Is it time to repair or replace your roof?
The decision of whether to repair or replace your roof is an important one, and it’s not always an easy call to make. Many factors go into this decision, and sometimes it can be hard to know what the right choice really is. Luckily, the experienced roofing professionals at JW Roofing can help you decide between a roof replacement and a roof repair in Dayton, OH. Let’s take a look at some of the key factors to consider!
Roof repairs can add years to the life of your roof
Your roof is built to last, but that doesn’t mean it won’t become damaged over time. Even so, assuming your roof was constructed well, it won’t need to be replaced every time it shows signs of wear. Here are a few situations where a roof repair from a professional Dayton, OH roofer might make the most sense.
Damage is minor, or moderate but isolated
Minor roof damage, such as a handful of missing or broken shingles or a single leak, can often be addressed effectively with a roof repair. This is because the problem is really only isolated to a specific area of your roof. When that happens, a roofer will typically be able to solve the problem without the need for a roof replacement.
Your roof is fairly new
New roofs are much more receptive to roof repairs. This is related to the point above, but it still bears mentioning: if your roof is relatively new, it’s far less likely to have any deeper underlying structural issues that would necessitate a roof repair.
Not sure if your roof qualifies as “new”? While it depends on the materials, most asphalt roofs are still fairly new if they’re less than 5 or 10 years old.
A roof replacement is a good long-term investment in certain situations
No matter how well your roof was built, it will eventually need to be replaced. A roof replacement is generally best when a repair simply won’t be effective enough to be worth the cost. Let’s take a look at when a roof replacement is likely best.
Damage is severe or widespread
While roof repairs are great for solving minor or moderate damage that is fairly isolated, more significant damage is harder to repair effectively. The more severe the damage is, the more likely your roof has been compromised at a deeper, structural level, which can be a trickier problem to solve without replacing the roof itself.
Your roof is near the end of its expected lifespan
Just as new roofs are very receptive to repairs, older roofs are not. As with many things, such as your car, an old roof will present more and more problems as it ages. For an asphalt roof, 10-20 years old is certainly no longer a “new” roof, while anything installed 20-25+ years ago is definitely reaching the end of its life.
So is it better to repair or replace a roof?
Typically, it’s best to repair your roof when you can. A roof repair is much more affordable, and repairs on a new roof with minor damage will be highly effective. However, if your roof is old or severely damaged, it’s likely time to replace it. Repairs simply aren’t effective enough in these situations to be worth the money.
In the end, it all comes down to TCO, or total cost of ownership. TCO represents the cost of a roof over its entire expected lifespan, factoring in things like installation, repairs and maintenance. Eventually, when your roof is nearing the end of its life, you’ll reach a situation where a roof repair will push the TCO of your roof higher than a replacement. This is generally when it’s best to replace the roof.
Luckily, you won’t have to make all these calculations yourself. Professional roofers are experts when it comes to determining the relative cost of a roof repair vs. a roof replacement. At JW Roofing, our team of seasoned roofers can inspect your roof and give you a complete picture of the situation, with estimated costs for both a repair and a roof replacement.
JW Roofing: Expert Roof Repair in Dayton, OH
Whether you opt for a roof repair or a replacement, it’s important to partner with a reliable Dayton, OH roofing company to get the job done right. JW Roofing is your expert contractor for both repairs and roof replacements. As a local, family-owned business, we understand the needs of homeowners in the area. We provide professional, courteous and efficient service on every job, whether we’re replacing a few shingles or building a whole new roof.
Still not sure if a roof repair or a replacement is right for you? JW Roofing has you covered! Contact us today for an inspection, and we’ll provide you with a complete estimate and our expert recommendation for your roof.
