When To Repair Vs Replace Your Roof in Ypsilanti Michigan
When you have damage to your roof you will need to have it fixed. Allowing a roof leak to continue will cause a lot of damage in your home. In fact, it may even affect your health if mold starts to grow in your home. But when is it more effective to just replace the roof and start fresh, rather than repairing the old roof on your home? To make sure you are doing the best thing for your home and wallet in the long run, it is important to know when you should repair a roof and when to install a new roof in Ypsilanti Michigan. We’ll take a look at both these options to help you decide what you should do.
When To Repair Vs Replace Your Roof in Ypsilanti Michigan
A new roof can be expensive. In fact, having a new roof installed on your home can easily cost thousands of dollars. While there are things you can do to help cut down on costs, many home owners choose to get a roof repair in Ypsilanti Michigan to put off getting a new roof for as long as possible. Sometimes this can help but it may not always be the best idea. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding if you should get a new roof installed on your Ypsilanti Michigan home:
Age Of Roof
Roofs are designed to last between 15 and 30 years from when they are first installed on your home. If your roof is nearing the 15 year mark, or is past it, it is typically better to replace your roof, rather than doing repairs. This is because your roof has aged significantly and will be much less durable and structurally sound than it used to be. So problems will become much more common, and increase in severity as time goes on. While replacing your roof will cost you more upfront, you will save money in the long term by not having to pay for so many repairs to try to put off the inevitable.
For newer roofs, unless the damage is extensive, it is better to repair the roof in most cases. This is because the materials are still strong and able to handle more. But if a new roof is continually giving you problems, it can be a sign that there is a problems with the installation, making it important to find the issue and fix it.
Severity Of Damage
While roofs are designed to last decades, it really comes down to how you care for them. A poorly maintained roof will last significantly less than a roof that is well looked after. This means that a roof can become severely damaged at any age, if you don’t perform regular maintenance.
If you are looking at an initial leak, it is usually easier to just repair it. But if you have had a leak going on for a while, it can cause significantly more damage. This includes mold in your attic and throughout your home, and warping or rotting of the structural beams. Once the structural system of your roof has been compromised, it will require a replacement to bring it up to code again. Otherwise, your home can struggle to hold up your roof, leading to sagging and even collapsing. This poses a major safety risk for all inhabitants.
Replace Vs Re-covering
If your structural system is still sound on your roof, you can also consider re-covering. This allows you to essentially put a whole new roof over an existing one, making it moisture resistant, leak free, and ready for anything. This is a good option for those who cannot afford a roof replacement, but should not be used when your roof has reached advanced age. This is because it can be too much weight for your old roof to handle.
Before re-covering your roof, you will need to have your home inspected to make sure it will be able to handle the process and weight of the new layer. It is also important to note that the re-covering will only act as a Band-Aid for a few years, before replacement will need to happen.
Be sure to call us at Ypsilanti Roofing Company to discuss your roofing options. We can also help with financing for the new roof. Call us today for a free quote on roofing services in Ypsilanti Michigan.