Despite regular upkeep, roofs can unfortunately still sustain damage from age, weather, or other external factors over time. Consequently, roof repair and replacement become your two main options.
Roof repair typically involves fixing specific problems in compromised small sections of the roof. In contrast, a roof replacement is a substantial project that demands removing and replacing the entire roofing structure. Understanding the differences between these options will guide your home maintenance decisions.
Understanding Roof Repair vs. Replacement
When To Consider Repairing Your Roof
Roof repairs are often enough for minor leaks or localized damage. You can evaluate your roof’s overall condition and use its age as a reference to determine if repairs are feasible. If it only has minor issues and is under its minimum expected lifespan, which varies depending on the material, repairing the roof is the best option.
When To Opt for Replacement
Significant issues such as sagging, widespread water damage, or numerous missing shingles indicate structural deterioration that simple repairs cannot adequately resolve. Additionally, when a roof’s age exceeds its lifespan, continuing with repairs might only become increasingly costly and less effective.
A complete roof replacement gives your house a new, more durable protective structure. This approach often results in better energy efficiency, boosted curb appeal, and increased property value.
The Roof Repair and Replacement Process
Initial Inspection
A thorough inspection is the only way to settle the roof repair vs replacement predicament. Work with a contractor like Bacon Roofing to get a professional assessment of your roofing system, which should uncover existing issues and potential problem areas. A professional inspection brings the necessary expertise and equipment to diagnose issues accurately and create appropriate maintenance plans.
Repair Process
If your roof only needs a repair, you can expect your roofers to do the following:
- Remove Damaged Materials: We carefully remove the damaged roofing elements without harming the surrounding structure.
- Check the Underlayment: Our team will inspect the underlayment and replace it if necessary.
- Install New Materials: We install new shingles or other roofing materials, guaranteeing a watertight seal and proper alignment with existing materials.
- Seal and Secure: We securely fasten the new materials and apply additional sealant around joints or protrusions.
- Clean-up and Final Inspection: Our team will clean up all debris and conduct a final inspection before declaring that the repair is complete.
Common materials used in roof repairs include ladders or scaffolding, fall protection kits, tarps, roofing nails and hammers, and sealants.
Replacement Process
Should we see a roof replacement as more practical and cost-effective, here are the steps we will take:
- Planning: We will determine the best replacement materials, considering budget, climate, and aesthetics.
- Removal of Old Roofing Materials: The team will carefully strip away old materials, underlayment, and other roofing components down to the roof decking.
- Deck Preparation and Repair: We clean the roof deck, repair or replace any damaged sections, and install a new underlayment across the decking.
- Installation of Flashing: We install flashing around critical areas such as chimneys, vents, and valleys.
- Roofing Material and Ridge Vent and Cap Installation: We systematically install the new roofing material starting from the bottom edge of the roof, followed by the ridge vents and caps along the peaks.
- Final Sealing and Inspection: Our team will check for gaps or potential leaks and apply a sealant where necessary. The final inspection will verify the new roof’s quality.
- Cleanup and Debris Removal: We clean up the worksite, remove all debris and leftover materials, and provide proof of work quality for future reference.
A roof repair might take a few hours, while a replacement generally takes longer, often spanning several days, if not weeks. The timelines depend on the extent of the damage, your roof’s size, the materials used, and weather conditions during the process.
Understanding Costs
Average Cost of Roof Repair
Common repair costs include fixing leaks, replacing damaged shingles, or fixing flashing. The roof repair average cost is around USD 1,150, with typical price ranges for common repairs being USD 150 to USD 8,000. The expenses hinge on the type of roofing material, labor costs, the extent of damage, and the accessibility of the roof.
Average Cost of Roof Replacement
Several factors also influence the cost of a roof replacement, including the size of the roof, the selected roofing material, the geographic location, and accessibility. On average, you can expect to spend USD 9,460 on this project, with different roofing materials presenting the following price ranges:
- Asphalt Shingle: USD 5,800 to USD 20,000
- Metal: USD 5,700 to USD 25,000
- Tile: USD 8,500 to USD 26,400
Bacon Roofing offers financing options for varying budgets, making it easier for homeowners in the DFW area to invest in their roof’s health.
Conclusion
Both a roof repair and replacement are significant investments for your home. If you’re struggling with minor roofing problems, a repair may suffice. However, if your roof is severely damaged or approaching the end of its lifespan, a replacement is undoubtedly the solution. Contact Bacon Roofing today and schedule a professional consultation. Let us assess your roofing needs!