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How to Tell if You Need a Roof Repair or Roof Replacement

If your roof is more than 20 years old, there’s a good chance that it needs some TLC. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to completely replace it. So, how can you determine whether you need a roof repair or a full roof replacement? We’re here to help.

Continue reading to learn the most important things to consider when deciding on the best roofing plan for your home. 

roof repair or roof replacement

Your Roofing Materials

As we mentioned above, 20 years is the average lifespan of a roof. However, the actual lifespan of your roof largely depends on the materials you used. So, the first thing you should do is think about the type of roofing material you have and weigh that against the age of your roof. 

Asphalt shingles typically have a shorter lifespan than metal or clay roofing. So, if you have a 20-year-old metal roof, it is probably in better shape than a 20-year-old asphalt roof. If your roofing material is reaching the end of its average lifespan, you’re probably better off scheduling a replacement vs repairs

The Condition of Your Roof

Next, you’ll want to consider the actual state of your roof. Even if it’s within the average lifespan of the material, it might have deteriorated due to other factors like weather. 

As a good rule of thumb, small areas of damage (generally less than 30% of the total roof) can usually be repaired without any problems, as long as the rest of your roof is in good shape. If you have more extensive damage, however, it’s best to plan for a full replacement.

Where You Live

Another important thing to consider is the climate in your area. If you live in an area that’s susceptible to heavy rain, wind, ice, and snow, your roof is at a higher risk of damage the next time a storm rolls through. 

Here in Massachusetts, we’re no strangers to winter storms, which can take a toll on your roof. If you already have some damage, you might be better off scheduling a full replacement so your home is protected during our unpredictable winters. 

Your Budget

The final thing to consider is how much you’re comfortable spending on your roofing project. Of course, roof repairs are usually much less expensive, at least upfront, than a replacement. However, keep in mind that doing multiple small repair projects over time can eventually add up over the life of your roof. In that case, it might be better to get your replacement out of the way so you won’t have to continue paying for repairs in the future. 

If you choose the GF Sprague team for your roofing project, know that we’re here to help you update your home while sticking to your budget. In fact, we offer special savings for our customers to help make your roofing project more affordable. 

Schedule Your Roof Repair or Roof Replacement Services

Now that you know what to consider when deciding between roof repair or roof replacement services, it’s time to get your project on the books. Here at GF Sprague, we proudly offer free roof inspections to help you get a better understanding of the state of your roof. From there, we can develop a repair plan that makes sense for your home Needham, Dover, Wellesley, and more in the Boston area. Contact us today to set up a time to meet with our team.