The roof on your house has a limited lifespan. There are also several dangers that could damage your roof before its lifespan. For example, an asphalt shingle roof typically has a warranty of about ten years. Oftentimes, they’re rated to last for about 20 years. You can buy some more reliable shingles that will last longer, but those are pretty standard time frames. However, if a hurricane rips a bunch of shingles off your roof, they’ll need to be replaced. If a tree falls on your roof, the estimated lifespan is irrelevant. If you have damage to your roof, you’ll need to either have it replaced or repaired. Which is better for you? Well, that depends on the type of damage, the age of the roof, and your budget.
The Type of Damage
Shingles can be damaged by falling debris such as tree branches or hail. They can be damaged by strong winds, such as during a storm. They can also be damaged by moisture. If the damage is pervasive throughout the roof, you might need to replace it. In most cases, though, the damage to your roof is fairly localized. For example, if you experience a strong storm, the winds are likely moving in one direction across your house. So, one side of the roof will have more damage than another. If shingles are torn or ripped off of that side of the roof, it will likely make more sense just to replace those damaged shingles. A good Boise roofing company can assess the damage and tell you if it’s repairable.
Furthermore, falling tree branches tend to create localized damage. They also tend to create some structural damage. So, if you hire a company to repair that section of roof, they’ll likely inspect the underlying beams to ensure that they’re not also damaged. If the structural elements are damaged, they’ll have to be repaired as well.
The Age of the Roof
The age of the roof also matters. If you have had a roof for 19 years and it’s rated to last for 20, it might be a good idea to have the shingles replaced even if the damage is localized. The roofers will already have their ladders, scaffolding, and all of their tools onsite. That could be the best time to just have it all replaced.
If your roof is only a few years old, repairing the damaged parts makes the most sense. It’s also important to consider your budget.
Consult a Boise Roofing Company
On the basis of plain square footage, it’s more cost-efficient in most cases to replace your entire roof. That’s because roofing companies price in a base fee for coming out to the site. They also price in the cost of equipment, setting up the equipment, and the appraisal. All of that stays static regardless of how much of the roof is repaired. However, a budget is more than just cost-efficiency. Repairing one side of a four-sided roof might cost you $2,500. Replacing all four sides might cost you $9,000. In the grand scheme, you’d save about 10% on the cost, but you’d be spending a considerable amount more in the short-term.
Consider the age of the roof and the type of damage when you factor that with your budget. Professional roofers in Boise will also be able to help you with an honest appraisal.