Replace vs Repair a Roof: Factors to Consider Before You Decide

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If you’ve noticed any unwelcome leaks in your home - or maybe it’s just starting to look a bit tattered up top – you’re probably wondering whether it’s time for a full re-roof, or if a simple roof repair will get you by. Both options ultimately achieve the goal of correcting the issue or preventing future leaks, but which one is the right solution for your home?

This is a good question, and there are various factors that need to be considered when making your decision. You'll want to take into account your roof's age, your budget, and how long you'll be in the home, to name a few.

In this article, we’ll outline 6 key considerations to help you determine whether you need a roof repair or a complete roof replacement. If, by the end, you’re still not sure whether to replace or repair, contact us for a free, no-obligation roof evaluation and we’ll be happy to provide further guidance.

Roof repair vs. replacement: 6 things to consider

Things to consider when deciding between a roof repair and a roof replacement include the age of your roof, extent of damage, urgency of the issue, budget, building codes, and your long-term plans. 

1. Age of your roof

The age of your roof is probably the most important factor when choosing between a replacement or repairs. If your roof is having issues and it’s nearing the end of its lifetime, our general recommendation would be to invest in a new roof rather than put money into a repair –  only to have another age-related issue pop up a few months down the road. 

If your roof is relatively new with a good amount of years left in it, repairing can help you get the most value out of your investment. It’ll also have a more positive environmental impact, since it means the materials used to build your roof get maximum use rather than being discarded in a landfill before their time.

How do I know how old my roof is?

So, how can you know if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan? It all depends on what material it’s made from. Some roofing materials can last 50+ years, while others come in around the 20-25 year mark. Regular annual maintenance is also crucial for extending your roof’s lifespan, as it helps catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs or premature replacements. 

Read: Which Type of Roofing Material Lasts the Longest in Arizona?

It’s not always so straightforward, however. If you didn't install your home's current roof, or have no information from the previous seller, it can be hard to know exactly how old it is. In that case, the best idea is to contact a trusted roofing contractor who can give you an honest idea of how much life it has left. We’ll be happy to help.

You can also look out for some of these general signs of an old or aging shingle roof: 

• Curling or buckling shingles
• Missing shingles
• Sagging roof
• Debris and excessive bird droppings
• Blistering or bald shingles
• Granular loss. 

Of course, every roof is different, and seeing these signs won’t always mean your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. On the other hand, not every roof that’s on its way out will exhibit these signs, either. Use them as a general guide.

2. Extent of damage

The extent of roof damage can also indicate whether roof repairs will do the trick or an entire roof replacement is needed. If you’re just missing a few shingles that blew off in a storm, repairs will probably be fine. If you’re experiencing frequent leaks or seeing signs of sagging, then it might be time for a replacement. 

Sometimes, the cost of repairing extensive damage is almost as much as replacing the roof itself. In that case, it might be worth committing to a full replacement. This not only makes economical sense, but can potentially reveal any underlying issues that could be causing the damage. 

3. Urgency

How badly do you need to fix that leak? If a major storm is forecast in the near future, you might be better off with a quick repair that avoids causing further damage. 

Whatever you do, don’t fall prey to the trap of waiting for storm season to be over before you address those roof leaks. Doing so can create ample opportunity for those minor issues to grow into major – and costly – problems. If water damage reaches the interior of your house, or under the roof, you might be looking at more than just a roof replacement in the future. 

4. Your budget

What you're comfortably able to spend on your roof right now also plays a part in whether you should get a roof repair or replacement. If a completely new roof isn't in your budget at the moment, look into repairs and at least get those leaks under control before they cause additional damage that may be even costlier down the road. Depending on the severity of your roof's issue, a qualified roofing company might be able to fix it and buy you enough time to safely save for a new roof. 

If you can afford a roof replacement and your roofing contractor recommends one, we would suggest following their advice. This will ensure no future problems arise, which can ultimately save you money — not to mention time and headaches — since you won't be spending it on continuous repairs. Also, new roofs generally come with a warranty on both materials and workmanship. Wouldn't that be nice? 

5. Aesthetics

If your roof is older, matching the exact color and texture of the shingles for a repair can be challenging. A skilled roofer with a wide selection of materials can usually get close, but if aesthetics are a priority, replacing an entire roof plane - or even opting for a full reroof - may be the best way to avoid a noticeable patch.

6. Long-term plans

Do you think you're in your forever home, or are you looking to move within the next couple of years? If you plan to be in your home for a long period of time, making a longer-term investment in your roof is typically a wise decision. Not only will this offer you peace of mind, but with today's innovation in roofing materials, you might never have to replace or repair it again!

If you’re looking to move soon, simply repairing what's damaged could be a better choice depending on how much your current roof’s state detracts from the sale of your home. Some sellers find it hard to sell their home with an old roof. If that is the case for you, a replacement might be your only option at this point. Having a new roof is very marketable if you decide to sell, and it might even net you a better offer because the buyers know that a major expense is already out of the way. 

Now that we’ve looked at the major considerations, let’s explore the pros and cons of roof repairs vs roof replacements. 

Pros of roof repairs

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of repairing your roof instead of replacing it entirely.

Get more life out of your roof

Repairing can help you extend the lifespan of your current roof. For younger roofs, repairs are almost always the better option depending on the severity of the issue. 

For older roofs, repairs can be a way to temporarily fix issues and give you a little more time before a full replacement is needed. That said, every roof will have to be replaced eventually. 

Quicker and more affordable

One of the biggest benefits of repairing a roof instead of replacing it is that repairs are far cheaper and quicker. When it comes to minor roofing issues, repairs are way more cost-effective and can be completed faster. 

That said, bigger repairs can be costly depending on the issue. In that case, it can sometimes be more worthwhile to just go for a full roof replacement. 

Better for the environment

It's always sad to see a salvageable roof end up in a landfill. If your roof is in otherwise good shape, it’s better to just fix the problem and avoid the unnecessary waste. 

Cons of roof repairs

It’s clear that there are many situations where a roof repair is the better option, but let’s take a look at some potential drawbacks. 

Can be hard to match shingle and color tile

Most roof repairs will require replacing missing or damaged shingles or tiles. Depending on the age of your roof, it might be challenging to get a good colour match for your existing materials. This is because their colors naturally fade with time due to wear and tear from the elements. 

If we can’t find an exact match for your shingles or tiles, it can create a patchy and uneven look. Not every homeowner cares about this, and it’s not always immediately obvious, but it’s definitely something to be aware of before going for a roof repair. 

Specialized work

Roof repairs are a specialized type of work. Not only do you want someone to fix the issue you’re experiencing, but you also need them to identify the source and provide long-term solutions. 

Hiring an unqualified roofing contractor to work on your repairs could leave you with more problems  than you originally had. A qualified roofing contractor will be able to properly diagnose and resolve issues to deliver long-lasting results. Be sure to do your research and find a company with a history of roof repairs and positive reviews. 

Pros of roof replacement

Roof replacements can feel intimidating for some homeowners, but they can offer numerous advantages that make the leap worthwhile. 

Can help increase curb appeal

One of the first things people notice about homes is the roof. If your current roof is in rough shape, replacing it could help increase your home's curb appeal – which is especially important if you're looking to sell. 

Increases home value

Putting money into a brand new roof will help raise the overall value of your home. As with the point above, this can come in useful when you go to sell your home, especially if the warranty is transferrable to the new owners. 

You'll rest easy

With a roof replacement, you'll have peace of mind that your entire roof is healthy and will last for decades. You won't lose sleep when the next storm rolls through – and that feeling is priceless. 

Cons of roof replacement

Despite the peace of mind of having a brand new roof over your head, there are certain drawbacks of a roof replacement that need to be considered.

More expensive 

The biggest con is quite obvious: it costs more to replace a roof rather than repair it. And unlike many other home improvement projects, you don’t get to enjoy fancy new features that make your investment feel immediately worth it. That said, a new roof will bring you peace of mind knowing that your home is protected with a solid foundation for decades. 

Longer process

Replacing a roof is a longer process than simply carrying out repairs. Depending on the size of your roof and materials, tearing off your old roof and installing a new one could take anywhere between 2-5 days in most cases.

Can be noisy

Roof replacements can be noisy projects, which some people find disruptive. If possible, we always recommend heading out for the day while your new roof is being installed. It’s also important to consider how your pets might respond to the noise.

Should you repair or replace your roof?

Roof repairs and roof replacements each have their place, depending on the age of your roof, the complexity and scale of the issue you’re experiencing, and your budget. While repairs can help extend the life of your roof, every roof will need to be replaced at some point. 

If you’re still not sure whether you need a roof repair or a roof replacement, contact us for a free, no-obligation roof evaluation. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your roof’s condition and provide you with a few options for a solution. Call us now to book your roof assessment.