The roof of any structure sits at the top of the list of critical repairs. Roofs allow our families and possessions to stay dry and secure from the elements, and a solid roof keeps a business open and customers coming in to spend their money. So, when the roof is in need of attention, the property owner must decide whether to replace or repair it. The decision is one of the most important a property owner will make.
Home and Business Considerations
The owner of a small vehicle repair shop may be saving money on the front end by repairing the shop’s roof instead of replacing it. However, the long-term result may be a loss in business and revenue if the repair leaves the roof mismatched or otherwise unsightly. All business owners understand the importance of maintaining a well-kept shop. It must always be presentable to the public, otherwise the image reflects poorly on the business.
From a homeowner’s point of view, aesthetic continuity is important, especially when it comes to resale value. So, a patched roof may not be feasible. On the other hand, shelling out thousands of dollars for a roof replacement has its downside, too. Namely, money. Here are a few quick tips to help you determine how to know whether you should replace or repair the roof of your home or business.
Evaluate the Damage
The first thing you’ll need to do is have a complete survey done of your roof by a roofing professional, even if you think you know what’s wrong with it. You may see a few loose tiles you can replace on your own, but a professional roofer can provide a complete inspection and point out any issues, or emerging issues you missed. When you get the inspection report from the roofing contractor, make sure it answers the following critical questions:
- Itemised list of needed repairs
- Level of severity – are any urgent?
- Cost of each repair individually
- Time repair would take
- When can repair be completed?
The information will help in your decision about whether to repair or replace your roof. Often, roofing contractors will offer a discount for multiple repairs, so ask for that information in writing as well.
Even if you want to save money and make minor roof repairs yourself, first contact a professional roofing company to fully evaluate your roof. You may see only one of several issues or emerging issues, with your roof. What he has to say may change your decision?
Partial Re-roofing
Once you have an estimate from a roofing contractor, you can make a decision about repairing or replacing your roof. Partial reroofing is an excellent compromise between repair and replace since more than a few tiles would be replaced, making a difference in colour less noticeable. It does have its drawbacks though, including an uneven finished product, so discuss the option with your contractor.
Once you have all of the information listed here, you’ll be able to determine the best course of action for your roof. Each option – repair, partial replace, replace – has its pros and cons, so discuss them with your contractor before moving forward with your roofing project.