When you notice signs of damage on your roof, you surely want to take immediate action to prevent further issues. Well, once you look into your options, you will see that there are two approaches that you can choose from, renovation and replacement. Which one you should opt for depends on several factors, so if you’re not sure what to do, keep on reading.
How old is your Roof?
The first factor that can influence your decision whether to fix up your roof or get a new one is its age. As you might know, each type of roofing solution has its life expectancy. For example, asphalt composite shingles can last you anywhere from 12 to 30 years while slate roofs have a much longer lifespan of 75 to over 200 years.
With that in mind, you have to know the type of roof you are working with and whether it’s time for it to be completely replaced. If you’ve lived in your home for decades without changing the roof, it might be the right time if you’ve noticed severe damage. Signs that you might need a new roof include curling and buckling shingles, missing shingles, moss on the roof, and sagging in the roof.
Do you Plan on Selling the Property any Time Soon?
Something else that you need to take into account is the time you plan on spending in your home in the future. Do you want to live there for the foreseeable future or are you considering putting it on the market sometime soon?
For example, if you plan on this home to go down the many generations of your family, it’s only normal that you want to invest in it and get a whole new roof. Furthermore, you can also use this opportunity to improve your home’s curb appeal or add a skylight that you so desperately need. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quick fix that will help you sell your property faster, you can consider renovation. In case there is a part that looks particularly bad, you can change the shingles in that area and ensure the home is attractive to prospective buyers.
If you’re not scared of heights and have the right shingles, you can opt for a Universal Mobile Tower Hire lift, get all the necessary safety gear, and do this on your own. Remember to look into how much a new roof can actually raise the value of homes in your area and you will see whether replacement is worth the ROI.
What Budget are you Working with?
Then, your budget also plays a big role in the renovation vs. replacement debate. For example, with more funds, you can hire a professional crew that will get you a new roof within a day. On the other hand, if money is tight, you might only be able to cover some minor repairs. Replacing a shingle here and there, improving the flushing, or replacing the gutters might be enough until you can get a bigger budget.
What is the extent of the Damage?
Finally, the decision on whether you will replace your entire roof or simply renovate a smaller part also depends on the extent of the damage. In case there is moss and algae on the roof, the roofing material looks worn out, or there is structural damage, a complete change might be necessary to keep your family and home safe. On the other hand, with minor and moderate damage, such as a few missing shingles or damage on only one part of the roof, smaller repairs might be enough to have your roof last you several more years.
As both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to understand what you expect from your roof. The life expectancy, price, damage, and future plans can all help you decide on the best method.