Roof Repairs vs. Roof Replacement: Which Do You Need?

Roofs don’t last forever. Every time a thunderstorm rolls through your neighborhood, your roof takes the brunt of the damage from rain, wind and hail. Every winter in Minnesota, snow and ice accumulates on your roof, causing additional wear and tear. Sooner or later, you’ll have to address the problem to keep your roof from leaking and starting to fall apart .

The first question you must ask yourself is: “should I repair my roof or should I just go ahead and replace it?” The answer depends on several factors. Read on to learn the questions you should answer in order to decide what your roof needs!

Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your Roof in MN

1. How old is your roof? Different roofing materials have different lifespans. Asphalt shingle roofs will usually need to be replaced after 12 to 30 years. Cedar shake roofs are slightly more durable, generally lasting 30 to 50 years. Metal roofs prove to have the greatest longevity, lasting 40 to 70 years on average. Regardless of what type of roof you have, if it’s younger than 10 years, you can probably make some repairs that’ll last for at least a decade to come. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it would probably be more cost effective to just replace it rather than trying to repair it.
2. How damaged is your roof? Minnesota weather is often unkind to roofs but the extent of the damage can vary greatly. If your roof is leaking in one spot or has lost a few shingles to hail and high winds, your most efficient option would be to repair the damaged areas of your roof. However, storm damage will build up and worsen over time. If your roof has been damaged to the point where it is leaking in multiple places and it’s missing numerous shingles, trying to repair it may be a waste of money. When roof damage is severe enough, you should have your roof fully replaced.
3. Do you like your roofing materials? Asphalt shingles and cedar shakes tend to be the most popular roofing materials in Minnesota but there are many other options to choose from, including metal panels and slate tiles. If you love the look of your current roof, you may as well just have it repaired with more of the same materials. But if you’re not fond of your roof’s appearance and you’d like to switch it out, perhaps for something more durable, then you may as well just take this as an opportunity to replace your roof.
4. Are you going to move? If you plan to live in your home for at least another 5 years, then it may be worthwhile to replace a damaged roof so you won’t have to worry about it again. On the other hand, a roof replacement might be a waste of money if you are planning to move. While replacing your roof can increase the value of your home, it will also cost you a lot. Depending on your type of roof and the value of your home, a roof replacement might not provide a very good return on investment. If you intend to put your house on the market in the next year or two, repairing your roof is a more affordable option.
5. How much money and time are you willing to invest? The advantage to replacing your roof in Minnesota is that it will improve your home’s curb appeal and the work will last for decades to come. The disadvantage to replacing your roof is that it costs a lot more than simple repairs. While the cost of a roof replacement will depend on the size and the materials of your roof, expect to spend upward of $5,000, and up to 6 times as much if you have a large roof built with expensive materials. Replacing your roof may also take several days of labor. By contrast, roof repairs will cost substantially less and can probably be completed in a single day.