Making good decisions will minimize your home improvement costs, especially when you’re considering repairing or replacing your roof. With this in mind, here are some things you’ll need to consider.
Patching vs. Completely Redoing Your Roof
You must start by considering whether patches will work or if you must undertake a full roof replacement. When you opt to completely replace your roof, you must also decide whether to roof over your existing roof or remove it – both options come with their own set of cost consequences.
Replacing damaged shingles is relatively easy and inexpensive. You simply remove the torn or damaged shingles and slip new ones into place, but if you don’t have a relatively new roof with shingles you’ve saved from the job you probably won’t match your existing roof. Of course, this is a small price to pay if it extends your roof’s life by 10 – 15 years unless you plan to sell your home soon or if most of the damage occurred on a single side of your roof.
When you opt for roof repair you must also be on the lookout for any additional problems it can cause. One of the main problems occurs when you already have at least two layers on your roof. In this case, you’ll need to remove them before making any new repairs. Obviously, this will increase your labor and disposal costs. Additionally, you must consider the fact that your ridges may look lopsided because your old roof is a few inches higher than your new one
Determining Cost Effectiveness
It’s wise to consider a full roof replacement even when only part of your roof needs to be fixed. Many times, you’ll find that this is the less expensive option. There are some variables you should consider when making this decision, including:
- How worn the shingles are
- How old are the shingles are
- Your area’s climate
- Your home’s susceptibility to future damage – Hurricanes require more durable shingles with stronger adhesive and more nails than typical shingles have.
Removing Your Roof vs. Roofing Over Your Old One
Another consideration is whether you want to install your new roof over your existing one or start all over by tearing the old one off. Again, you must decide whether you want to save some money now and risk incurring greater expenses later or spend more now to save on future expenses. If you already have two layers of shingles, the International Residential Code (R907.3) says you must tear the roof off. Their reasoning is the weight of a roof and how it affects your home’s structure. While shingles feel lightweight in your hand, when you cover a roof with 1,500 square feet of them, it’s like parking a two-ton SUV on top of your home.
When you only have a single layer of shingles you can opt for a roof repair without removing them. However, shingles withstand hurricanes better when fastened directly to your roof deck. Opting for a full roof replacement is also beneficial in that you can examine your roof for wood rot and see if you have enough sheathing fasteners.
Although a roof replacement is costlier than making roof repairs, it should last you for decades. By having your roof replacement done correctly you won’t feel so anxious the next time you hear a hurricane is heading your way. Over the long term, this will also save you money over the costs of roof repair. Of course, you must put a lot of thought into choosing between roof replacement and roof repair. This is why it’s great to have a professional there to help guide your way. For this reason, you should make sure you contact Done Rite Roofing Inc. today. They’ve helped many customers make this decision over the years and they look forward to helping you too.