. When the conversation is over, we'll give you a quote.
- Sign the contract. If you're ready to move forward with your roof replacement, sign the contract. We'll put your job on our schedule and order the materials.
- We'll get to work. Our team will get to work on time on the day of your roof replacement. Some roofs take only a day to replace, others take several.
- Our crews will clean up. Once the work is done, our crews will clean up your property and leave your home in good condition!
Need more information? Check out our tips for new roof replacement.
Key Factors for Deciding Repair or Replacement
Sometimes the decision to repair or replace your roof isn't cut and dry. Our customers ask great questions about roof repair as they're trying to decide, but in the end, there's more than one factor to consider. Below are the key factors to think about when you're considering roof repair vs replacement.
Age of Roof
Asphalt shingles typically last between 20 and 30 years. Roofs that haven't yet reached the end of their service life may be repaired - if other conditions are favorable.
Extent of Damage
If your roof was damaged in a storm or a recent event, consider the extent of the damage before deciding whether to replace or repair it. A few missing shingles can easily be put back in place. If a tree has fallen on your home and your roof is largely ruined, then replacement is better.
Roof Type
Some roofing materials last longer than others. Consider your roofing material to decide whether your roof is reaching the end of its service life.
Urgency of Fix
Is water actively leaking into your home? Under these conditions, a roof repair may be necessary - even if you decide to replace your roof not long from now.
Budget Considerations
Roof repair often costs far less than roof replacement. If you're on a budget, repairing your roof may be a more realistic home improvement than replacing your roof.
Energy Efficiency
Are your home's utility bills going up? Replacing your roof can improve your home's energy efficiency. If that's your goal, repairing your home's roof is not a path to accomplish this goal. You can determine whether improving your home's energy efficiency justifies replacing the window, or if a repair will be sufficient.
Future Homeownership Plans
Are you selling your house soon? For some people, plans to sell can be a reason to replace. Having a new roof can raise the value of your home, and may help your house sell more quickly. For others, plans to sell may be a reason not to invest in a new roof.
Local Building Codes
Are you considering putting a new layer of shingles on your roof without replacing your roof entirely? If this has already been done to your roof once, local building codes may prevent you from installing more than one additional layer of shingles. Your roofer can let you know if this is an option.
Which is the Best Choice for Me?
The professionals at FTC Oury Group can help you decide whether roof replacement is worth the cost. We'll evaluate the condition of your shingles, your home's structure, and other factors to help you decide whether a roof repair or replacement is necessary.
Still Unsure? Let Us Help!
The professionals at FTC Oury Group can help you maintain your home's roof and the rest of your home's exterior. To get started with your roof repair or replacement, contact us to request a quote.
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