How do you know if you need a new roof or a roof repair? A repair can be less expensive than replacing your entire roof, but will it actually work? Make sure that you’re not repairing your roof year after year. Choose to repair when sensible, replace when necessary, and support your roof with structures that allow you to maintain it easily.

What Caused the Damage?

According to Bob Vila, “Torn or damaged shingles can be removed, and new ones can be slipped in place” relatively easily if you’ve lost a few shingles due to a branch falling on the house or a powerful windstorm. Small roofing issues on a newer roof don’t generally merit a roof replacement, unless that branch that fell through the house was actually a big part of the tree.

Do You Mind the Aesthetics? 

If you have a newer roof or you were forward-thinking and saved some shingles from your past roofing project, you could find a match when you patch your roof. Otherwise, you will likely have a section of your roof that looks a little different from the other parts. This is not necessarily a reason to change your entire roof, but if you find that your roof is starting to look like a patchwork quilt, this could be one reason to add to your list of justifications for actually replacing the roof.

Can You Re-roof Halfway? 

If there is a lot of damage to the roof or you don’t really like the look of a large roof repair, you can also consider partial reroofing. For instance, if a tree branch hits the back of your house, you could add new roofing on the back and keep the old on the front. This gives you the benefits of a consistent look and age of roofing on each side.

Will Your Patches Hold? 

Have you ever patched a beloved pair of jeans, only to discover that your patches fall off because they’e attached to fraying fabric? If you’re repairing your roof, you need to make sure that you’re not patching on top of material that will not hold. For instance, if your asphalt shingles are aging and falling apart, patching them may work for a short time, but if your entire roof is crumbling, it’s more sensible and realistic to look at a roof replacement. 

Consider the Life Expectancy of Your Roof 

If you’re thinking about adding a few more patches, think about the life expectancy of your roof before you move forward. According to Home Advisor, “If old age has taken its toll on your entire roof, replacement is the obvious choice.” This can be expensive, but if you find yourself constantly patching the roof, it can ultimately be less expensive than repairing your roof each year.

How Are You Supporting Your Roof? 

When you’re evaluating whether or not to put a new roof on your home, you need to look at the systemic causes of your roof problems. For example, if the structures underlying your roof are damaged, rotting, or sagging, you may need to conduct larger-scale repairs. If water has pooled on your roof and is moving into your attic, that is a sign of a larger problem that requires much more than a tiny repair. If your gutters are leaking or backing up onto the roof, repairing the roof won’t fix that problem. If your roof is full of systemic issues such as sags, leaks, and poor drainage, it may take more than a small roof repair to solve your roofing woes.

At Harry Helmet, we want you to feel comfortable in your home. That means that your home should have no leaky roof, no sagging gutters, and no worries about erosion around your home. If you’re considering roof repair or replacement, talk with us. We’ll help you make the decision that’s best for your home. Schedule a free estimate today.

Written by Del Thebaud