Does your roof have some problems that have caused the need for repair? If so, you may be wondering if you should pay money for the repair or have the material replaced. While replacement ultimately will cost more money, it may be better than roof repair in some situations. Here is what you need to know if you're deciding between repair or replacement.

The Extent of the Damage

Inspecting your roof for damage can be quite difficult if doing it on your own. While you can do a quick visual inspection and find loose asphalt shingles or damaged tile, you won't know for sure what is happening underneath the roofing material. There could be moisture damaged to the roof deck, which would require taking off the existing roofing material to address the problem. If you are not aware of the problem and have a repair performed, it may cause mold growth that will damage the existing roofing material.

That's why it is always a good idea to have your roof professionally inspected by a local roofing contractor. If they find portions of the roof that are significantly damaged, they may suggest replacement over repair, since replacement may soon be in your future. If there is underlying damage to the roof, they may report that repair is the best option.

The Roof's LIfespan

All roofing materials are not made equally, with each material having its own estimated lifespan. Asphalt shingles tend to last between 15 and 25 years, wood shingles last between 10 and 20 years, and tile can give you 40 to 60 years of use.

If your current roofing material is already near the upper end of the estimated lifespan, consider going to roof replacement. At the same time, you can upgrade to a longer lasting material that could potentially be the last roof you ever have installed on your home.

The Roof's Style

Needing roof work can also be an opportunity to change the whole look of your home if that is something you have a desire to do. If you were already on the fence about replacing your existing roofing material with something completely different when the time comes, you could use the repair as an excuse to finally make that upgrade. Improving the aesthetics of your roof can make your home look drastically different. Not only will you have a new roof, but your home will have a new look.

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