Roof Repair vs. Replace: How do you decide? Well, that’s a question nobody seems to have a clear-cut answer to. That will change today! We have written this in-depth guide with real-world examples and a ton of practical know-how to help you make that decision.
When you’re making that roof repair vs. replacement decision, you have to consider a total of 3 main factors – age, damage extent, and budget. But even when you know all that, how do you go about it? Fret not, because we have distilled our knowledge in this guide. Our aim? To help the homeowner make the smartest possible decision when conflicted between a roof repair vs. replace job.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into it!
Is Your Roof Nearing Retirement?
Roof lifespan is the #1 factor to consider.
Asphalt shingles can comfortably last up to 30-40 years, metal roofing has a range of 40 to 70 years, wood shakes and shingles can easily cross 40 years, clay tiles could go up to 100 years without any issues, a flat roof might only be in top condition for 20-30 years, slate tiles can cross even the 100 years mark, and concrete tiles last around 50 years in good condition.
If you’re out of roof warranty, it’s safe to assume that the age of your roof is well past its healthy life. And if that’s the case, it’s generally a better idea to simply replace the roof. Even if you patch it up, repair some shingles, or make some minor adjustments, the overall structural integrity of the roof is simply not the same anymore.
In the future, this roof might demand even more repairs.
We’ve seen that over the long run, continuous repairs on roofs that were past their “top condition” age actually do pile up. In many cases, they even dwarf the cost of a roof replacement. So, for the best roofing ROI, we recommend replacing older roofs entirely. Here, you potentially save yourself from even more costs down the line, sure, but there’s another benefit that often goes overlooked when homeowners are considering roof repair vs. replacement. And that is the quality of life improvement that a new roof built with recent materials gives your home.
Better insulation, better aesthetics, the near guarantee of no repairs in the coming future, all of this is worth serious consideration.
If that’s the case, you might want to look into roof replacement in Rockford, IL for the best replacement and a quick, reliable fix.
How Extensive is the Problem?
A proper roof damage assessment is extremely important. Naturally, if the damage is minor and easy to deal with, repairing it is the best way out. It won’t cost much and you can go about your day as usual.
On the other hand, beyond a particular point, a repair is simply not feasible. In very close cases, you ideally want to get an estimate of the repair cost and the replacement charge. Now, keep in mind that some might try to upsell to you.
A conversation could go like, “It’s going to cost pretty much the same to replace the whole thing. And if you’re ready to do that anyway, you might want to consider (enter a better material or feature here) for a couple hundred more.”
These will sound like legitimate roof replacement benefits that you’re getting in the package for a little more money.
At this point, it’s up to you to use your best judgment. Not all of these perks, better materials, or upsells are objectively better value for your particular case. A good contractor will only tell you about ideal upgrades when they will be valuable for you. And that’s where the contractor’s experience and reputation come into play.
Grab the best roofing contractor in Rockford, IL and they will be able to fully inspect the damage to give you a solid estimate of what’s the problem, without recommending any other expense that doesn’t add value to your home.
Now, we recommend getting an estimate because your approximation might not always be correct. In fact, it’s more likely to be grossly incorrect. It’s important to know the extent of the problem in detail, particularly if you’re concerned about how much money the project can end up costing.
And that brings us to our next point.
What’s the Financial Outlook?
Your roofing investment shouldn’t bleed your wallet dry. So, you need to ask yourself this – what’s your maximum budget for this roof repair vs. replace project? Putting a limit, financially speaking, helps out a lot. You can find contractors within your budget, make informed decisions about which materials to choose, and so on.
Generally speaking, roof repair costs are in the range of thousands. Your roof’s style (cross-hipped, intersecting, open gable, dormer, hip, etc.), how walkable the roof is, the total area of the roof, and the material (asphalt shingles, metal, cedar shake, etc.) determine how much the project will cost.
The average in Illinois is $24,000. Most homes will get an estimate within the range of $8,000 to $36,000. In some areas, the costs are notably lower than others. For example, the maximum to expect in Chicago and Waukegan is around $36,000. On the other hand, some areas can cost a lot more. Hawthorn Woods, for example, has a range of $15,000 to a whopping $90,000! Lake Forest? People are shelling out up to $94,500.
A big part of this cost is the shingle quality you go for.
Making the Call
Sustainable roofing decisions are made when you have the right information and roof assessment tools under your belt. Get in touch with Pro Restoration LLC for expert advice and damage assessment. We’ll make sure not to oversell anything! An expert consultation is going to help you identify the true extent of damage. We even offer an instant roof quote on our website!
