If you live in Lancaster, York, Berks, Dauphin, or anywhere in the South Central PA area, the choice to repair or replace is a big decision for homeowners dealing with roof damage. Working with a trusted North American roofing contractor can take the guesswork out of the decision. As you talk through this issue with your preferred roofer, here are 5 items you need to consider:
1. How old is your roof?
Depending on what material your roof is made of, the lifespan of your roof will vary. If your roof is getting close to (or is past) 20 years old, replacing it may be more cost-effective than doing repairs. Here is a helpful list with average lifespans of different roofing materials to use as a guide:
- Wood Shake – 15-20 years
- Asphalt Shingle – 15-25 years
- Metal/Steel – 50+ years
- Slate – 50+ years
- Tile/Concrete – 50+ years
- Single-Ply – 30+ years
2. Are your leaks localized?
With the tornado and storm damages this past summer near Lititz, Ephrata, Sinking Spring, Reading, Wyomissing, and other Berks Counties, there was a lot of damage done to homes and roofs. If the damage to your roof is isolated to one area, repairs will be simpler than if you have leaks spread over several sections. Often, roofs will leak along flashing points. If this is the case and leaks are localized to one area, a skilled contractor can let you know if a quick repair is all your roof needs. If the damage is more widespread, talk with your local roofing contractor about if a replacement could be necessary.
3. Are there signs of rot?
When your roof shows signs of mold or rot, you have trapped moisture that could be causing serious damage to your property. A trusted contractor can advise you on how extensive the damage is, internal to your home and externally to your roof. It may only require replacing one section, but when you see rot, repairs are certainly in order.
4. How long will you be in this home?
If this is a home that you plan to sell in the next couple of years, replacing the roof may not make sense if it’s still in generally good condition. If you’re planning to live in this home for the next several decades, it may be a better investment, in the long run, to replace it instead of doing several rounds of repairs. Your roofing contractor can help you decide the best way to approach these repairs.
5. Could Your Material Choice Affect Your Home Insurance?
If you do end up replacing your roof, the type of materials you choose can qualify you for significant discounts on your homeowners’ insurance. Often, using shingles that are fire, wind, or hail damage resistant will result in lower rates. Make sure that you are working with a roofing contractor who uses the highest quality materials, both for your insurance rate and for the longevity of your investment.
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If you’re concerned about damage to your roof or leaks you’ve noticed in your home, get in touch with us. We’d be happy to give you a free roof inspection and have an honest discussion about what would be the best repair or replacement decision for your home. We consider it our mission to protect your home, your family, and your wallet.
