To repair or replace your roof that is the question!

There are several factors that can help you determine whether you should repair or replace your roof.  These factors are:

• Age of the Roof
• Area of the roof affected
• Roof Condition

Roof Age

The age of your roof is one of the most important considerations when you are trying to decide to repair or replace your roof.  If your roof is more than 15 years old, it may make sense to replace the roof.   Below are a list of the various commercial roof and residential roof types and their approximate age limits:

Asphalt Shingled Roofs: Between 15-30 years
Rubber Roofs: Between 30-50 years
Modified Bitumen Roofs: Between 15-20 years

The type of commercial or residential roof installed will determine it’s upper limit as far as how long it is likely to last.   If your company or residence has performed regular roof maintenance, then your roof is likely to last closer to the upper limit.  As your roof gets closer to its maximum lifespan, it becomes cheaper to replace the roof rather than repair it.

Roof Area Affected

The next question is how wide spread is the damage to the roof?  If the damage is limited to only a small area, a repair is likely cheaper than replacement.  However, it is important that a qualified roofing contractor evaluate the damage.  Sometimes looks can be deceiving and the damage can be more widespread than it initially appears. Damage may be contained to a small area but if the underlying roofing structure has been affected, then the damage could be substantially larger in scope.  Assuming the underlying roofing structure has not been damaged, a small area is likely cheaper to repair.

Roof Condition

The condition of the roof is another factor affecting the decision on repair versus replacement.  Even if the roof has years left in its normal lifespan, if the roof has not undergone routine roof maintenance or has been damaged by inclement weather or other causes it may be in poor condition.  If a significant area of the roof is in poor condition, it may be too costly to repair and may need to be replaced. If you have a commercial low sloped roof, it may be obvious from a visual inspection that the roof is in poor condition.  If bad weather such as hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, or other natural disasters have occurred then you will likely be looking at replacement.

If the roof is well within its age limit and appears to be in good shape, then a repair or routine maintenance may be the better option.   Camco Roofing Ltd can provide routine maintenance or roof replacement to your business or to residences with low sloped roofs that are located in Manitoba or close by.

Pros and Cons of Roof Repair Versus Roof Replacement

Roof Repair Pros:

• Cheaper than replacement
• Can usually be performed quickly
• Extends roof lifespan

Roof Repair Cons:

• Poor quality repairs can lead to even bigger problems down the road
• Bigger problems could be masked by the roof repair

Roof Replacement Pros:

• Increases curb appeal
• Will last longer than a repair
• underlying issues will be addressed
• Can save money over time

Roof Replacement Cons:

• Substantial cost in labor and materials
• Takes longer than a repair
• Noise from nailers and roofing crew can disrupt business

If you require assistance determing the best course of action, please feel free to contact Camco Roofing Ltd for a Free Quotation!

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