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How to Decide if You Should Repair or Replace the Roof

Posted by Justin Havre on Monday, December 3rd, 2018 at 1:14pm.

When Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?Home maintenance is no small feat, and making repairs or replacements to major elements of a home can take a lot of time and energy. It’s not all in vain though, as proper home maintenance can help to increase the value of a property and can see huge benefits when it’s time to sell. One of the more important areas to focus on is the roof, as it’s such a visible portion of the home and can also cost a lot more than other parts of a house, and buyers aren't always looking to buy a fixer upper. The level of wear on a roof can influence the sale price, so let’s explore the various options before a sale.

Repairing A Roof

If a home’s roof has minimal damage and needs just a bit of a facelift before it’s time to sell, repair might be the better option instead of a complete replacement. Many factors go into a roof repair, including proper permits, hiring an experienced professional, and getting an accurate idea of costs.

Since roof repair is a rather specific endeavor, most cities require that the work is permitted before it begins. If a contractor is hired to do the job, they will most likely take care of this important piece. Remember that any work on a rooftop can be dangerous, so it’s usually best to let the professionals take care of it.

Costs can vary based on the material of the roof but can range anywhere from $120 to $1500 per square foot. Discuss with a contractor the areas of the roof that need the most attention and then work on those spots first to minimize costs.

When It’s Time For A Replacement

Certain aspects of a home’s roof might deem it ready for complete replacement, like extensive leaking, deterioration, or if it’s in need of a major facelift. This option can be more costly and involves a lot more work than a repair, as we’re about to see. Not only will a professional be installing an entirely new surface area, but they also need to remove the old roof and its associated gutters and flashing.

Just like with a repair, installing an entirely new roof can vary greatly in cost. Factors like shingle material, geographical area, and roof size are all influencers into the final sum of the project. National averages tend to run around $6,000 but can be as much as $30,000 if premium materials are used on a very large area.

Although a roof replacement might be completed by skilled professionals, it could still take several days before the job is completed.

Extending The Lifespan Of Your Roof

Every roof needs periodic maintenance. Poor maintenance habits may result in leaks and structural damage, and may even shorten the roof's service life. Different types of roofing materials require different levels of maintenance. For example, shingles must be cleaned off periodically. If shingles blow off or crack, they must be replaced. Slate roofs require the nails to be replaced occasionally. If a slate tile becomes damaged, the slate itself may need to be replaced.

Homeowners who want to extend the service life of their roof must have their roof inspected periodically to ensure that it's in good condition. Knowing the expected service life of the roof can help the homeowner to determine when it's time to start getting periodic inspections.

Determine The Goal For Your Roof

If the sale of your home is time sensitive and making a large profit isn’t the number one priority, a simple roof repair might be more in line with your goals. However, if the condition of the roof will seriously impact the home’s potential, it might be worth it to invest the time and money it takes to completely replace the roof. In the end, it’s up to you to determine which roof route might be the best for your home. The area you are selling in may impact this decision as well—selling a home in Northeast Calgary may yield a different decision compared to selling in an area across the city.

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