The idiom “to have a roof over your head” starts to make sense when your roof does not look or function the way it used to. When passersby or visitors look at a neglected roof, they are quick to assume that the overall house is poorly maintained.
At RoofCrafters, we know you wouldn’t intentionally allow your roof to deteriorate. I mean, roof replacements are expensive, right? Our contractors have over 28 years of experience conducting estimates in the Southeast, so we know there are times when the roof is not as bad as the client originally thought.
So, can I repair my roof in Jacksonville, Florida instead of replacing it? The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. There is a lot to consider before you plan to repair or replace the roof on your Jacksonville home.
It depends on many factors, such as proper yearly maintenance, the extent of damage, improper installation, aesthetics, and more, all of which you will be learning about in this article provided to you through pros and cons.
Can My Roof be Repaired Instead of Replaced?
This is a loaded question that is dependent on a few different factors. Yes, your roof can easily be repaired if you have regularly scheduled your bi-yearly inspections to ensure that it is in the best possible condition.
If you have been ignoring problems such as leaks, cracks, or other damage for an extended period of time, you may need to consider replacing the entire roof of your home.
Here are some of the questions you could ask yourself before making an informed decision:
- What type of roofing problems am I facing?
- Are major parts of the roof distorted or damaged?
- How old is my roof?
- Will I be staying in this home long-term?
- What is my budget for the roofing solutions?
Roof Repairs Vs. Replacements
If you’ve figured out the answers to the questions mentioned above, it’s time to take a deeper dive into the matter. Whether you’re considering a roof repair or replacing a roof completely, you have to bear in mind that both these solutions have their respective pros and cons.
Whatever option you opt for, always conduct thorough research and ensure it is the best solution for your roof needs and personal preferences. Now, let’s discuss what goes into choosing a roofing solution and the pros and cons of each option.
1. Roof Repairs
As mentioned earlier, before answering the question “can a roof be repaired instead of replaced?” you need to consider the type and size of the damage. For minor damages, such as leaks, missing shingles, cracks and holes, weather damage, or installation faults, you could consider getting roof repairs instead of replacing a roof entirely.
In addition to this, you must also check the size of the damage. If most of your roof is destroyed, it’s better to go for the less cost-efficient method of replacing a roof. It would also be beneficial to check in advance whether the new repairs will go with or match the existing roofing or not. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of repairing a roof.
Pros of Roof Repairs:
- Repairing a roof can prove to be a more cost-efficient solution.
- Repairs will take less time compared to a whole roof replacement.
- Repairing a roof can increase the lifespan of your existing roof system.
Cons of Roof Repairs:
- Matching the colors of the shingles is important to make the roof aesthetically pleasing. However, it is almost impossible to do so, especially if the shingles are old.
- In Jacksonville, Florida, only up to 25% of any roof surface can be repaired in a 12 month period per building codes.
- You’ll need to hire an expert in roof repairs to avoid more damage and problems in the future.
2. Replacing a Roof
Replacing a roof can prove costly and takes up a lot more time than repairs. However, to avoid future mishaps and maintain your property’s value, sometimes replacing a roof can be inevitable. It will also help if the manufacturer has specified the number of years your existing roof would last.
If the roof has lived out its time, you definitely need to part ways with the old roof. Additionally, if you reside in a region with harsh weather conditions, the roof may depreciate a lot faster. So, it’s always a good idea to check the condition frequently by having regular maintenance performed.
Moreover, if you’re facing ventilation problems, (Why proper ventilation matters) it might be indicative of the fact that the roof was not installed properly, and thus needs to be replaced. Before you come to a conclusion, however, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of roof replacements.
Pros of Replacing a Roof:
- Replacing the roof can and most certainly will increase the value of your house. Of course, who doesn’t want their house to be the prettiest one on the block? Curb appeal!
- Getting a roof replaced with the help of a professional will enable you to relax and not worry about it for a long time. After all, peace of mind is priceless.
Cons of Replacing a Roof:
- Roof replacement costs are expensive.
- Replacements take a lot of time and can be inconvenient.
- Roof replacement projects can disrupt the daily lives of you and your family. It gets messy, noisy, and your home is open to the elements.
Should I Repair or Replace My Roof In Jacksonville, Florida?
Ultimately, the decision is up to you! This article is merely a tool to help guide you as a homeowner in the right direction. If you know you need a total roof replacement but it’s just not in the budget at the moment, RoofCrafters will do everything in our power to ensure your repairs will last you.
Likewise, if you know you need a few repairs but just don’t have a convenient time to do so, RoofCrafters will work with you to figure out a schedule that best suits your busy lifestyle. After all, you and your family deserve a safe and comfortable home to thrive in. A quality and stable roof is not a luxury, but a privilege every homeowner and family deserves.
You can inspect and evaluate the condition of your roof independently to decipher what type of work is required, but an expert will provide you with a detailed list of solutions tailored to fit your needs and follow the proper codes sanctioned by the city of Jacksonville. So, it’s always a good idea to seek help from a local professional roofing company to get the roof repaired or replaced.
We know that these decisions can be difficult to make, but you don’t have to do it alone. Schedule an inspection with RoofCrafters today, and one of our highly skilled contractors will come to take a look at your roof and plan the next steps tailored to the needs of you and your family. In the meantime, feel free to browse the extensive resources available to you in our learning center.
