The roof of your home or commercial building in Burnsville, MN, is its primary defense against the elements. So, when you discover roof damage, you must take action to remedy the problem immediately. However, depending on the type and extent of the damage, you may face a crucial choice. Deciding on whether to replace or repair your roof isn’t always easy. If you’ve never made this critical decision before, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help you, however, here are some tips on how to choose between roof replacement and roof repair.
Consider Your Roof’s Age
The first thing you should consider, as you weigh repairing versus replacing your roof, is your roof’s age. If yours is a residential roof, you can expect it to last for between 20 and 30 years. So, if yours is near that age, any major repairs are likely a bad investment. Most commercial roofs have roughly the same lifespan, but that can vary based on a variety of factors. Since most commercial roofs are flat, they are more susceptible to certain types of wear and tear. For example, if your commercial roof’s drainage system fails, it may suffer significant water damage. Plus, if you neglect the regular maintenance of your commercial roof, it may also fail prematurely.
Consider What Type of Roof You Have
Certain roof types are exceptions to the age rules stated above. For example, if your home has a slate roof, you can expect it to last for up to 100 years. As a result, repairs are almost always the right choice when you’re dealing with a slate roof. Unless there’s structural damage to your slate roof, that is. Slate roofs can weigh up to six times what a conventional roof weighs. So, if your slate roof suffers structural damage, you should opt for a replacement. The good news about that, though, is that you may be able to reuse the slate tiles from your existing roof. That will help minimize your replacement cost and keep your roof’s visual appeal intact.
Consider the Severity of the Damage
You should also consider the severity of the damage to your current roof. If the damage is minimal or confined to a small roof section, a repair may be your best option. Even if your roof is getting older, it doesn’t always make sense to replace the whole thing just to address a small issue. In such cases, opting for an inexpensive repair will allow you to get the most out of your original roof investment.
This is also true, even if the damage is severe, as long as it’s confined to a single roof section. In that case, you can repair your roof by replacing just the damaged section. This will restore your roof at a much lower cost than a full replacement. If you’re not sure how bad your roof damage is, one of our roofers can inspect it for you. They’ll let you know if a partial replacement is a viable repair option for your situation.
Consider the Season
Sometimes, the time of year can play a role in your decision between roof repair and replacement. For example, if your roof suffers damage in the autumn, you may have little choice but to choose a repair. That’s the time of year when Burnsville gets the most rain and the time you can least afford to have a compromised roof. The weather during that time of year may also complicate scheduling the work necessary to replace your roof. In that kind of situation, your best option is to defer to the advice of one of our experienced roofers. They’ll know whether you should prioritize protecting your property with immediate repairs.
Consider Your Roof’s Efficiency
These days, both homeowners and commercial building owners prioritize energy efficiency above almost all else. They’re right to do so, given how much it can cost to heat and cool a home or building. That’s why you should also consider your roof’s efficiency as you weigh a repair versus a replacement. If your existing roof isn’t very efficient, even an inexpensive repair may not be worth it. Instead, you can use your roof damage as an excuse to replace your roof with a more efficient one. The energy savings generated by an efficient roof could help it pay for itself over its lifetime. On average, a modern, efficient roof may cut your heating and cooling costs by 25% to 30%.
Consider Your Near-Term Plans
Another thing to think about when you’re considering a roof repair versus a replacement is your short-term plans. For example, if you’re considering selling your home or commercial building soon, it should figure into your decision. Putting a new roof on your home or building could make it more attractive to potential buyers. However, it is unlikely that you’ll recoup your whole investment in a new roof if you sell right away. Plus, you may create difficulties for yourself if you finance a roof replacement and then sell right away. So, if you have plans to sell within a year or two, a repair is likely your best bet. However, if you’re planning to sell within five or more years, a replacement might make more sense.
Consider Your Budget
Finally, you must always consider your budget when you choose between a roof repair and a replacement. The bottom line is that installing a new roof isn’t cheap. A new residential roof can cost up to $45,000, depending on the size of your home and the materials used. A commercial roof may cost far more than that since commercial buildings tend to be larger than homes. Any way you look at it, a new roof is a major investment you can’t afford to take lightly.
In that light, a repair may be a better option if you’re not prepared to make such a large investment. A repair could buy you critical time to get your finances in order to prepare for a roof replacement. If you’re in a tight financial spot, you should discuss your options with our roofing specialists. They will help you figure out your options and see that you choose the one that best fits your budget.
Your Local Residential and Commercial Roof Experts
For over 30 years, Schmidt Roofing has been the go-to roofer that Burnsville residents trust with their homes and businesses. We’re a family-owned business with over 50 years of combined industry experience on staff. We offer complete residential and commercial roofing services ranging from repairs to replacements. We also handle siding, skylights, windows, gutters, storm damage, and more. We use only the finest quality roofing materials in all of our projects, and we stand behind our work. That’s why we’re Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating. It’s also why we have so many five-star reviews from satisfied local customers like you. So, whether you need a roof repair or replacement in Burnsville, contact our experts at Schmidt Roofing today!
