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Writer's pictureMatt O'Dore

Should I Repair My Roof or Replace It?

Updated: Feb 23


Roofer installing roof

As soon as your roof starts showing some signs of damage, it can be difficult for a homeowner to know if a roof repair is enough or if they need to replace the entire roof. Well, that depends on the damage of course. A reliable roofing company in Vancouver, Washington can help you to decide which is the best option for your roof.


It is always preferable for homeowners to repair the roof as it costs less than a replacement. However, when your roof has reached a condition where only a replacement can help, a repair will be a waste of money. Thus, it is always better to seek help from roofing repair Vancouver, WA companies for an appropriate solution.


If you want to decide all by yourself what your roof needs the most, i.e., repair vs replacement, below is a detailed guideline to help you decide whether to repair or replace your roof.


What Is Involved in a Roof Repair?

Contractor on roof

For moderate or minor damage, roof repair is likely enough to solve your problem. In this case, a repair restores your roofing system as well as extends the lifespan of your older roof.

Roof repair is a project that almost every homeowner must deal with sooner or later in their life. Nevertheless, if the damages look as if it is easy to DIY, it is typically better to appoint a skilled roofing company in Vancouver, WA to confirm the problem is fixed properly.


Roof repairing involves working on an isolated, small portion of the roof. Based on the kind of damage you are facing, the roof repairing process may consist of patching up small gaps and holes or replacing missing or damaged shingles. You, or a skilled contractor, will need to identify the roofing problems before repairing them.


While inspecting the roof, you need to take a quick scan of the structure to identify any problem from the ground. If you see any missing or broken shingles, holes or punctures, nail pops, granule loss, or cracked flashing; then you’ve roofing problems that surely need to be taken care of.


If you want to confirm every inch of the roof is inspected carefully, consider getting a professional, free roof inspection. Roofing companies in Vancouver, Washington offer drone-based inspections, traditional inspections, and providing a full assessment report.

As soon as the roofing contractor determines the range of the problems, here are a few things you will get from the roofing contractor in Vancouver, Washington:


An Easy Insurance Claim Procedure

Roofers work with insurance companies. If you have insurance for your roof damages, then the roofers will guide you through the whole inspection as well as the insurance claim procedure.


A Full Contract

After your insurance company gives permission, the roofing repair Vancouver, WA companies offer you a contract describing the work and what it will involve, a timeline, the scope of work, and a pricing estimation.


A Building Permit

The roofing company in Vancouver, Washington will then acquire the appropriate building permit to initiate their project. These permits may also consist of HOA endorsements.


Preparing Your Home

Before the roofers start working, they take the needed steps to guard your property. They put covers on the ground, especially for the dump zone and cover the landscape for extra safety.


Roof Repairing

Once the job site is ready and safe, the roofers start repairing your roof.


Finally, Clean-Up

Fixing a roof is a disorganized job. After completing the job, the roofers remove any remaining materials from your property.


What Is Involved in a Roof Replacement?

Roofing contractors installing shingles

When you are fixing a roof, you are only repairing a small section of the entire structure. When you are replacing it, you are replacing the whole visible part of the roof. This home upgrading procedure requires you to strip off the whole roof to expose the surface before installing a new roof. This process can involve fixings to rafters, trusses, and sheathing.


Roof replacements are typically more expensive than a roof repair process. Nevertheless, there are examples where roof replacement may save you money in the long run.

You must consider getting your roof replaced as soon as you notice it beginning to sag. It is a serious issue and a threatening sign that the roof is at risk of failing.


The process of roof replacement is complex, as it involves more work than the roof repair process. It takes numerous roofing contractors and almost 3-4 days or even longer to complete a moderately-sized project. Like a roof repair, a roof replacement also comprises a complete inspection. The roofer will carefully examine the degree of damage to see whether a roof repair is enough or full-on roof replacement is the best option.


After the roofing contractor notes their inspection findings on your roof, they’ll continue with the steps of replacing the roof, including the following process:


Taking Away the Old Roofing

The roofers will start working by removing your old shingles or other roofing materials to check the plywood decking.


Roof Review

After that, the roofer will check the deck for any rot, mold, or weakened wood that isn’t apparent upon the first check.


Preparing Your Deck

Next, they will lay down drip boundaries along the ice and water shield, eaves around your vents, roof valleys, and chimney. They will then install heavy-duty roofing on the roof deck.


New Roof Installation

Next, they will start laying out the new roofing material including, flashing, ridge vents, and ridge cap.


Clean-up & Final Check

The roofer’s job is not complete until they remove all debris and waste from the job site. They will similarly perform a final check to confirm everything meets the customer’s needs.


How to Know When the Roof Needs Repairing or Replacing?

Shingles damage

Our roof is the most vital part of our home. When you take good care of your roof, it can last several years.


Unfortunately, no matter how well you care for your roof it will eventually get damaged and you will have to choose whether it’s time to repair or replace your roof. Repairing the roof is a go-to solution for maintaining the roof but there are times when repairs will not be enough to solve the problem.


In this blog post, we will talk about signs of roof damage which can help you evaluate whether it’s better for you to repair or replace your roof.


Roof Leak

Leaky roof

The first and most obvious sign of a roof problem is a leaky roof. If you see water dripping, a wet patch forming on the ground, or a damp spot on the ceiling your roof might be the culprit. This could also cause water damage within the house. A leak can occur for many reasons, including:

  • Rain damage

  • Ice build-up

  • Mislaid shingles

  • Extreme weather conditions

  • Old age

These are just a few factors linked to a leaky roof. Sometimes leakage causes can be obvious but there are times when the cause may not be as clear.


Natural Disasters

Collapsed roof

If your area was hit with a tornado, hurricane, or an extremely violent storm, the deterioration may be vast enough to need a complete roof replacement. Even a severe winter weather can cause roof issues.


Wear & Tear

Wear and tear on roof

Just like with most things in our life, roofs don’t last forever; it's also true for roof shingles. There are a few ways to identify old shingles and the sooner you assess them the better. If you examine the shingles on the roof and find cracks, curl, or even missing pieces it might be a sign that you need a new roof.


Peeling / Blistering of Interior or Exterior Paint

Peeling paint

Don't underestimate the deterioration linked with heat and humidity issues. With temperatures increasing, it's not unusual to see exterior decomposition and peeling of your interior/exterior paint.


Interior mold and mildew, as well as stains, can similarly be signs of concern. Typically, this is because of insufficient shingle underlayment. This then causes the attic to have insufficient ventilation. All these factors can require a roof repair or replacement.


Should I Repair or Replace the Roof?

Two roofers installing a new roof

Roofing issues are not something you can postpone for a few weeks because leakages can do significant damage in a short period of time. As soon as you see an issue with the roof, the first thing you should do is to try and identify the issue. Typically, this process involves reaching out to a roofing professional in your area.


It is ideal to repair your roof, rather than replace it whenever possible. The main reason is the expense, as it is more expensive if you need new shingles installation. However, if the repair will only provide a quick, short-term solution, going with the replacement process immediately can save you money in the long run.


For example, let’s assume you need a nominal repair that is going to cost you around $400 or so. If that repair extends the roof’s life for years, it is money well spent. If the repair holds up for 6 months or so and you need to get a new roof at that time, you are wasting your $400 by not investing in the long-term solution.


Getting a thorough inspection of the roof is why it is good to first contact a professional roofing contractor in Vancouver, Washington. The contractors in Vancouver, Washington will start with looking for deterioration and offer the best solution for your roof. Plus, you will receive the data you need to make a well-informed decision. Every problem is different, so go over the roofing options carefully to make the appropriate choice for your roof.


Roof Repair Pros & Cons

Contractor repairing a roof

A roof repair is not always the perfect choice. To help you consider your options, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons:


Pros

  • A repair can help extend the lifespan of the roof.

  • It does not take long to complete repair projects.

  • More affordable

Cons

  • Poor workmanship and patches can cause more issues down the line.

  • When replacing shingles, it might be difficult to fit their shade with the old shingles. Thus, it can lead to less curb appeal.

  • It can hide underlying problems on your roof.

Roof Replacement Pros & Cons

Roofing contractor tearing off old roof

Replacing the roof is a bigger financial investment than a roof repair. To provide you with a balanced view, here are the pros and cons for roof replacement:


Pros

  • Can help you save money in the long run.

  • It addresses all roofing issues, even the ones concealed underneath your shingles.

  • It will last longer than a repair.

  • Improve energy efficiency and decrease utility bills.

  • It can improve curb appeal.

Cons

  • It is a more expensive resolution method.

  • Replacing your entire roof will require more time, materials, and labor.


Why It Is Important to Employ Roofing Contractors or a Roofing Company in Vancouver, Washington?

Roofer in hard hat on roof

Because so many problems can occur on your roof and all the separate costs and implications, it is always a good idea to get a professional inspection from an experienced roofing contractor for quality roofing services. Not only will these experts find out exactly what is wrong with the roof, including any underlying problems that you may not see, the experts can see and help you to get the most cost-effective method for your roof.


Contact Vancouver, WA roofing contractors for your roofing needs and get a professional opinion. Roofing companies in Vancouver, WA have both commercial contractors and residential contractors for existing roof repair in the Vancouver, WA area.


BOTTOM LINE

Cost should never be the sole deciding factor when partnering with a residential or commercial roofing contractor. You would not pick a “discounted” heart surgeon, would you? Similarly, you should not pick a roofing company just because they offered you the lowest price. By hiring a company that provides quality roofing services and professional installation, you can rest assured that your home is in good hands.


Of course, it is always better to actively maintain your roof to avoid repairing or replacing needs in the first place. Routine maintenance is needed for both your house's appearance as well as your wallet. Postponing maintenance may save money short term, but it'll result in spending more money in the long run.




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