Over time, all roofing systems will gradually break down. But, many homeowners have trouble making the decision between repairing the damage and replacing the entire roof. Is the damage severe enough to call for a full replacement? Or, will a roof replacement be a waste of money because repairs are sufficient?
Ultimately, there are many different factors that should go into the decision of what to do about your damaged roof. Here, we’ll cover these factors to help you make a wise choice between a St. Louis Park roof replacement and roof repairs.
Roof Age
How old is your roof? The answer to this question should be your main consideration in whether to repair or replace your St. Louis Park roof. The age, along with the type of roofing material that was used to construct your roof, will tell you how close your roof is to the end of its lifespan.
If your roof is very close to the end of its estimated lifespan, a full roof replacement is often more cost-effective for significant roof damage than roof repairs. This is because in opting for repairs, you’ll be investing more money into a roof that will need to be replaced in a few years anyway. Completing the roof replacement will ultimately save you money in this case, given that no money will be wasted on a roof that’s long past its prime.
The expected lifespan of a St. Louis Park roofing system will vary based on the materials. Here are the typical lifespans of popular residential roofing materials.
- Asphalt shingles: 20 to 25 years
- Metal: 40 to 70 years
- Slate: 75 to 100 years
- Wood shingles: 30 to 40 years
The Degree of Damage
Not all types of roof damage are severe enough to require a roof replacement, especially if your roof isn’t close to its expected expiration date. There’s a big difference between damage to the aesthetic of your roof, such as faded roofing materials and moss, and structural damage, such as cracked or missing shingles, missing granules on asphalt shingles, dents, and punctures. Structural damage is more extensive and more likely to lead to further damage if left unaddressed.
Leaks
If the roof damage that you’re dealing with is a leak, your choice between roof repairs and replacement will require special consideration. Roof leaks are a major issue because they present the risk of damage not only to the roof itself, but also to the interior of your home. Left alone, a roof leak could escalate, causing a significant amount of water to seep into your home. This may cause issues including:
- The growth of mold and mildew
- Wet, ineffective insulation
- Rotted framing
- Ceiling and wall damage
- Paint damage
Given the roof leaks are among the most severe types of roof damage, you’re more likely to need a full roof replacement if a leak is present. Replacing the entire roof will ensure that the leak is thoroughly fixed and won’t simply reappear after the next storm.
Budget
Roof repairs are more affordable (by a big margin) than roof replacements. So, it’s crucial to review your budget before deciding what to do about roof damage. If a St. Louis roof replacement simply won’t fit within your budget, roof repair solutions can protect your roof against further damage for the time being. In this case, however, start planning financially for a full roof replacement, as it will need to be completed eventually.
Plans To Stay in Your Current Home
In the future, do you plan to still be settled in your current home, or will you have moved on? Whether or not you’re living in your “forever home” is a factor to take into account when you’re dealing with roof damage. This is because selling the house will be much more difficult if the roof is thoroughly patched up. Roof repairs may not cut it for home shoppers, making an entirely new roof a wise choice for homeowners who will be selling their homes in the next few years.
For help with a St. Louis Park roof replacement or repairs, contact Midwest Construction today. Our skilled team of roofers will help you make the best decision for your home.
