Reroofing vs. Roof Replacement: Which One Is Best For Your Home?

All roofs have a limited lifespan, so at some point, your roof will need to be replaced. If your roof has taken on any damage or appears to need repairs, is reroofing or replacing needed?

Here’s how to decide which option is better for your home, so you can protect it no matter what the weather can throw it.

When Was Your Roof Last Replaced?

The first question you need to ask yourself is, when was the roof last replaced? If you know this, then you can work out whether it would make more sense to repair the roof or replace it entirely. The lifespan of your roof will depend on the materials used to make it. For example, if you had asphalt shingles installed last time, then these will last for around 30 years before they need to be removed and replaced. If you had a metal roof installed last time, then you have about 70 years before it needs to be changed out.

If you were the one to last replace the roof, or you moved into your home with full information about when the last time the roof was replaced, then that makes your life a lot easier. However, don’t worry if you don’t know the answer to this question, as you still can work out which option is best for you.

How Extensive Is The Damage?

You’ll most likely be considering a roof replacement or repair if there is current damage to it. As well as the age of the roof, you will also need to consider the extent of the damage.

For example, if you are simply missing a few shingles, these are very easily replaced and your roof will be as good as new. However, you may have more extensive damage to your roof. That can be large sections missing shingles, water damage to the inside of the roof, wood rot in the timbers, and so on. In these instances, it will make more sense to replace the roof entirely rather than repair the damage itself.

If you’re not sure how bad the damage is, it’s always a good idea to talk to your local roofer. They will be able to tell you whether you will need to replace the roof or not.

What Is Your Local Climate Like?

Something you need to keep in mind when you’re thinking about having your roof replaced or repaired is the climate in your area. In some states, you will be dealing with extreme cold and snow, heavy rains, high winds, or even tornadoes or hurricanes. With so much to consider, you need to be sure that your roof can stand up to the elements.

In these instances, you may not want to wait until the roof has reached its lifespan in order to replace it. Instead, you will want to look into having the roof replaced with a roofing material that can stand up to the elements that you expect.

As an example, if you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires, then you will want to have a metal roof installed. These will resist fire as they have a class A fire rating, and so we’ll keep your home safe if a wildfire does break out. If you don’t have a metal roof at the moment, then having that replaced sooner rather than later is a smart move.

Talk To Your Roofer

Still not sure whether to remove and replace your roof, or repair it? Not to worry, as you can talk to your roofer about what you need to do. It’s always a good idea to get a roofer involved anyway, as they are the experts, and we’ll be able to spot any issues that you may not have noticed.

As such, have a roofer come and inspect your roof, and see if there are any issues that need to be addressed. If the roof needs to be replaced for any reason, they will be able to tell you.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Roof

While at some point you will need to replace your roof, there are ways you can ensure your current roof lasts as long as possible. Here’s how you can extend the life of your current roof, and ensure it’s protecting your home.

Clean out the gutters: Firstly, you need to be keeping a close eye on your gutters, as they are what direct rainwater away from your roof. However it’s really easy for them to get clogged with debris, and that can lead the issues like overflowing water and ice dams.

Make sure you clean out the gutters regularly, so there’s nothing in the way of the water when it runs off your roof.

Inspect your roof regularly:  you can’t know if your roof needs any attention if you’re not paying attention to it. You’ll need to spend some time at least twice a year inspecting your roof, to ensure that you can address any issues as soon as they appear.

You can check the outside of your roof by standing outside looking from the ground, using binoculars if you want to get a closer look. Make sure you also get into your attic, so you can see any issues from the inside, such as light coming in through the roof or wood rot. 

Call your roofer: Finally, if you ever do spot issues with your roof, then you should be calling your roofer. It’s hard to overstate how important it is that you call them as soon as possible. They will be able to do any repairs quickly, before they get worse and start causing other issues.

Reroofing vs Roof Replacement Conclusion

Knowing when to replace your roof depends on the current life span of your roof, as well as your local climate and any damage that is currently leading to be dealt with. Talk to your roofer and they will help you make the decision.

And if you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Middleburg, Winchester, or Leesburg, we’ll be happy to help you with your gutter and reroofing needs.