The Costly Question: Is it Time to Repair or Replace Your Roof?

For both commercial and residential roofing, the renovation process can be a lengthy and thorough process.  For starters, you have to juggle advice from your insurance company, your bank, and roofing contractors.  You may even have to deal with waiting for a Property Manager or Landlord to take care of it.  Regardless, the process is going to boil down to one big question:

Should I repair or replace my roof?

We understand that the average person isn’t going to have the answer to that question.  There are so many variables that go into this decision, and you won’t have a decisive answer until a professional physically inspects your roof.  However, there are certain things that are important to consider when choosing the right course of action.

What condition is your roof in?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• How old is my roof?
• Are there leaks, drafts, or sunlight shining into the interior?
• Where are the damages, and what component of the roof is damaged (shingles, edges, rafters, etc.)?

What is the source of my problem?

There are infinite possibilities for what the root of your roofing problem is.

• The builders may have done a poor job of installing or insulating the roof.
• Roofs naturally decay with age. The general rule of thumb is that a quality roof lasts around 25-30 years.
• Geographically speaking, think about how the environment affects your roof. In South Florida, we’re accustomed to tropical storms and heavy exposure to the sun.  In other areas, the frigid cold brings on ice storms, snow, and other variables.
• If you’re in a heavily wooded area, falling branches and mold growth are common sources of roof damage.

When to replace a roof.

Replacing a roof is much more expensive than doing repairs, but it will save you money and stress in the long run. If you find yourself constantly patching leaks and replacing shingles, it’s wise to consider a roof replacement.  Shingles that are missing, curling, cracking, or buckling are tell-tale signs that a replacement is necessary soon.  A sagging roof or a flat roof with sitting water can be extremely dangerous, and most likely warrant an immediate replacement. Overall, experts suggest that once more than 25% of a roof is damaged, a replacement is the only way to go.

When to repair a roof.

If the roof issues are minor and can be easily fixed, there’s no reason to warrant a roof replacement.  A roofing contractor will be able to determine if re-coating or caulking can solve slight damage along the cracks and seams of roofing materials.  If the insulation is in good shape and the roof hasn’t reached its lifespan, a repair is the most practical and low-cost solution.

Seeking Help?

At Hi-Rise, we have been a leading South Florida Roofing Contractor for over 25 years.  We offer a free roof inspection and free estimate before we begin any project.  We’re only a phone call away if you need help with repairing or replacing your South Florida roof!