When you start to experience roof issues such as leaking, damages, shingles in your yard, and more, you may find yourself wondering whether you should repair or replace your roof. Are repairs enough to fix the issues? Or should you replace the entire thing? Here’s what you need to know to help you know whether you should repair or replace your roof.  

Roof Age

One of the most key factors in determining whether to repair or replace your roof is its age. If your roof is relatively new, then repair is likely your better choice. If your roof is old and nearing the end of its lifespan though, replacement could be the better option for you. 

Different types of roofing materials have different lifespans, so when one should be replaced will differ from when another material should be. For example, wood roofs generally last about 20 years while metal roofing can last anywhere from 40 to 80 years. The different types of roofing materials also require different levels of maintenance, which also affect their lifespan and how often they need to be repaired or replaced. 

Roof Type

When considering whether to repair or replace your roof, the material of your roofing is an important factor in that decision. As mentioned above, different types of materials have different lifespans. Your roof type very much impacts whether you should repair or replace your roof. 

Wood shingles both require the most maintenance and have the shortest lifespan. Wood typically only lasts anywhere from 20 to 30 years because it is both flammable, retains moisture, and is most susceptible to damages. 

Asphalt shingles last longer than wood, generally about 20 to 50 years. They’re fairly durable and weather resistant, but don’t have the same lifespan or durability as metal or tile roofs.

Metal roofing is very durable, and depending on the metal of your roof, varies in how long it lasts. On average, metal roofs last 50-75 years, but steel roofs last less than that with a typical lifespan of 30 to 50 years, while conversely, copper roofs can last well up to 200 years.

Slate roofing is among the most durable roofing materials that you can get. This is because it can withstand the weather and generally doesn’t need much in the way of maintenance. Slate roofs can last anywhere from 75 to 200 years. 

As you can see, the material of your roof plays a huge role in whether you should repair or replace your roof. Wood roofs are far more likely to need replacement than slate roofing. A roofing professional can help you know whether your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan or not. The roof age and type aren’t the only factors to consider, though. When evaluating whether to repair or replace your roof, the amount of damage it has sustained is a significant thing to consider too. 

Extent And Type Of Damages 

The kind of damage your roof sustains as well as the frequency of which it is damaged can influence whether you should repair or replace your roof. If your roof has major damages, they can sometimes be too significant to be repaired and will require reroofing. Such damages may include a tree falling on your roof or natural disasters. 

If your roof leaks, this can either be repaired or necessitate replacement depending on how widespread it is. A roofing professional can inspect your roof in order to determine this. An isolated leak is easy to repair. However, multiple leaks may mean that simple repairs won’t cut it and that you need roof replacement. 

If your shingles are damaged or missing, this can be easily repaired, provided that the problem isn’t widespread. However, if your roof has extensive shingle damages or missing shingles, this can mean you need to replace it.

Water damage can also be repaired, again, depending on the extent of damage. If it’s contained to a few spots on your roof, that’s repairable. If it results in structural damages, though, this certainly means it’s time to replace your roof. 

You’ll also need to think about the most cost-efficient option for you. In some cases, repairs will fix the damages done to your roof and you don’t necessarily need to replace it. However, these repairs can end up being more expensive than just having the roof as a whole replaced. If it’s cheaper to replace the roof than repair it, that could be the better option for you. 

Repairing Your Roof

In knowing whether to repair or replace your roof, it’s good to know what damages don’t typically necessitate replacement and can be easily repaired.

Clogged gutters can be quickly repaired through removing the debris, leaves, and other such things that can cause the clog. If you’re only missing a few shingles or only a few are damaged, those can be a quick fix. If there’s only a few spots of water damage, this can also be repaired. 

Generally, minor damages can be repaired. Routine roof maintenance can increase the longevity of your roof and repairing small problems can prevent them from becoming full-blown issues requiring roof replacement instead of simple repair. 

Replacing Your Roof

Repairs can only do so much. If you have extensive damage to your roof or it is reaching the end of its lifespan, you’ll need to replace it. A roof replacement will both ensure optimal protection of your home and boost the curb appeal of your house, as a shabby damaged roof brings down the overall aesthetic appeal of your home while a fresh new roof makes it look better. 

Do You Need Help Knowing Whether To Repair Or Replace Your Roof?

Ultimately, knowing whether to repair or replace your roof depends on a variety of factors. If you need help determining whether to repair or replace your roof, a roofing professional can help. Here at Kanga Roof, we offer both roof replacement and roof repair. We can help you know which option is right for you. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at Kanga Roof today! We’ll hop to it.