How to Know When To Replace or Repair Your Roof

Moving or Staying Long Term 

If you do not plan on staying in your current home long-term, and the roof is in good condition, it is possible to make repairs for smaller issues that arise while living there. However, having a roof with multiple repairs can affect the selling potential of your home. It may be wise to consider a roof replacement before listing your home for sale.

Replacing your roof can increase your home's value and improve its appearance, making it more attractive to potential buyers. If your roof is over 20 years old and has had frequent repairs, it may be time to consider replacing it. Ultimately, the decision to replace your roof should be based on whether it is your forever home.

Storm Damage Consideration

Strong winds or hail can cause extensive damage to your roof and even render it unsafe. It's wise to have an expert check for any signs of storm damage after a major weather event. From the ground, you can look for missing shingles or pieces of torn-off siding that may have been blown away in the wind or damaged by hail. If you notice any water stains on your ceiling or walls inside your home, this could be an indication that there has been some kind of leak in your roof from storm damage that needs attention quickly before further damage occurs. In many cases, insurance will cover the costs of a roofing project that stems from storm damage.

Our roofing experts in Lancaster PA can assist in identifying storm damage and coordinating with your insurance company to potentially secure coverage for your roof replacement.

Navigating Insurance Claims 

Understanding how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement is vital. Document the damage thoroughly and review your policy to understand what is covered. When negotiating with insurance, being well-informed and prepared can significantly influence the outcome. Sunnyside Roofing, LLC is a fully licensed and insured PA roofing contractor and can help provide necessary documentation that you will need for your insurance claim.

Incorporating Solar Panels

For those considering roof replacement with solar panels, it's an opportune time to evaluate the benefits of solar energy. This integration can enhance energy efficiency and potentially offer significant savings on electricity bills over time. If you've been thinking about adding solar to your home, the opportune time is during or just after your roof replacement.

Increased Energy Bills 

Finally, a sign that may indicate that it’s time for a new roof is an increase in your energy bills without any other notable changes in your power usage. This can happen due to poor insulation caused by an aging or damaged rooftop structure, leading to heat escaping inside the home during winter and air conditioning leaking out during summer. The leaks then result in higher energy bills.

When to Repair Your Roof

Repairs are often sufficient for minor to moderate damage localized in small areas. If your roof is relatively young and the underlying structure is sound, repairing specific issues can extend its lifespan significantly. Common repair scenarios include replacing missing shingles or fixing minor leaks. For those wondering, "Can a roof be repaired instead of replaced?", the answer is yes, especially when damage is minimal. But what if you don't plan on staying in your home long term? Should that be a determining factor in whether or not your should pay to have your roof replaced? Let's explore the reasons why replacement may make sense.

Gaps Between Shingles

If you notice gaps between shingles on your roof, then this could mean that they are no longer sealed properly, and water could seep through into your home, causing extensive water damage. This is usually caused by aging shingles that have dried out over time due to UV exposure from the sun as well as general wear and tear from weather conditions like wind and rain. We don’t recommend going on your roof just to check for damage. But if you are on your roof and notice that your shingles can come up when pulled loosely with your fingers, that is another sign that they are not sealed and can lead to roofing. 

If you see these gaps in many places across your roof, then this could mean it’s time for a full replacement instead of just patching individual areas with new shingles here and there.

Can My Roof Be Repaired?

Even if your roof is leaking, you might not need a full roof replacement. If your shingles are still properly sealed and your roof isn't experiencing extreme granular loss, excessive UV exposure, or storm damage, we can often find the source of the leak and perform a repair. A roof repair is much less expensive and time-intensive than a full roof replacement.

The only way to know for sure is to schedule a free roof assessment with an expert. If you are local to Lancaster PA or within central Pennsylvania, Sunnyside Roofing will closely examine your roof and let you know if it needs to be replaced or can simply be repaired. The best part? Our assessment is free.

Time and Cost Considerations

Homeowners often inquire about the duration of a roof replacement project. The timeline is dependent on factors such as roof size, chosen materials, and weather conditions. Typically, most replacements are finished within a timeframe ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Understanding these variables can help in setting realistic expectations for the duration and cost of the project.

When determining whether to opt for roof replacement or repair, consider the cost. If the repair costs exceed 30% of the cost of a new roof, it may be more cost-effective to replace the roof to prevent future expenses. Additionally, if there are multiple leaks in different sections of the roof, it may indicate a larger underlying issue such as improper installation.

Conclusion: Repair or Replace Your Roof

When deciding between roof repair and replacement, factors such as the age of the roof, the level of damage, and future home goals should be taken into consideration. Seeking advice from a qualified roofing contractor can help in making a well-informed decision. Selecting the appropriate materials and being knowledgeable about the process can have a substantial effect on the safety and value of your home.

The only way to know for sure is to schedule a free roof assessment with an expert. They will closely examine your roof and let you know if it needs to be replaced or can simply be repaired.

If your home is in central Pennsylvania or near Lancaster, and you would like to have a no-pressure meeting with one of our local roofing experts, click here to schedule a free roof assessment or give us a call at (717) 825-7751.