Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement - which is better and when?
The roof of any property is an important system that insulates and protects the property against winds, rain, extreme temperatures, and more. Katy, Sugarland, and the Houston area annually experience high wind, hail, and hurricanes along with tornadoes that can easily damage roofs. Therefore, it is important to periodically check up on your roof to see if you need a roof repair or replacement. It is also important that any signs of roof damage or deterioration are examined by a professional roofing company to determine the true condition of the roof so that your roof and property are protected from further damage.
The question however often comes up as to when should someone with roof damage consider roof repair vs roof replacement? The choice between roof repair vs replacement is largely dependent on multiple factors including how bad the roof damage is and the condition of the roof.
Deciding Between a Roof Repair and Replacement
Let us look at the roof repair scenario.
Many customers think a roof repair is better as it saves money, but it is important to understand also how long can your roof repair last before you need more repairs or replacement. A roof repair is a good idea if only a few shingles are cracked or curled, but the rest of the roof is still in good condition.
Repairing your roof is generally going to be a cost-effective way to take care of the problems immediately. These repairs can extend the life of an older roof and get you through until it’s time to tear off your old one and replace it with a new one.
Factors to be considered to estimate roofing age
Generally, the life of the roof is dependent on several design factors like:
- proper ventilation of roof
- slope of roof
- deck material,
- roofing nails, quality and placement of nails, nailing method,
- material type for fire resistance, wind resistance, and more.
Therefore a good understanding of this helps to customize roof repair and replacement solutions.
Basic Material Details for common residential roofing
The most common residential roofing material used in Katy, Sugarland, and Houston by our roofing professional is:
- Asphalt shingles because they are economical and easy to install.
- Asphalt shingles reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose).
While the asphalt shingles used in roofs come in many architectural styles and are commonly used material, it also has a shorter life span and can last for about 20 years maximum, if maintained properly in perfect weather conditions.
Replacement of the Roof
Therefore, if your roof is 20 years old then it is highly likely that most of the shingles are worn out and it is best to replace them. In addition, replacement is necessary if the entire structure has sustained significant damage due to wind or hail. A new roof guarantees that the roof will last for several years to come and increase property value.
If your roof damage is leading to leaks or possibly roof rot, then the best time of year to replace your roof would be as soon as possible. In some cases, the state of the roof becomes more urgent than the climate, and you need to simply focus on getting rid of the old roof before it causes more damage.
When to get into roofing replacement
- Asphalt roof that is about 20 years old
- Severe storm damaged roof with ripped shingles
- Shingle edges are curled or cupped
- Cracked shingles
- Rotting roof with damp and mold spots
How long does it take to replace a roof?
- Property less than 3500 sq ft typically only takes one day
- Large properties in extreme weather conditions can take 3-5 days
File an insurance claim for roof damage
If your roof is damaged by wind, hail, or fire, remember you can typically file a claim with your property insurance company. Some insurance policies pay up to the full cost to repair your roof so this can also help in deciding on what is best for the individual case. When considering replacing the roof, we recommend selecting roofing materials less likely to be damaged by wind, hail, or fire. Your insurance company might give you a discount for using them.
Get in touch with the best roofing company in Houston
If you think the lifespan of your shingles may be reaching its end, then Allegiance roofing company can help start the process with a free roof inspection. Once we complete our inspection, we can provide our recommendations on the best solutions for either roof repair or replacement.
Whether you consider repairing the roof or replacing the roof, it is important to select an experienced roofing company that can meet the technical design codes for quality service. We know how to repair roof damages and can also offer complete roof replacement services in compliance with the latest design codes including timely completion of projects so you can trust your roof is strong and will last for several years.
Our major operating areas are Katy, Sugarland, Richmond, Cypress, and Houston.
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