When you notice signs of roof damage, should you call for roof repairs or a full replacement? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question. As a property owner, your choice will come down to factors including the extent of the damage, the age of your property and your personal budget. But the best way to determine what your roof needs is by engaging the services of a professional roofing company like WestBank Roofing. Our expert contractors can assess your roof, discuss your cost concerns and provide you with our professional opinions in order to help you make an informed decision. Whatever you choose, we’ll be here to provide you with quality roofing services, materials and maintenance plans to ensure that your new or repaired roof continues to keep your property safe for years to come.

When to Repair Your Roof

While each case will be unique, when it comes to determining whether your roof needs a repair or replacement, one of the first things to look at is the extent of the damage. If areas of concern are limited to small and isolated—or even moderate—issues, repair may be entirely sufficient. The important thing, however, is to catch these problems before they expand, either through preventative maintenance or visual inspections of your property. Some things to look out for include:

  1. Cracked or missing shingles
  2. Excessive granule loss—that is, the protective outer layer of asphalt roof shingles
  3. Gutters which are damaged or no longer securely attached to your roof
  4. An increase in energy bills, which indicates that your roofing system has been compromised and is, in turn, less energy-efficient
  5. Moss, algae or mold on your roof, which may indicate or cause structural damage
  6. Rusted, cracked or missing flashing—that is, thin metal strips which line non-shingle areas of your roof to prevent water intrusion
  7. Bubbling or peeling paint or wallpaper, which may indicate increased interior humidity due to ventilation issues

Once you know what is wrong with your roof, it’s time to think about the cost of fixing it. Roof repair is often the most cost-effective option for small and easily managed problems, but the more extensive the issue, the more expensive repairs will be. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, or if repairs will be similar to the cost of a new roof, a full replacement may be the more sensible option. However, if you have a limited roofing budget, replacement may not be a feasible choice at the moment, making it necessary to focus on repairing the areas of your roof which need the most attention.  

When to Replace Your Roof

Roof replacement is an involved job which includes the removal of old and damaged roofing materials and the placement of a new roofing system, effectively resetting your roof’s clock. However, the in-depth nature of it often comes with a high price tag, which may make you hesitant to plan one. But when serious damage occurs or a number of issues are affecting your roof at once, replacement may be the only solution which can adequately protect your property. 

While you should wait for a roofing contractor to make their professional judgement call, some indications that a roof replacement may be necessary include:

  1. Sagging or wavy roof decking—that is, the flat wooden surface roofing materials are installed on top of
  2. Water damage, mold and mildew inside your property
  3. An excessive amount of warped, damaged or missing shingles
  4. Rot on wooden roofing components
  5. Extensive storm damage

However, these aren’t the only reasons to consider a replacement. You may also choose to replace your roof due to:

  1. Age. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, making repairs is just putting off the inevitable, as well as adding on unnecessary costs. 
  2. Upcoming sale. Planning to put your property on the market soon? Replacing your roof may boost its curb appeal and increase its property value.
  3. Changing roofing materials. Some property owners may just be looking for a change. Upgrading your roof with long-lasting, attractive and climate-appropriate materials may increase its durability and keep repair costs at bay for longer than more budget-friendly options, such as asphalt shingles. 

Common Factors Which May Influence the Cost of Your Roofing Project

In general, roof repairs are often significantly less expensive than roof replacements, with small and quick repairs typically costing no more than a few hundred dollars. However, larger problems and more extensive repair needs may have a much higher price tag, potentially ranging from around $1,000 to nearly $10,000. Roof replacement costs, on the other hand, typically start in the thousands, with prices ranging from around $5,000 to $10,000. Some replacements may even cost tens of thousands of dollars.

All of this, of course, is highly dependent on your preferences and your roof’s specific needs. Some of the factors which may affect the cost of your repair or replacement include:

  1. Material choice. Certain roofing materials, such as slate and metal roofing, typically cost more than materials such as asphalt and synthetic shingles. Full or partial replacements of components such as decking and vents will also raise project costs. 
  2. Roof size. Larger roofs will need more materials, which will raise the price tag of the project.
  3. Roof style and slope. Steep roofs, as well as roofs with unusual shapes or elements such as skylights, will likely cost more to repair or replace. This may be due to a variety of reasons, including a more complicated process for contractors, the need to utilize specialized equipment or a longer project timeline. 
  4. Labor costs. While qualified companies may charge more, they are also the best choice for property owners. Certain education and experience requirements need to be met in order to gain licensing and certifications, and work is likely to be completed to a higher standard. This may prevent the need for additional repairs once the project is complete.
  5. Damage severity. The more extensive the damage, the higher the cost of repairing or replacing your roof.
  6. Specialized roofs, such as solar or green roofs, may cost more to install, though they may provide benefits such as a reduction in energy bills for your property down the line. 
  7. Unexpected issues. While your contractor will provide you with an estimated price and timeline before the project begins, not everything can be accounted for. If contractors find additional damage once the external roofing material is removed, the cost of the project may increase.

Contact WestBank Roofing for High-Quality Roofing Repairs and Replacements

Choosing between roof repairs or a full roof replacement can be a difficult task, and one which depends heavily on the associated costs. By working with a reputable company like WestBank Roofing, you can determine exactly what is wrong with your roof, as well as the most practical solutions for the present issues. No matter the findings, our team will work with you to discuss roof repair and roof replacement costs, personal preferences and the needs of your building in order to create a plan which protects both you and your property. 

Unsure as to whether you need repairs or a full roof replacement? WestBank Roofing is here to help. Give us a call or send us a message in order to schedule a consultation today.