There’s no denying that typically, having any kind of work done to your roof can be costly. However, repairs to a roof are often essential, especially if a leak has been spotted or part of the roof is missing following a weather event. That said, having your entire roof replaced is always going to be the most expensive option, and if repairs are an option for your roof, this will help you protect your savings and preserve your bank balance.
How to tell if your roof needs to be replaced
Most well installed roofs can lost for 20 years or more, and if yours is approaching that kind of timeline and is in need of repairs, a professional roofing contractor might advise that you replace it to prevent the cost of further repairs down the line.
If your roof is much younger though, a roofing professional may carry out a thorough inspection and recommend that you have some repairs carried out instead. This will almost always cost a lot less than a full roof replacement, but do note that if repairs are carried out on a roof that’s already showing sings of age, further repairs could be needed in the future, which could well exceed the cost of having the roof replaced.
What are some of the signs that your roof needs to be repaired?
Some signs will be obvious even to the untrained eye, while others may be spotted during a routine roof inspection:
- There are tiles or shingles missing
- Shingles have become warped or buckled
- The roof is leaking
- Your roof is older than 20 years
Can DIY roof repairs save you money?
Unless you’re a roofing technician, no. Roofing is a specialized skill that professional contractors train for many years to master, and even if you think you know what you’re doing, without the necessary equipment and know-how, DIY roof repairs can be extremely dangerous.
Here are just some of the many reasons why roofing should always be left to the pros:
- They’ve got all the right materials, tools and equipment
While you might think you can save money by repairing your roof yourself and buying cheaper materials, the opposite is almost always true. Cost-cutting when you don’t fully understand what you’re doing, can actually end up costing you more money in the long run. Quality roofing contractors may spend more on roofing materials than you would, but this is typically because they’re designed to last longer, and therefore, will not need replacing again so soon.
Experienced roofing contractors also carry all the right tools and equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently, and the cost of hiring these and learning how to use them, is often considerable.
- Roofing contractors offer warranties
The majority of reputable roofing contractors offerwarranties with their service contracts, so you don’t have to worry about any unexpected problems arising later on down the line because of improper repairs or installation by someone who wasn’t experienced enough.
- Pros will get the job done efficiently
A roofing contractor and their team will know exactly how to manage the task to get it done as quickly as possible, while still ensuring that high standards are met and quality and safety are adhered to at all times.
The best way to tell if your roof needs to be replaced, or whether having it repaired could save you some money, is to schedule a full assessment from a local roofing contractor.