Is your roof leaking or exposed? Has it outlasted it’s predicted lifespan? Or did the roofing company call to tell you it’s time for a replacement? Either way, it’s hard to know whether roof replacement or roof repairs is the right way to go, which, thankfully, is where we come in.

This article aims to clarify if you really need your roof replaced or not, and if it’s worth considering repairs first.

Roof Replacement

Providing your roof is properly installed and ventilated, then it should be able to withstand the elements and protect your home for at least the length of its given lifespan. Most shingle roofs last around 20 years, meaning repairs should keep your roof in tact until the time does come to replace it. Only in extreme cases would you realistically need to replace your roof entirely, for example, if your roofing is hit by a strong storm or fails prematurely due to poor workmanship upon installation. Most of the time, it’s best to repair issues first, but always communicate with a trusted contractor about your potential options moving forward.

If you are concerned about the condition of your roof, consider speaking with multiple contractors who can provide you with different opinions and expertise. This will give you a clearer understanding of whether you can perform repairs on your roof, or if it will need replacing. Don’t be surprised if some contractors push roof replacement, but if other contractors are recommending repairs, this is probably the way to go.

Below are some of the key reasons to replace your roof entirely:

Lifespan

A roofs lifespan is how many years, (roughly), you’ll get out of it. Providing your roof is properly installed and ventilated, your roof should more than meet the minimum expected lifespan specified by the manufacturer. Keeping this in mind, you will want to replace your roof when it reaches a certain age. A roofing contractor will recommend replacing your roof at around the 85% mark of its recommended lifespan.

Premature Failure

Remember, your roofing materials should last almost exactly as long as the manufacturer specifies, but there have been known instances when a roof has failed prematurely, due to ineffective or improper installation and ventilation. If your roof was not installed correctly, you will start to notice loose shingles or even shingles that slide off your roof, whilst incorrect ventilation can lead to serious problems from the trapped heat or cold, dramatically reducing the lifespan of your new roof. Please be aware, if your roofing is improperly installed, then the manufacturer’s warranty on all roofing materials will be voided, leaving you with an improperly ventilated roof and a big hole in your budget.

Extreme Weather

The weather where you live is going to play a huge role in the longevity of your roof. All roofing must face years of wear and tear, rain, snow and wind, but it’s the extreme weather, such as storms, tornados, straight-line winds and hail that will eventually lead to roof repair or replacement. Straight-line winds, for instance, will rip your shingles off from the roof if not properly installed, whilst extreme hail can damage the integrity of the metal panels used in a metal panel system. Asphalt shingles provide the most protection from differing weather types.

Advantages

Accounting for roughly 40% of your home’s curb appeal, your roof is going to get your house noticed, either positively or negatively, but with a new roof installation, you can guarantee it’ll be the latter. Replacing a tired looking roof with a new one will make your home appear cleaner, fresher and closer in style to that of a new build. Not only will a roof replacement protect your home for the foreseeable future, but you’ll also be the envy of the entire street!

Disadvantages

The biggest disadvantage of having your roof replaced is the inconvenience. Remarkably loud, shingle installation is distracting, not to mention irritating, and for the most part, you won’t want to stay indoors for too long when your contractor is in. If you have pets, you may want to consider taking them with you, as the loud noises, distractions and unfamiliarity can affect their mindset, particularly cats, who are known to disappear for days during roof installation. For this reason, you may want to stay with a friend for a few days, or have them babysit your pets whilst you stay at home.

Roofers are also known to not be particularly effective at clearing up after themselves. Some roofers will complete 90% of the work, take the money and run, leaving you with the mess they’ve left behind. The last 10% of any roof installation is arguably the most important and involves the inspection and the cleanup. This should be carried out when the roofer has finished the project, to ensure the site is now tidy, safe and free from nails or debris.

Aside from this, installing a new roof is an expensive project, and unlike a holiday or a new television, it’s not one you’ll particularly enjoy, or relish telling your friends about, but it’s certainly one that you will need in the long term.

Roof Repair

For many, roof replacement is well beyond the limitations of their budget, but thankfully, with a good contractor, they can work with you to fix issues and make repairs that will keep your roof in a good working condition at least in the short term. Repairing your roof is cost-effective, and can extend the life of an older roof until the time comes to replace it with a new one.

You will want to consider repairing your roof if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Leaks
• Missing shingles
• Punctures and Holes
• Cracking and Blistering
• Poor Installation
• Weather Damage
• Granule Loss

Advantages

Of the greatest advantages of choosing roof repair over replacement is the cost. It’s a lot cheaper to repair a roof than replace one, with most components, including nails and shingles, lasting less time than the roof system itself. Be sure to ask your roofer about what repairs can be done instead of replacing your roof, if there’s no reason to replace it, then a handful of simple repairs will add several years to the overall lifespan.

Disadvantages

Repair work cannot be undertaken by anyone other than a professional, it is highly specialised and requires an individual with the appropriate skill and expertise in the field to complete the work effectively. This is vitally important, as someone attempting repairs without the necessary skills will likely end causing more damage than there was in the first place. Aside from this, it’s worth keeping in mind that, over time, shingles will start to lose colour due to the impact of the sun. This can make it difficult to match older shingle colours to the new ones, leading to an unsightly curb appeal for both you and your neighbours.

Costs

Roof repair is the most cost-effective solution, particularly if the issues you’re having are localised to one or two specific areas. However, should your roof require a number of repairs, it can be just as cost-effective to replace the roof entirely. Not only will this take care of any current problems, but it will also guarantee protection for at least another 15-20 years, meaning you’re far less likely to pay out for repeat work in the near future. Don’t be fooled though, many issues can be repaired quickly and at a low cost, preventing the need for complete replacement, which is a high-cost expenditure.

James Dunn Roofing: Family-Run Building Contractors in Oxford

Are you planning on updating your roofing? As a family-run business, at James Dunn, we take great pride in providing great customer service and quality roofing to our customers. Our company has established a solid reputation as a trusted roofing and building contractor. Based in Oxford and across Oxfordshire, we commit to quality products and expert, reliable customer service. Contact us today to find out more, we’d be delighted to help with any enquiries you may have.