Roof Repair vs. Replacement? How Do You Know?

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement?
How Do You Know?

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement? How Do You Know? 15 Jan

It’s tough to know when your roof needs a patch job or repair, or whether you’re better off getting a total replacement. Often times, small repairs can be sufficient, especially in the earlier days of your roof. They are affordable fixes that are necessary to prolong the life of your roof. However, if your roof is approaching the end of its useful lifespan, or you’ve made several repairs over the years, or if it has sustained a large amount of damage at once, it’s usually more cost feasible to consider an entirely new roof.

But how do you really know? Here are some things to consider.

Age of the Roof

Whether you have an asphalt shingle roof or a metal roof age is a big factor in deciding which service to go with. Keep in mind, basic shingle roofs last about 20 years, but you may be able to get about 40 years out of heavier architectural shingles. Metal roofs last between 40 and 70 years or even longer with good maintenance.

It’s unlikely that you would have to replace your metal roof in your lifetime if you were the one to install it. If you bought a home with a metal roof already on it, age will definitely come into play.

If you’re not exactly sure how old the roof is, ask your roofing professional to inspect it and give you a conclusive answer.

Signs of an aging asphalt roof include:

  • Curling or buckling shingles
  • Bald or blistering shingles
  • Missing shingles
  • Sagging roof
  • Moss on roof
  • Granules in gutters

Signs of an aging metal roof include:

  • Leaks at seams, ridge caps, flashings, vents, skylights, fasteners and areas of penetration
  • Lifting up at the overlapping edges
  • Damage on painted finish
  • Painted finish is older than 30 years (standing seam)
  • Fasteners are wallowing out
  • Severe storm damage
  • Metal is brittle and flimsy
  • Metal is corroded or discolored

Duration in the Home

Another factor to consider is how long you think you’ll be living in the home. If you plan on selling in the near future, a repair is the most cost feasible choice. However, if your roof is nearing the end of its life, you may find it beneficial to pay for replacing the roof so you can command a higher selling price later.

Your Budget

A roof replacement is a costly investment, a wise one, to be sure, but costly nonetheless. Many people just don’t have the money for a new roof in the budget. Ask your roofer what repairs are critical to keep your roof going for just a while longer while you build up a nest egg.

All of these factors will come into play when it comes time to deciding between a repair and a replacement. Your trusted South Shore Hanson MA roofer should be able to work with you on the best solution.

Contact Revered Roofing in the South Shore

If you’re unsure whether you need a roofing repair or a roof replacement, contact us at 781-536-4589 in Hanson MA today at 781-536-4589. For a free quote and to schedule an appointment.

We serve the entire South Shore and lower Cape with quality roofing products, including Hanson, Taunton, Marshfield, Quincy, Falmouth, Hingham, Norwell, Norwood, Milton, Stoughton, Framingham, and Plymouth.


Great job! Thank you Revered Metal Roofing! Very professional and worked with us on having our back shed worked on as well.
Contact Revered Metal Roofing

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