Can you replace only half a roof? In short, yes — but is it the best idea?
You may not need to replace the entire structure if only one part has been damaged or decayed over time. In this case, it is up to you to determine if you should replace the entire thing, replace half a roof, or repair the damaged area of your house.
However, it is best not to replace half of your home’s roof. Let’s discuss why that is and what factors will help determine your choice.
CONS OF REPLACING HALF A ROOF
Have you been wondering, “can you replace only half a roof?” There are pros and cons you should consider before proceeding. Homeowners need to know this process’s drawbacks before spending money and valuable time on paying for a professional to do this service.
DIFFERENT LONGEVITY
The first drawback of replacing just half a roof is that the two halves of your roof will have different lifespans in the long run. For example, if you replace half a roof, but the other half of your roof is ten years old, you will always have different replacement timelines, which can cost more money.
Instead of replacing just half a roof, consider replacing the entire roof to ensure both sides of your roof are properly installed to the same standard.
COSTS MORE IN THE END
The second con is that if you want to replace half of your roof, it will be more costly because you will have to pay for repairs on the other half of the roof that you did not replace. Plus, you will have to replace your roof halves at different times, meaning you will have to pay for two hefty replacements instead of just one.
NO WARRANTY PROTECTION
The third drawback of a partial roof fix is that you will not have full warranty protection for the tree structure. Instead, you will have two warranties that come after a partial replacement; this means that you won’t be eligible for the longer-term warranties that can help protect your roof against bad weather elements and long-term damage.
Lastly, many roofing companies will not uphold their roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty since they know the roof has a shorter lifespan than a full roof repair or whole roof fix. Your insurance company will not cover this roof inspection or partial repair.
LESS AESTHETIC
Replacing half your roof is less aesthetic than replacing the entire thing, which is a drawback if you are into the looks of your home or you are thinking of putting your house on the market in the future. In addition, you will get less curb appeal and a lower asking price than if you replaced the entire roof.
TIGHT BUDGET CONCERNS
Lastly, if you have budgeting issues, some roofing experts may not offer free roof inspections for those who want to replace only half of their structure. Although two different roofing contractors may differ in their policies, most companies do not provide free inspections for just a few new shingles.
PROS OF REPLACING HALF A ROOF
Are there any pros to replacing just half a roof for your home? In some cases, yes. Although you may end up paying more in the long run, there are certain instances in which replacing part of a roof can be good for your current situation.
SMALL-SCALE REPLACEMENT
Although replacing half of your roof is typically not the best idea, a small-scale roof fix can be good for shingle damage from a storm or intense weather.
If you need to replace damaged shingles, existing shingles, or architectural shingles that take up less than half of your current roof, a small-scale replacement can be a viable home improvement option.
LITTLE UNDERLAYMENT DAMAGE
When you get a roof fix, you typically have to replace the underlayment under the exterior portion of your roof.
However, if there isn’t damage to the second layer of your roof, it makes sense to replace half of your old roof without spending more on the internal structure.
ENTIRE ROOF REPLACEMENT PRICE
Overall, the average national cost to replace a roof is around $8,000, with the majority of roof replacement prices between $4,500 and $11,000 for bigger homes.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE PRICE
The two factors that significantly influence the overall roof fix price are the square footage of your roof and the type of roofing materials.
Therefore, the price of half of a roof replacement is typically between $2,750 and $5,500. The price depends on the size of the repair and the roofing material. The average labor cost for roof repairs and replacements is between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot.
Numerous factors influence the total roof repair price, such as the price of the roofing crew, financing options, and warranty type.
Many homeowners must decide between an enhanced or prorated warranty when repairing their roof.
HIRING A PROFESSIONAL
Replacing just half the roof is less beneficial than replacing the whole roof. Any reputable roofing contractor will offer a free roof inspection for a new roof but may second guess an inspection for a few shingles.
Professional roofing contractors know that a full roof replacement is much smarter and safer than replacing only half of a new roof.
Although it may seem like you are saving money upfront with a small patch job, you will actually save money with a full replacement.
Avoid structural damage and mitigate any risks by having a professional roofer talk about roof replacement options with you.
FINAL THOUGHTS
So, can you replace only half a roof? What if you have missing shingles or a fallen tree on your roof?
Yes, you can, but it is not a good idea. Paying for a half-roof repair can seem like the best way to repair an existing roof and install new shingles, but it can cost more over time and lead to instability in the house.