There’s a lot in your home that depends on a quality roof – literally, everything underneath it. Regularly maintaining your roof will help it to do the best job possible in keeping out weather and your home comfortable, year after year. Besides serving functional purposes, a roof that’s in good shape also improves the aesthetics of your home. Plus, as an added bonus, insurance companies may offer discounts for homes with new roofs.
Depending on conditions, the average lifespan of some roofs is about 20 years. However, you may need to consider repairing or replacing your roof sooner than that.
Repair or Replace a Roof
As a homeowner, you probably have to make a decision about replacing or repairing your roof at some point. A licensed contractor that you trust will be able to help you weigh the pros and cons of repairing or replacing your roof. Since this can turn into a big job, it can be a smart choice to consult a few different contracting companies for advice and estimates.
Typical Options
While you get professional advice, it also helps to educate yourself about roof maintenance. In general terms, you have a few options for keeping your roof in good shape. Make sure to consult with a professional to see which option may be right for you.
- Replacing shingles: If you have a problem spot on your roof, but the rest is in generally good condition, this may be a good option. A roofer may be able to replace damaged or missing shingles as needed.
- Partial roof replacement: If your roof has significant damage to only one side, you might save money if you just replace the damaged area. However, if your roof is already past its expected lifespan, it may worth considering replacing the entire roof.
- Total roof replacement: If your roof is old or of poor quality, you might find that replacement offers you the cheapest options. You’ll also need to consider whether your roof could be a candidate for a “roof over” where a new layer of shingles is added over the old layer, or if you need a complete teardown.
If you do opt for a completely new roof, make sure to notify your insurance company – you might be able to save money.
For more information on homeowners insurance, contact Karen Simon directly at (732) 832-7547.
Article and Photo courtesy of Plymouth Rock Assurance.