Should I Repair My Roof or Replace it?

Thankfully, there are several effective ways to get rid of your roof problems but choosing the right one can be overwhelming for inexperienced homeowners. Before making any decision, it is critical to gain adequate knowledge about your current roofing system. 

This simple step will help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation, whether it’s a complete replacement, roof repairs, or re-roofing/ roof over. Let’s look at some crucial factors to consider. 

Factors to Consider 

Is your roof showing signs of wear and tear? Several factors can help you determine whether it’s time for starting a roofing project. Here are a few critical things to consider:

1. The remaining service life of your roof: If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, it’s probably time to start planning for a new one.

2. Water damage and leaks: If your roof is allowing water to seep through, it can lead to more significant issues. If left unattended, water infiltration can damage the structural integrity of your home.

3. Mold growth and moisture intrusion in the insulation: This is another red flag that should never be ignored. These issues can cause health problems among the occupants and weaken your roofing system. 

4. The condition and pliability of your roofing membrane 

When Should You Go for Roof Recover? 

A roof-recover or re-roofing is an effective way to restore an almost sound roof that’s still performing well, has proper drainage and insulation, but has a membrane that has reached the end of its lifespan. Additionally, it offers you a chance to enhance your roof’s thermal performance by installing a thin layer of insulation between the old and new membranes.

However, there are a few scenarios in which a roof-recover may not be suitable. These include:

· If your roofing materials such as wood or deck boards need replacement

· If your roof already has multiple shingle layers 

· If your current shingles are damaged

· If your roof is sagging or has an unstable structure

How Do You Know If Your Roof Needs Repairs? 

If the insulation and membrane of your roof are in good shape and your roofing problems are still in their earlier stages, then roof repairs are an affordable and long-lasting solution. These include fixing issues like water intrusion by replacing damaged parts such as pitch pockets and flashings. If done correctly, this approach can save you time and money in the short term while preserving the overall integrity of your roof.

However, it is important to work with a qualified roofing contractor like Republic Roofing who can identify and fix the problem correctly the first time, providing you with long-term peace of mind. 

When Should You Go for Total Roof Replacement? 

While repairs and recovering a roof may be feasible options, there comes a point where a full replacement is the only viable solution. The fact is that roof replacements are costly. And this may be the reason why most homeowners generally consider them as a last resort. However, you should always keep in mind that a properly functioning roof is essential to your home’s safety, energy efficiency, and longevity.

In situations where your current roof is beyond repair, or you have already done roof-recover or roof-over before, a full replacement is often the best and only choice. This is particularly true when the structural deck underneath the shingles has significantly deteriorated, making the attachment of a new roof system impossible. In these cases, it is necessary to completely remove your old roofing system to ensure optimum fire protection and wind uplift resistance for your new roof.

For more information, contact Republic Roofing at 901-437-5278. We service areas in Lakeland, Germantown, Bartlett, Memphis, and Collierville, TN.