A typical American roof can require lots of upkeep. One of the decisions you may have to make as a homeowner is whether it's best to do roof repairs or replacements. Your local professional roofing contractors can always guide you on the decision. Here are some basic guidelines to help you decide whether repairs or replacement are the best option for your unique roofing situation.

Cost

Like any other repair or replacement you'll make in your home, you must think about the cost. You should look to get a quote from your trusted roofing contractors and budget accordingly. If replacement is out of your budget at the moment, then repairs may have to suffice until you can afford a new roof. If cost is the only thing that's preventing you from getting the new roof that you need, look into special programs that provide grants and loans to low-income families in single-family housing.

Type of Damage

What damage do you have on your roof? Is it a chronic problem or something that just recently happened? For example, do you only have to repair a small water leak or does your roof spring a leak every few months? If so, the difference between one leak versus constant leaks can be the deciding factor between repairs versus replacement. A roof that's always leaking has an overall structural problem in terms of cracks and exposure to moisture. Constantly repairing the same problem on the roof is a waste of money because, over time, you'll end up spending as much money as you would have if you had just gone ahead and done a full replacement.

Moving Plans

Do you have plans to move from your current home anytime soon? If so, a replacement may be your best option for a few reasons. Presenting a new roof to your prospective home buyers can impress and entice them to buy your property faster than if you merely had presented a roof that had several repairs over the years. A new roof installation can also improve your resale value as well as improve the curb appeal of your home. Curb appeal matters when you're moving out and want to sell because the first thing people see is your home exterior, not the interior. When people see a beautiful new roof versus one with tons of missing shingles and moss, it can make a difference in the impression they have of your property

Age

How old is your roof? According to Bob Villa, the average lifespan of a roof is 20 years. If your roof develops a problem when it's close to the end of its life span, replacing it simply makes the most sense. Choosing to invest in a new, complete roof replacement can help you to save money down the road.

Material

Do you have a preference for certain materials? According to House Grail, more than 80% of new roof updates in the U.S. use asphalt shingle roofs. Most roofs contain more than one material, so it's important to have a professional inspection. You may also have rotted fascia or rake boards that need to be replaced, so ask your chosen roofer about all areas of your roof.

Professional Opinion

Last but not least, don't forget to consider the professional opinion of your local roofing contractors. After all, they're the professionals who do this type of work and can advise you properly. If you want to update materials due to age, climate, or preference, they can give you advice on which ones can work the best for your home and its shape. They will also have knowledge of your local weather patterns and recommend roofing materials that others in your area use.

As you can see, it's not always a clear choice whether you should repair your existing roof or go ahead and get a new replacement. While replacing your roof may cost more money, there are situations where it will end up paying for itself in the long run, such as when you're moving to a new home. If you have any more questions about whether you should repair or replace your existing roof, contact our local team of experienced roofing contractors at Roofers Edge & Siding Inc today.