Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?
A weatherproof roof is essential to keep out the cold and rain, but should you replace or repair it if your roof fails to do its job?
A new roof costs between £3000 and £18000, so it is not a decision to be taken lightly. Saving into a new roof fund is a great idea, but unfortunately, few of us have the foresight or disposable income to do this, and the replacement cost can be hard to find.
The temptation is to patch things up, but does this always make financial sense in the long run?
Budget can be a big issue, but you should consider the following factors when deciding whether to repair or replace your existing roof.
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The age of your roof
Nothing lasts forever, and most roofs have a life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years. The deterioration of materials due to weather exposure and time means that every roof will eventually need replacing. However, you should check the warranty if you have major problems with a roof less than ten years old. Many roofing companies guarantee workmanship for at least ten years and some roofing materials for even longer. Serious roof issues without a damaging event like an extreme storm or tree fall may point to poor installation, and in this case, the householder shouldn’t have to bear the cost of replacing the roof.
The extent of any damage
Catastrophic events like a freak storm or a tree falling onto your roof will require an expensive replacement of part or all of your roof. Your insurance company should cover the cost.
However, if high winds blow off a few slates or tiles, then a roofer should be able to replace these for you without breaking the bank. In this case, it is essential to have the work done as quickly as possible so that water doesn’t get into your home through the gaps in the roof and cause internal damage that will cost more to repair.
Our roof cleaning and refurbishment service is a good way to keep your roof in good condition. We can also alert you to any damage that cannot be seen from ground level.
The materials used in your original roof
A properly installed slate roof can last for over 100 years and will just require new slates to be fitted as needed. Other types of tile, like clay, metal, or concrete, can last about forty years.
Flat felt roofs usually have the shortest life span, but an EPDM flat roof will last for fifty years. The rubber membrane is highly resistant to UV radiation, ozone, alkali rains, and temperature extremes.
Of course, the tiles are just one part of your roof, and the best slate tiles will last far longer than the other parts of the roof structure – or even the rest of the house. If the wooden frame of your roof begins to fail, the roof will start to sag and replacement will probably be the only option.
Any type of roof needs routine inspection and maintenance and inspection to make it last as long as possible.
How long do you plan to stay in the house?
If you plan to move on soon and know your roof is a problem, a replacement roof could put your property in a different price bracket.
A roof that shows signs of extensive repairs may concern buyers who may suspect a major issue is being patched over.
Finding materials that blend in with the original roof may become difficult as your roof ages. New tiles will always look different, and a mismatched effect may detract from your house’s visual appeal.
If you are in your forever home, then you may like to invest in a new roof to give yourself peace of mind.
Alternatively, you could maintain your existing roof for as long as possible with regular repairs.
Contact Improve a Roof for help in protecting your roof
We are based in Macclesfield, and our team provides roof cleaning and inspection services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.
Call us NOW on 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.