Impact Roofing
Should You Repair Or Replace Your Roof (Pros & Cons)



Get a Free Roof Inspection Now!

Home » Blog » Should You Repair Or Replace Your Roof (Pros & Cons)

With the average cost of a roof replacement sitting between five and ten thousand dollars, it’s no doubt that it’s one of the biggest investments you can make in your home. Short of gutting and remodeling your home, your roof is going to be a large expense at some point—whether you’re repairing or replacing it. But when do you know if it’s right to replace vs. repair the roof? We’ll help you figure that out.

What Does a Roof Repair Entail?

Sometimes you need to get your roof repaired after experiencing storm damage or some other sort of damage. Repairs are often covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, as long as damages were not caused by human error.

This can be incredibly helpful and ensures you get your roof back to normal within a day and of little cost to you. However, repairs can also bring high out-of-pocket costs if it’s past its warranty, DIY repairs failed, or it’s too old to be covered and may require a replacement instead. 

reputable contractor helping woman decide if she should repair or replace your roof

Pros and Cons of Roof Repair

✅ The benefits of a roof repair include:

  • buying time until you can get a total roof replacement
  • getting your roof back in good shape quickly
  • is often covered under homeowner’s insurance

❌ The downfalls of a roof repair include:

  • trouble matching the shingles of your existing roof (sometimes colors or materials get discontinued)
  • insurance will only cover storm or accidental damage, not wear and tear
  • DIY repairs can lead to additional damage, costing you more money

What Goes Into a Roof Replacement?

On the other hand, a total roof replacement will include a full roof tear-off and replacing everything down to the roofing deck with brand new materials. It’s a much bigger project but is definitely worth the cost if you find yourself with an aging roof that needs more repairs than it’s worth.

A roof replacement is also your opportunity to switch your roofing materials if you want to upgrade or even change the colors and style to boost the curb appeal with your home’s exterior. 

man inspecting roof before repair or replacement

Pros and Cons of Roof Replacement

✅ The benefits of a roof replacement include:

  • a brand new roof that will likely last the life of your home (provided you maintain it)
  • replacement comes with a warranty, so if there’s any damage or leaks, repairs may be covered within the term limits of the warranty
  • opportunity to upgrade your roof materials and colors
  • making an excellent investment in your home that improves its longevity
  • a new roof can boost the efficiency and performance of your home

❌ The downfalls of a roof replacement include:

  • it’s far more expensive than roof repairs
  • not every roof comes with the best warranties (find a contractor with a workmanship warranty)
  • it can be more time-consuming and disruptive than small repairs (though most can be done within a day)

Signs You Need Your Roof Repaired

It may not always be obvious whether or not you need your roof repaired. Luckily, there are some tell-tale signs to look for if you think your roof was damaged or requires some attention.

Roof damage can occur from high winds, tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, heavy rains, falling debris, and more. 

Here’s a list of things to watch out for after a storm:

  • leaks or water spots on your ceiling or walls
  • wet attic floor
  • cracked, warped, or missing shingles
  • discoloration of shingles
  • granules found in gutters and downspouts
  • large branches or debris on the roof
  • Higher-than-normal energy bills

Some roof repairs may not be apparent until you notice any of the above issues. And the longer you let issues sit; the worse repairs can be. Water damage, for example, can spread and lead to mold growth which can lead to more costly repairs and require interior repairs as well as the roof.

If it is safe to do so after a storm, it is a good idea to walk around your property and check for any signs of damage on your roof, gutters, or any other parts of your home’s exterior. Then you can act fast, calling a contractor for an inspection and get the ball rolling on an insurance claim.

An inspection can determine the extent of the damage, and if it’s catastrophic or a large portion of your roof requires repair, a total replacement may be recommended instead.

Missing shingles helping to determine if you should repair or replace your roof

Signs You Need Your Roof Replaced

Roof replacement can be either a recommendation for your roof following severe damage or if your roof is beyond its intended lifespan and has too much wear and tear. It can be a conscious decision if you are looking to upgrade your roof for one reason another.

No matter what, a roof replacement is a significant investment in your home. Choosing the suitable roofing materials and colors is vital to ensuring you get the most out of that investment. To reiterate, reasons for a roof replacement may include:

  • storm damage significant enough to require replacement
  • your roof is too old for repairs
  • insurance no longer covers repairs
  • you want to boost curb appeal and upgrade your roof
  • looking to sell, investing in a new roof before putting the house on the market will help it sell faster
  • renovations to a home with additions often require a roof replacement
  • the shingles on your existing roof have been discontinued (and unavailable for repairs)
man on roof completing a roof replacement

A roof replacement isn’t something to take lightly and takes a lot more consideration than a roof repair. There are many questions you should ask yourself before replacing your roof, like “What is my budget?”, “What color do I want my roof?” or “How long do I want my roof to last?”. Here are a few signs you need to replace your roof vs. repair it:

  • your roof is 20 years old (particularly for asphalt shingles)
  • the roof has dark streaks or moss growth
  • you have many curled or worn shingles
  • you notice sagging or deformities in the roof
  • you have recurrent water leaks
  • you have very high energy bills because heat seeps out of the roof
  • you notice your neighbors getting new roofs (chances are the neighborhood was built around the same time)
  • shingles show bald spots or extensive granule loss
  • you’re out of warranty
  • you plan to stay in your home for a long time
  • vice versa—you want to sell your house but up the value with a new roof

Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your Roof

A professional roofing inspection can determine for certain if you should get your roof replaced vs. repaired. 

An inspection may include taking photos of the roofing system or inspecting for water damage. It can then be determined if repairs are an option at all.

A general rule of thumb is to have your roof inspected by a professional every 3-5 years, depending on how much your area receives in rainfall. Those living near trees or in more humid areas can expect their roof to wear more quickly.

woman inspecting blown off shingles

If you are replacing your roof, it is best to start this process during the spring and summer months when weather conditions are more ideal for working on a roof than fall or winter. However, you can start the planning and scheduling process in the colder months because the summers fill up really quickly.

So, when it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, consider all of the signs we’ve listed above. Also, look into your insurance coverage, warranties you may have, and what your budget may be. But in the end, you should definitely call the pros at Impact Roofing.

We can do a thorough inspection to determine the condition and age of your roof if you’re unsure. Then, our experts will offer the best possible solution that suits your needs. And don’t fret; we also offer financing options for a roof replacement to qualifying homeowners! Contact us today to get started.

What Our Customers Say...

Aaron PorterAaron Porter
16:42 28 Feb 22
I had some damage from recent wind on my roof. I was referred to Impact Roofing by a friend and have been extremely pleased with their service. They were prompt, professional and took care of my repair to avoid further damage. I would HIGHLY recommend this company if you are looking for any roofing help! I will be using them myself when the time comes to replace my roof.
I DurneyI Durney
18:07 08 Nov 21
We were in a bad spot with a leaky roof down at work but being a small business owner I can’t afford to be taken advantage of. So glad we chose PFM. Brad gave us a great deal was professional and fixed everything in a timely manner. What a blessing.
Brandon JohnsonBrandon Johnson
20:04 11 Apr 20
Like many of the homes in the area, we had some shingles blow off after being hit hard by Wednesday evenings storm. There was not an excessive amount of damage, but enough that we needed some minor repairs.I spoke with a couple of different companies on Thursday. While they were friendly, their main objective was to take a deposit to put a tarp on my roof and try to get my insurance company involved.While considering the options I noticed PFM Roofing was completing a job just up the road, so I stopped off to talk with Rusty and his crew. They were happy to speak with me and look over some photos I had taken of the damage. After a short conversation he quoted me a reasonable amount to complete the repairs, and even better told me he could have it done the next day. Sure enough, today they showed up to replace the missing shingles and nail down any other shingles that had been raised by the storm.Overall it was a great experience. If you are in the same boat and have some roof damage that needs worked on it is worth your time to give these guys a call!
David GrovesDavid Groves
17:56 06 Jan 20
We called PFM to come repair the repair made by a less reputable company. I had some questions so the owner promptly reached out to me and took plenty of time to address them one by one. I could tell he takes great pride in his company's work and wants his customers to be 100% satisfied. Would highly recommend to anyone in need of professional roofing services.
Informed ConsumerInformed Consumer
21:26 23 Jun 19
PFM Roofing did a whole new roof for me. Competitive Price, Excellent Team, No problems, great people. Professional, respectful, courteous. On-time, kept me informed throughout the whole process. Well-spoken. Top-notch service and workmanship, excellent results, awesome cleanup! Brad and Chance are real Pro's! I highly recommend them for your Roofing job.
js_loader

Request a Free Roof Inspection

We can come out and inspect your roof at no cost! We will check for damaged shingles, missing shingles, leaks, proper ventilation, and all other components of the roof.

The inspection is the first step in our three-step process

A Roofing Company You Can Trust

Impact Roofing, LLC BBB Business Review
google guaranteed
certainteed master shingle applicator

Roofing Services

residential roofing

Residential Roofing

Whether your home has a leaky roof or missing shingles, Impact Roofing is the go-to roofer to keep your family, pets, and belongings safe with precision roofing services.

commercial roofing

Commercial Roofing

Your business needs protection against storms and the effects of an old roof. We implement the best roof services for your commercial building.

roof repair

Roof Repair

Cracked tiles and other structural damage warrant an immediate solution. Get the right repairs for shingle, tile, and metal roofs to tackle your roofing needs.

roof insurance claims

Roof Insurance Claims

Filing an insurance claim for roof damage can be a long and tedious process. We can certify your roof and provide assistance in the insurance claim filing process.

roof repacement

Roof Replacement

A replacement can be the best roofing solution if repairs aren't enough. Get a new installation or replacement with our comprehensive roof service. 

storm damage roof repair

Storm Damage Repair

Hurricanes, hail, high winds, and other effects of storms can warrant costly repair services. Impact Roofing will help you fix your roof quickly and affordably.

Our Easy Process - 3 Steps, 30 Minutes, 30 Days or Less...

Free Inspection

Quality control checklist...from pulling permits to final inspection

Approval

Dedicated worksite foreman....

Fulfillment

Control of the roofing process...clean job site

With open and transparent communication, our team of professionals will make sure you’re never left in the dark. From our first call to the final result, we will ensure you know what we’re doing and why we’re doing it, and keep an open communication for any questions or concerns you may have. You can trust that your roof is in good hands when you work with Impact Roofing. 

Areas We Serve in Indiana

Areas We Serve in Texas

Home | About Us | Roofing Services | Residential Roofing | Commercial Roofing | Roof Repair
Roof Insurance Claims | Roof Replacement | Storm Damage Roof Repair | Financing | Roof Warranty | Blog