A popular question among homeowners is “should I repair or replace my roof?”
It’s the day after a big storm, and you wake up to find shingles strewn about in your lawn. You can see where they blew off your roof. It’s not a pretty sight. But, what you do next will change the way the rest of your day goes.
SHOULD I REPAIR OR REPLACE MY ROOF?
Depending primarily on the age of your roof and the materials that were used, you may have the option to choose between repairing or replacing your roof.
Roof repair – If the damage is minor and your shingles are still in good shape, there may be nothing wrong with just repairing them. Roof repairs are also more affordable than an entire roof replacement. One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll have to find matching shingles so that your roof doesn’t look mismatched after you have your roof repaired.
Roof replacement – If your shingles are severely damaged, few in number, or you have a leak, it’s time to get a complete roof replacement. Keep in mind, the age of your roof and the amount of time it has left in its expected life is another factor that can determine replacement. While this might sound like a big undertaking, it’s not as bad as dealing with the long-term damages of a leaky roof.
“Should I repair or replace my roof?” is a big question. We recommend that you bring in an expert to give you their opinion and best advice. MARS Restoration is a great option if you’re looking for a roofer in the greater Maryland area, give us a call!
HOW TO MAKE A ROOF INSURANCE CLAIM
Roof damage is common, and your homeowner’s insurance will cover at least some of the costs (sometimes all of them). There are two ways to file a roof insurance claim, either way, you choose; we encourage you to take some pictures of the damage right away.
The first way to make a claim is to assess the damage and get a quote for the repairs. You’ll then need to submit all relevant information to the insurance company. Unfortunately, when you make a claim this way, you’re at the mercy of both the contractor giving you the quote and the insurance company.
The second way that you can make an insurance claim right away is to call a professional roofing contractor like MARS Restoration. MARS can help handle the entire insurance claim from start to finish. We’ll be out to offer a free inspection within 24 hours, and we carry the same certification as professional insurance adjusters. From inspection to construction, we’ll be able to work with your insurance company and provide stress-free service for you.
ROOF REPLACEMENT: PROS & CONS
There are advantages and disadvantages to both replacement and repair. Keep in mind, some of these factors can vary greatly depending on the roofing company you decide to go with. Here are a few of the big ones to know.
PROS OF ROOF REPLACEMENT
- You get a new roof that’s going to protect your home for many years.
- Fixing additional problems and roof leaks.
CONS OF ROOF REPLACEMENT
- Can be very expensive.
- Can take 1-3 days depending on the size of your roof.
- Could make a pretty big mess.
ROOF REPAIR: PROS & CONS
Roof repair isn’t always an option, but when it is, most homeowners will choose to repair their roof because it’s much cheaper and often times easier than getting a full roof replacement.
PROS OF ROOF REPAIR
- Can sometimes be a DIY project. (we don’t recommend this)
- Significantly cheaper than a full replacement.
- Can be done in just a few hours.
- Insurance companies will often cover the cost.
CONS OF ROOF REPAIR
- Might miss fixing significant damage that you can’t see.
- Could cost you more if you miss a roof leak or signs of rot.
- Might not be able to match the shingles that are on your roof.
REPAIR VS. REPLACEMENT FLOW CHART
To help make the decision between roof repairs or full roof replacements, we put together a clear flow chart. If you are having trouble deciding this for yourself, we would recommend having a roofing contractor come for a roof inspection. Depending on the roofing company you go with, your roof inspection could be free and will help identify any serious problems which will point you in the right direction.
CONTACT MARS RESTORATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP!
If you decide you need either repairs or a complete roof replacement, make sure to keep us in mind! MARS Restoration is a full-service roofing and restoration company that offers several services. But, roofing is at our core, and it’s a service that we’re proud to offer at the highest caliber. You can learn more about our roofing services here.