Repair vs. Reroofing

If you come to find out that your roof has been damaged and needs to be fixed then there are two main approaches you can take. You can either decide to make a roof repair or replace the entire roof. Roof repairs will generally save you time and money, but in most cases a new roof is the best option. As a general rule of thumb, if the existing roof on is only one layer and there are no problems with the roof deck, a new roof is not necessary.

Roof repairs require less labor, material and necessary disposal compared to installing a new roof. This cuts down on money and time. However, if you are going to make a repair it is still important to consider the ventilation of your attic.

Most expert roofers will agree that re-roofing will not last as long as a new roof. When re-roofing, the life span of the roofing singles is approximately 25% less than if you were to go with a new roof. Furthermore, if your home has any of the following, you should consider a new roof:

  • Existing roofing has bad decking

  • Existing roofing is in very poor condition

  • Existing roofing has too many layers

  • Existing roofing has bad incompatible shingles

If you are still unsure which route to take, an experienced contractor will be able to guide you through your decision making. They can inform you on your options and let you know whether you need a new roof, or if it’s better for you to repair your existing one.