On average, a roof can cost anywhere from $50,00-$10,000 to replace, so if you notice that there are several repairs that need to be made, it may cause you to hesitate for a second as you consider replacing it altogether. After all, if you can patch up a few weak areas and make it last an extra few years, it can make for a much easier process when you finally do have to schedule a roofing replacement service.

So how do you know when you need to either replace it completely or are able to get away with a simple roof repair? Below are a few questions you can ask yourself; if you need any assistance, contact a roofing company to schedule an inspection.

How Old Is Your Roof?

Depending on the type of material on your roof, it can last anywhere from 20 years all the way up to 200 years. Asphalt shingles, which is the most common form of roofing material in the United States, typically have a shelf life of anywhere between 15 to 30 years, whereas a slate roof can last 75 to 200 years with proper maintenance. Regardless of the type, if you notice that your roof is approaching the halfway point of their life expectancy, you should be prepared to deal with more frequent and serious repairs as it ages. It might be worth it to replace it altogether, so contact a roofing contractor to ask for their opinion.

How Much Are the Repairs?

If a storm has rolled through and blown off part of your roof, you're already looking at a significant roof repair bill, so it might be worth it to replace it altogether. If the only real issue is a few deteriorated shingles, that shouldn't cost more than a couple hundred dollars at most, so a roof repair makes sense. Generally speaking, if the cost of your roof repair is more than 50% of the cost of a new roof, it makes more financial sense to simply have replaced altogether. Not only will you have peace of mind that comes from having a new roof, but you'll also have a new warranty that should protect you from any repairs in the near future.

Do You Want to Upgrade?

Although upgrading your roof isn't high on many homeowner's priority lists, if you're planning on moving in the near future, or want to take advantage of the latest energy-efficient technologies, a new roof may make sense. Although these can cost more initially, they should save you money in resale value and in future repairs, so use the occasion to schedule a few roof repairs as a possible opportunity to improve the quality of your home instead.

For more information, reach out to a local roofing service.