If you are a roofer in the Manhattan area, then you know that roofing replacement and roof repair services can be very different. In this blog post, we will discuss how roofing replacement and roof repair differ so that you can make the right decision for your clients. You’ll learn about your alternatives, the benefits and drawbacks of each, and why a skilled roofer will almost always recommend a roof repair or replacement.
What is Roofing Replacement?
The process of the best roof repair entails removing all of the old shingles, felt paper, and moisture barrier and replacing them with new materials. It may also entail repairing or replacing the deck and any other damage discovered during the removal of the previous roof.
How is Roof Repair Different from Roof Replacement?
Roof repairs are limited to the roof’s damaged regions. Repairing may appear an intelligent alternative if the damage isn’t extensive. However, even though the damaged area is small, it may be necessary to replace the entire roof. There are two additional repair alternatives that you may have heard about. First, when roof damage affects more than one or two regions, partial replacement and re-roofing are occasionally given as cost-effective options.
When the damage to the roof is more substantial, partial replacement is often used, but just on one or two parts of the top. Partially replacing shingles entails removing all of the old shingles from a portion or side. A new roof is built and blended with the old shelter at the peaks and valleys. The color of new shingles rarely matches the color of previous shingles. The primary goal here is to avoid the patchwork effect when only a few damaged or missing shingles are repaired.
Put, re-roofing entails laying a new layer of shingles on top of the old. On the other hand, it might be called a repair because it does not replace the original shingles. Each of these options for dealing with roof damage has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of repairing and replacing your roof and contact your roofing repair company.
Pros of Repairing Your Roof
Some homeowners make the mistake of deferring roof repairs until there is enough damage to justify hiring a roofer. However, the optimum time to address roof damage is as soon as you notice it. Delays can result in more severe issues. Water can get behind the flashing or beneath the shingles. The wind might lift even more shingles if there are missing or broken shingles. If left untreated, leaks into the attic or the house’s interior can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
- If the damage is minimal to a small area, roof repair costs may be less expensive than replacing it.
- Repairing your roof takes less time than replacing it. However, if the roof repaired is exposed and inclement weather is forecast, this could be critical as long as you deal with an affordable roof repair company.
- Functionality – While a repair will not extend the life of your roof beyond its original lifespan, it may assist it in reaching its full potential. Repairing damage as soon as possible helps to avoid the need for more extensive repairs in the future.
- Aesthetics – Roof damage can expose a roof to the elements and detract from the appearance of a home, like sagging roof and roof leaks. Repairing the roof not only restores the street attractiveness but also protects the roof from the weather.
Cons of Repairing Your Roof
- Instead of replacing your roof, it can be more expensive per square foot. In addition, you miss out on bulk prices for the roofing material because it’s usually a limited area, and the effort involved is usually the same.
- A partial replacement (replacing a single section or side) may cost virtually as much as replacing the entire roof.
- Time – While repairs can frequently be completed quickly, keep in mind that they are temporary. The original roof’s age and quality are still limiting factors.
- Lifespan -Minor roof repairs may not solve underlying problems. In addition, without removing the existing roof, the repair may be limited to access.
- Water damage or other underlying issues may go unnoticed like a roof leak. The deck and structure can be inspected when the leaking roof covered will be replaced.
Pros of Partial Replacement
- Cost – A partial roof replacement is only a few dollars per square foot, more expensive than a complete roof replacement.
- Time – Because partial roof repair focuses on a smaller region, it takes less time to accomplish.
- It will behave like a new roof because it is essentially a new roof with a new felt or moisture barrier and shingles.
- Aesthetics – Replacing a few missing shingles rather than the whole side or portion will make the new shingles stand out more. In addition, the new shingles go up to a ridge or valley, minimizing color and age disparities between the old and new shingles.
Cons of Partial Replacement
- Cost – The cost of removing and disposing of the old roof material is often comparable to the price of a complete roof replacement. Even for a tiny portion of the roof, the base costs of setting up the job, getting a crew on site, dumpsters for disposal, and so on don’t vary significantly.
- Time – The average roof replacement takes only 1–2 days. While partial replacement may save you time, it will not extend the life of the roof’s older components.
- Functionality – The new portion should last the same time as a new roof. However, keep in mind that it will not significantly lengthen the life of your roof.
- Aesthetics – Connecting the margins of the new section to a ridge or valley hides the transition between old and new, but it can also make the peak or valley appear bulky or uneven.
Pros of Re-roofing Your Roof
Because it does not replace the original shingles, re-roofing is considered a repair. It just lays another layer of shingles on top of the previous one. It may provide some quick relief for a failing roof, but some significant disadvantages are. From a cost-per-square-foot standpoint, re-roofing is the most cost-effective approach to repair your roof. The savings can be significant because there is no labor involved in removing the roof.
You’ll also save money because the old roof’s debris won’t have to be hauled away.
- Re-roofing is the quickest option to replace your entire roof with new shingles.
- Functionality – A new layer of shingles provides an immediate layer of protection over an older layer that has begun to disintegrate.
- Aesthetics – If the original roof was soiled, damaged, or worn out, re-roofing will give it a new lease on life.
Cons of Re-roofing Your Roof
- Cost – Most building requirements limit the number of layers of roofing to two. When it comes time to replace the roof completely, the expense of removing two layers may outweigh whatever savings you realized when you decided to re-roof.
- Time — Replacing a roof takes only 1–2 days on average, but it does not extend the life of your roof. Re-roofing may reduce the lifespan of your roof by many years.
- Shingles laid on top of old shingles have a shorter lifespan. However, they work best when affixed to a smooth surface.
- If new shingles are installed on top of old shingles, several shingle manufacturers’ warranties will be shortened or canceled.
- Another disadvantage of re-roofing is that it does not address any of the initial roof layer’s hidden problems.
Which Is Right for You?
Repairs may appear to be a decent, short-term remedy from a cost standpoint, whereas roof replacement may occur to be overkill (especially if you only have a small leak).
However, it’s crucial to realize that repairing your roof may not be enough to address your problem. A leak signals that your roof is collapsing. If this is the case, a roof replacement may be more cost-effective in the long term. Not only that, but today’s roofing materials are superior to those of the past. Even if your roof is only ten years old, newer tops are more robust, more energy-efficient, and better withstand damage than older roofs.
