Things to Consider Before Repairing Your Roof

The roof of a home is one of the most important and largest functioning aspects of your home. If it is not in great condition or begins to leak it can cause a lot of damage and be a huge headache. Every roof on every home ages, and as such will need upkeep, maintenance, periodic repairs, and even at some point a full replacement. When you do have to replace it this will be a very large cost. If your home is in need of a roof replacement or repairs here are some good things to be knowledgeable about before you get this expensive task underway in your home.Things to Consider Before Repairing Your Roof

Do you need a repair or a full replacement?

The biggest question to ask when it comes to should you repair or replace the entire roof is how old is the roof? The most traditional roof with asphalt shingles is expected to last about 20 to 25 years. If your roof is much younger than this and only a few shingles are showing some wear or are loose you may be able to just do a roof repair in the area of the tattered shingles. If your roof is a mess and is leaking and it has been about 19 years since the last roof was installed, then an entire reroof project may be needed.

If your roof shingles are cracked and dry looking and it looks like the roof is wavy or there are dips in the structure in some areas, this is a sign of roof decay that could also be a sign of a weak roof structure. This could be dangerous should a heavy branch fall on it during a rough storm.

The general cost of repairing or replacing a roof

Roof repairs and total roof replacement can be expensive especially if you need a total replacement. It’s tricky to say exactly how much your roof repair will cost as it will depend on the size of the home and the type of materials being used and it could even depend on the geographical area that you live in. Here are some general guidelines of what to expect for roofing costs:

Asphalt shingles

The most popular and most traditional roofing material is the asphalt shingle, this is the material you see on most standard homes across the country. The lifespan of these shingles ranges from 10 to 40 years depending on the weather and how well the roof is maintained on a regular basis. The average price for asphalt shingles across the country is about $100-$400 per square foot.

Heavier roofing material is more durable

While a heavier roofing material is more expensive such as metal for example it can hold up to harsher elements and last a lot longer than the typical asphalt shingle. The upfront cost is going to be more to put this type of roofing on your home, but it could save money over time as it will last longer. It is worth asking the advice of a professional if this would be a good option for your particular home. On some homes, a heavier material may not be an option as the structure might not be able to hold the weight.

Repairs of course are always less than replacements

Performing a repair in a small area of your roof, of course, will cost less than a full replacement, however, if it has been a long time since you have received an entire roof it could end up costing you more money to just slap a quick fix on your home.

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