Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your Roof

CAPITOLA — While some roofers have no qualms about selling a new roof regardless of the circumstances, an honest one will provide alternative options to replacement when possible. In many cases, a roof’s lifespan can be substantially extended through repairs, which delays the need for replacement. However, there are a couple of key factors that go into determining whether a roof should be repaired or replaced.

One important factor is the roof’s age. Since every roof style has a specific life expectancy, knowing the current age of your roof will help you determine the best course of action. For example, if you have a 15-year-old medium shake roof, you know it’s still five to 10 years shy of its 20- to 25-year expected lifespan, so repairs would be a good investment. However, if your roof is at or beyond its life expectancy marker, repairs may not be worthwhile since you’re due for a replacement soon anyway.

Another factor to consider is the roof’s condition. When a roof is in poor condition, repairs may not be cost-effective, especially if they aren’t going to substantially extend its lifespan. In this case, you’d be better off investing that money toward a replacement. On the other hand, if a $1,000 repair job will buy you another five years of performance, the numbers make sense.

Keep in mind that most roofs require maintenance and repairs at some point during their lifespan. This is especially true of shake roofs, which need to be tuned up at about 12 to 15 years of age. Tile roofs also have specific maintenance needs, such as having valleys cleared of debris. So, to avoid the need for premature repairs or replacement, it’s best to be proactive about maintaining and servicing your roof.