The subject of roof repair can be a touchy one. You may try to avoid the topic until roof damage is evident in the form of leaks, water stains, or cracks inside their homes. Rather than waiting for the damage to compound itself, taking regular inventory of the state of your roof is a good idea and will give you a better idea of what might be in store for repairs.
If damage is visible, the conversation quickly shifts to repair vs. replacement. This conversation isn’t more manageable than the initial one, but it’s essential. For many reasons, deciding if a repair would be more or less effective than a complete replacement is critical, so we’ve put together a list of pros and cons.
Is Repairing My Roof A Better Option Than Replacing It?
When damage is present on your roof, your first thought might be to repair the damage and go about your day. The reasons for this are apparent.
Cost
Pro:
Repairing the damaged portions of a roof is much cheaper than replacing the roof entirely, and if the damage is minimal, then this is probably the best way to proceed.
Con:
HUF construction recommends a full inspection to assess the damage. A professional roofer is trained to see the damage that most homeowners might not know about. Also, if you’re looking at repair costs, ensure you know what issues your roof might have and how much you will be paying.
Time
Pro:
If your roof damage is minimal, repairing your roof rather than replacing it is favorable because of the amount of time it would take. One person can effectively make roof repairs in the same amount of time it would take to get together a good roofing crew that could handle the replacement.
Con:
While saving time on repairs, roofing companies will prioritize replacement jobs before partial maintenance. Unfortunately, as a result, your repairs may not be completed until bad weather is imminent.
Insurance
Pro:
Insurance claims tend to scare most homeowners. The idea of waiting for approval or, worse, being rejected isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s no surprise that many people try to avoid this step altogether. So, if repairs are minimal and you can pay their cost out of pocket rather than making a claim, then this route is probably for you.
Con:
Depending on the state of your roof, you could just be prolonging the inevitable here. Patching up your roof might get you through another stormy season, but eventually, every roof reaches the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. In this case, it’s essential to consider how much longer your roof has before it’s wholly done and whether or not you’re wasting your money trying to keep it together.
DIY
Pro:
While we don’t recommend this reasoning because roofing repairs are best left to the professionals, we know a few of you out there like to have complete control of your house’s maintenance. Minor repairs that require a little pitch and a shingle replacement may not seem too hard to repair, and for the DIYer who likes to save money and get their hands dirty, this is a perfect opportunity. It’s easy to see the appeal of repair vs. replacement.
Con:
Your roof protects everything inside your home, and if things aren’t done right, you can run into serious problems. We know the appeal of doing things yourself and the sense of accomplishment. Still, regarding the safety and security of everything under your roof, we recommend leaving this job to professionals.
HUF construction takes pride in having a specialized team of roofing professionals to help you with your roofing needs. Call us for a free inspection if you think your roof might benefit from repairs over replacement. We’ll help you get the most out of your time and money.
Is Replacing Your Roof A Better Option Than Repairing It?
Sometimes, a damaged roof is easier to replace than to repair. It might sound financially scary to some, but there are plenty of options available to homeowners that cover total roof replacements. Beyond that, replacing your roof has many other benefits to consider as well.
Insurance
Pro:
When a roof needs to be replaced, an insurance company will have difficulty disputing the fact with qualified professionals. At HUF construction, our job is to make sure that you have the best roof over your head. Sometimes that means going to war with an insurance agency for coverage, but you can be sure we’ll do it. The price of replacing an entire roof shouldn’t be scary. The insurance process might seem difficult initially, but paying for a new roof will be much less risky once your insurance agent is on board.
Con:
The Insurance process can be a long one. At HUF construction, we make it our job to press insurance agencies for their cooperation, but sometimes, our attempts are met with fierce resistance. As long as you don’t expect immediate answers, working with your insurance company can benefit you. But if you like a rapid response, this part of the work might stress you out.
Time
Pro:
The replacement itself might take more than a day, which is longer than those more minor repairs might take, but when you are set on a complete replacement, your job is pushed to the front of the line for completion. So even though the work might take longer, the process is considerably quicker than getting your minor repairs done.
Con:
Not every roofing replacement can be done in a day. Sometimes the job may take two or more days to complete. In these cases, the roofing team will ensure that the inside of your home isn’t exposed to the elements, but your roof won’t look its best during this time either.
Professional Service
Pro:
No DIY here. In the case of a complete roof replacement, you won’t have to stress about whether your roof will protect your home afterward. When a professional team installs a new roof, you can be sure that there won’t be any unforeseen problems occurring anytime soon. A new roof can stand up to the power of turbulent weather better than an aged roof can, and while there may still be minor damage to shingles or tiles, that should be the extent of your worries.
The other benefit to having a professional install your roof is the warranty that accompanies it. HUF Construction has been in business 11 years and offers a 2 year workmanship warranty on our installations. This means that if any issues arise due to installation (leaks, shingle blow-offs) then we will make the repairs free of charge. There is also a manufacturer’s warranty on the roofing products themselves. This is separate from the workmanship warranty and guarantees the products on the roof (shingles, underlayment, ventilation, etc.) will be replaced if found to be defective.
Con:
It takes a team of qualified professionals to replace a roof. So if you don’t like having a lot of people around your home, it might be a good idea to plan a short vacation during this time. Teams usually consist of 3 or more people. Roofing companies do their best to ensure every employee they hire is personable and understands customer service, but many of our employees want to get the job done as quickly as you do. So for those who might be a little annoyed at having strangers on your roof and around your house, know that roofers just want to get done and get out as quickly as possible, but they’ll be there until the job is done. Sometimes, this is from early morning to late evening.
Call the Professionals
When it comes time to assess the damage on your roof, be sure to call a team of professionals to walk you through the process and ensure you are fully informed before making your decision. We know that the choice between repair and replacement is extensive, but we can help remove the worry by offering upfront service and care. If you’re ready to talk about your roof, call HUF Construction.