You can save a lot of money on roofing and repair concerns by assessing them correctly. You can deal with issues in various ways. Would roof repairs and maintenance be enough? Should you opt for a roof replacement? Understanding the right approach helps avoid costly mistakes.
Key takeaways
- You can approach roofing work in various ways.
- Roof repairs can fix isolated issues on new roofs.
- A restoration helps roofing issues arising from ageing materials.
- Full replacement is the most expensive option.
- There are various reasons why you might opt for replacement.
- Follow our basic steps to determine the best approach for you.
- The expected cost of each option can vary widely.
What are your options?
You have various roofing solutions available. It does depend on the severity of the issue. Getting a full restoration for a couple of missing roof tiles isn’t the best use of your money. A roof inspection can tell you if you need restoration or roof repair services, or a full replacement.
Repairs and maintenance
Roof repairs tend to be smaller-scale. You’re looking for isolated issues that would benefit from a spot fix. Since the issues are less urgent, they’re not designed to significantly extend the life of your roof. They just improve your immediate roofing needs.
When are roof leak repairs enough?
Roofs have an average life span. Metal roofs will last about 70 years. Concrete tiles last about 50 years. Regular maintenance and quality workmanship can extend your roof’s life. However, when damage occurs can be important. Let’s say you sustain storm damage and heavy rain on a ten-year-old tiled roof. After getting your roof inspected, you find some broken tiles. You can get these replaced with quality service.
Roof restoration
You can extend your roof’s life through routine inspections and maintenance. But time marches on, and materials naturally degrade over time. This introduces more widespread roofing problems. Going for roof repairs at this stage may seem like a cost-effective solution. However, roof repairs are short-term. Patchwork fixes will actually increase costs when a complete restoration is more appropriate.
When is restoration necessary?
Search for signs of deterioration if your roof is getting older. Do you see surface wear or minor rusting? An aged appearance is a sign that the roof needs a more general service. A roof restoration can include:
- For roof tiles, replacing cracked tiles with new roof bedding. For metal roofs, replacing aged sheets showing signs of rust.
- Resealing flashing around ventilation and guttering.
- A deep clean to remove debris, algae, and other waste.
- Adding a protective coating to counter water damage and UV exposure.
Full roof replacement
A replacement is the most expensive and committal option. Replacement should be a last resort. However, there are cases where even a restoration isn’t enough. One of the main factors influencing replacements is weaknesses in the roof’s structure.
When is a full replacement needed?
Carefully consider the need for a replacement. This is a big investment. What would warrant this kind of roofing project?
- Structural problems. A sagging or uneven roof line is a big warning sign. If there are concerns about the roof’s structure, you should take immediate action to prevent potential damage to the house. Persistent water damage, regardless of roof repairs, can indicate that there are underlying problems. Look for signs of termite infestations and rotting in timber frames.
- Old roof. In older houses, the roof may be well beyond its usual life span. It may be worth replacing the roof in its entirety.
- Repair cost. Are you finding that minor issues are popping up more and more? That suggests that there are more fundamental problems. Roof repairs may seem cheaper at first. However, those costs add up. When do the costs of repair justify replacement? This will depend on the roof’s age. After around 30 years, roof repairs exceeding 30% the roof’s cost would make a replacement sensible. This isn’t an absolute rule. Consider your roof material and how well it’s maintained.
- Desire for change. You might just want to change up your roof’s style. Changing materials can rejuvenate your house. The extent of the roofing job will change based on the material you’re switching to. Choosing a Colorbond roof will likely only need the material swapped out. Moving to a heavier material like tiles may require additional work on the roof’s structural integrity.
A checklist to extend the life of your roof
Here’s a simple checklist to determine what is the best approach for your situation.
Step one: Check your roof's age
Find out approximately how old your roof is. This is straightforward if you bought the house new. For older houses, you may be able to get the information from the real estate agent. You can research the history of a Brisbane house through records in the Brisbane City Archives.
If your roof is less than 10-15 years old, isolated roof repairs could work fine. Older roofs may need further investigation.
Step two: Conduct a roof inspection
Is there any noticeable damage or natural wear and tear? If you only find some cracked tiles or minor rusting in spots in an otherwise well-maintained roof, you could get away with minor repairs. If you’re seeing wider spread issues or mould build-up, restoration would be better.
Structural issues have to be handled appropriately. Not catching crucial problems can be dangerous. Hire roofing professionals to ensure that the inspection is completed properly.
Step three: Consider the costs
Costs are a big factor. Repairs are the cheapest option. But they’re also not lasting fixes. Consider the frequency of repairs. A general restoration may be more affordable in the long run. When the roof is structurally unsound, replacing it is essential.
What are the costs of roofing and repair?
Money is a big part of determining the best course of action. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs you can expect.
Cost | |
| Repairs | ~$200-$3000. Repair costs depend on the amount of damage. You can potentially avoid the expense of professional roofers if the roof repairs are simple enough to do yourself. |
| Restoration | ~$3000-$15,000. Restoration costs are affected by many factors. A professional service will consider your roof's size and the complexity of its layout. A steep pitch, among other things, complicates restoration and is more expensive. |
| Replacement | ~$5000-$30,000+. The cost of replacing a roof varies significantly. Consider the cost of the new material and labour. Like restorations, the size and complexity of your roof will also affect the price. |
From our clients
Had Austin and the team out to see to an urgent leak issue. The process was seamless and great from start to finish. It’s clear they know their stuff. Would happily recommend to anyone.
- R Goodfellow
We have a great team that’s been helping homeowners for over a decade. We can assist you in a professional manner with a full range of reliable roofing services. We pride ourselves on great communication and efficient workmanship.
Conclusion
You want to deal with roofing matters using the right approach. Roof leak repairs work well when the property is relatively new and the damage is isolated. It can be the most cost-effective way to fix issues from strong winds and prevent water damage. Ageing roofs can be restored. Just make sure there aren’t any structural problems. If a roof poses a risk to the house, a replacement might be necessary.
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