It’s essential to know the difference between a roof replacement and roof repair before you do it yourself. Roofs are one of the most expensive building elements you will face. Not only are roofs expensive, but they’re also vulnerable to more wear and tear, which means you should learn ways to save money and reduce your risk of damage.
Replacing
A replacement takes more time and is more expensive than a repair. A roof installation involves tearing out the entire roof to the foundation, replacing the shingles and wood decking with new foam and synthetic materials. The installation will likely take several weeks, but you’ll have the replacement roof done in about one day or even less. However, a complete replacement requires a professional crew to remove the old shingles and wood decking from the foundation and bring them to a repair facility.
As you might expect, a roof replacement isn’t for everyone. Some roofs can simply be repaired quickly. If you’re considering a roof repair, here are a few tips to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Repairing
When evaluating whether or not a roof repair is worth the extra effort, consider the overall cost of a new roof. A basic repair, such as a leaky shingle, may cost around the same amount as a new roof. However, if a roofing company is called in to handle a roofing repair, a replacement cost will be more. Most roofing companies charge a fee for each piece of replacement shingle they install, which can add up over time. Plus, when you compare a new roof to a repair, a new roof usually has more durability and strength.
In terms of safety, a roof repair may be better for you than a replacement. New foam and synthetic materials are less likely to peel, are more resistant to the effects of weather, and are usually less likely to cause damage than a patch job. If your roof is damaged, a roof repair should be the only option. On the other hand, if your roof is falling apart, your best bet for a new roof is to replace the shingles and then fix the damaged areas by laying down new shingles with new material.
If your roof needs repairs because of a storm, consider the type of restoration you’d like to do. A shingle replacement, for instance, can involve a few options. You can have your shingles reused on another roof, which would cost you less, or you can replace each damaged shingle by making a new, lighter layer of shingles and adding nails, string, or mesh. This can create a barrier between the damaged shingles and the roof, saving you money on labor and materials. In this case, your decision will likely depend on your budget and how much work you’re willing to do.
Besides, the cost of roofing repairs will vary depending on whether they include the materials needed and whether you need to hire a roofing company, like this Austin roof replacement contractor. You also need to consider how many layers you need to cover and all the layers of the old material removed and replaced. A complete, professional installation will probably be more expensive than a simple repair, and it may involve using more materials than just shingles and patching the damaged area.
No matter what you decide, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a professional roofing company to replace or repair your roof. If you are concerned about costs, remember that a complete roof repair can take years, so think twice before deciding to do it yourself.
