Flat Roof Replacement vs. Repair

To replace or repair—this is the question many homeowners ask themselves after realizing the lifespan of a roof.

Below, we discuss factors that indicate it’s time for roof replacement, as well as those that indicate just simple repairs are needed.

If your roof is rife with visible damage, it’s probably time to get a roof replacement. The cost of fixing all the damage is likely to be higher than the cost of a replacement, and a replacement can be executed in a shorter window of time.

Usually, a lot of damage being present goes hand-in-hand with old age. That said, your roof could’ve sustained damage from severe weather or a fire.

A team of professional roofers will be able to thoroughly inspect your roof and determine whether or not fixing all the damage is more feasible than simply replacing the roof.

Does your roof leak when it rains or after a significant snow storm? This is probably because there are holes in your roof.

A leak isn’t such a big deal at first, but if you don’t detect this for a while, it can weaken the structure underneath the roof, fostering mold growth and causing a bunch of other problems.

If a few minor holes are the reason why your roof is leaking, simply patch up the roof and you should be good. But if the leaks have resulted in significant damage, and it’s more cost-effective to replace the roof, then go with roof replacement.

The roof’s age is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re debating whether or not to get your roof replaced or repaired. Most residential roofs last 25-50 years, so if yours has been around for a few decades it may be time to consider getting a replacement.

How long your roof lasts depends largely on the quality of installation, how well it’s been maintained over the years, and the climate in which your home is located.

A weakened roof is often the cause of higher energy bills.

Particularly in the winter, if your roof is poorly insulated, it won’t be able to keep the heat in. Most homeowners are concerned about heat escaping through their doors and windows, not even realizing that heat is seeping out right above their heads.

Professional roofers can assess the energy efficiency of your roof and determine whether or not this can be improved. If not, they’ll recommend replacing the roof with one that has superior insulation.

If the flashing around your chimney, vent pipe, or other fixtures is defective (for a couple of reasons like, for example, the weight of your roof), you could experience roof leaks that eventually lead to moisture damage. Flashing issues, however, are easy to fix, so roof replacement won’t be necessary. 

At Lane’s Contracting, we have the manpower, tools, know-how, and experience necessary to handle all kinds of roof replacements—for residential and commercial clients—and we are also roof repair masters.

Call us at (984) 355-9692 or check us out online to get a free, no-obligation quote!