Are you considering replacing your home's roof? A replacement can have a big impact on the rest of your home, from the comfort and safety of your family to the value of your property and the quality of your indoor air. However, when it comes time to make that call to replace your roof, there are different factors to consider before deciding whether or not it's right for you. Use these five questions to help you determine if roof replacement is right for you.
1. What Is the Remaining Lifespan of the Current Roof?
You can find out how long your roof has left by hiring a local contractor to inspect your roof with a thorough evaluation. Generally, if you have shingles several decades old or notice problems such as leaks, consider replacing your roof sooner rather than later.
2. Would Repair Costs Make Sense?
If your roof is in very poor condition and needs extensive repairs, it might not make financial sense to repair it. For example, a collapsed roof from tree fall damage can present very difficult repairs. If the costs are almost equal to a new roof, a replacement will make more sense because it comes with the benefits of a new roof.
3. How Big Is the Percentage of the Roof That Needs Repair?
What percentage of the roof needs repairs? More than half? More than two-thirds? If your roof has a significant portion of damaged or missing shingles, it's time to consider a roof replacement. The time and cost of repair will likely be greater than replacement, and you may have difficulty finding a contractor willing to work on such an old roof.
4. What Will Happen Without Replacement?
One of your primary reasons for replacing a roof is that it has extensive leaks. So, what would happen if you didn't replace it? More leaks—and more damage from those leaks—mean your home would be even worse than before.
At that point, you may have no choice but to relocate or rebuild your entire home, which is far more expensive and time-consuming than a roof replacement.
5. How Much Value Will a Roof Replacement Add?
With several variables involved, it's important to assess how much value you'll get from investing in new roofing. New roofs are costly, and they might not be worth it if your house is going up for sale any time soon—for example, if you're investing in solar panels or another capital improvement that will see your property increase in value.
Replacing the roof offers your home better comfort, higher energy efficiency, and better protection. It can be a worthy investment. Contact your roofer to discuss your considerations for a roof replacement project.