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Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement—Which is Best for Your Roof?
January 21, 2025
Roof repair vs roof replacement—which is best for your roof? Whether you need repairs or a complete replacement depends on factors like:
- Condition of your roof. A few shingles that need replacing after a small hail storm is the type of minor damage that’s easy to address. Moderate or major problems, like water damage, can require repairs so extensive that it may make more sense to replace the roof entirely.
- Repair costs vs replacement costs. Sometimes the cost of a new roof is less than the total repair costs for a roof with extensive damage. In these cases, it can be more cost effective to just re-roof rather than go with repairs. A professional contractor can assess the situation to give you a better idea of total costs for repairs vs replacements.
- Type of roof. Shingle roofs are often easy enough to repair while slate roofs and types of metal roofing can be trickier—and costlier—to repair, making the decision to repair or replace more involved.
- Age of the roof. Newer roofs are more likely to withstand minor damage and can be more easily repaired. Older roofs are less likely to handle small damages, with regular wear and tear plus new damage leading to greater odds of dangerous structural damage.
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When are Roof Repairs a Good Idea?
It’s a good idea to repair a roof for:
- Missing shingles, granules, or tiles
- Damaged shingles, granules, or tiles
- Hail roof damage that doesn’t lead to structural damage
- The durability of your entire roof is not in question
When is a Roof Replacement a Good Idea?
It’s a good idea to opt for a full roof replacement for:
- Times it’s more cost-effective than repairing the entire roof
- An old roof that is no longer under warranty
- Extensive water damage from roof leaks
- Improving curb appeal of your home
Other Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decide if my roof needs to be repaired or completely replaced?
Signs that you need a new roof replacement instead of just minor repairs to an existing roof include:
- Water damage that compromises structural integrity, even if the damage only appears to be from a small leak.
- It is past or near the end of the roof’s lifespan.
- The extent of the damage is so severe that it would cost more to remediate current roof issues than to do a complete roof replacement.
- You want to enhance the energy efficiency of your home by replacing your current roofing system with more energy-efficient roofing materials.
- You want to enhance the curb appeal of your home by installing a more attractive roof.
What is considered a major roof repair?
Minor issues, like some broken tiles from storm damage, are easily remedied. Not all roof problems are as minor as installing a few new shingles, however.
Major problems that require significant repairs include:
- Damaged roof decking
- Extensive water damage
- Unchecked mold growth
- A damaged layer of shingles
- Severe gutter damage
These problems may be so severe that the cost of repairs exceeds new roof replacement costs.
How much does a new roof cost?
The answer to this question will vary based on factors like the size of the roof, the roofing materials used, what roofing system you have, whether the underlying structure of the roof is in good condition, labor costs in your area, and whether insurance helps cover the cost.
That said, the average cost of professionally installing a 1000-square foot asphalt shingle roof in the United States is roughly $5,000 – $10,000 upfront.
How do you find a reputable roofing contractor for an inspection?
Still not sure if a roof repair vs roof replacement is the right choice for you? Contact the expert roofers at Stonebridge. We offer free roof inspections to help homeowners and business owners decide if repairs or a replacement is the best option. Even better, we offer a list of possible solutions at various price points, so you can choose the course of action that best fits your budget and timeline.
For your next roofing project, don’t leave the structural integrity of your roof to chance. Get peace of mind that everything is in good hands. Contact the roofing company that’s been serving the St. Louis area for decades: Stonebridge Roofing.