One of the most important elements of any home is the roof. The roof is the first line of defense in protecting the home from weather-related issues, such as wind, fire, and rain. Over time, the constant abuse can take its toll, and your roof will require some attention. But how do you know if you should replace it or just repair it? There are a few things to consider before making the decision.
The Age of the Roof – Most roofs come with a 10-year warranty and are expected to last for anywhere from 20-25 years. Some tile roofs should last even longer with some simple maintenance for the under sheathing
Extent of the Damage – Sometimes the extent of the damage is great, such as when there has been a large storm. Other times the original roof was not installed properly or has structural issues, causing widespread damage
Installing Solar Panels – You may want to install solar panel while the government still have these incentive programs. Before you install solar panels, it makes sense to first replace your roof, otherwise, there will be extra cost to uninstall and reinstall the solar panels back on.
Insurance - Insurance companies view an older or deteriorated roof as a liability. Most of the California Insurance companies will not insure wood shaker roofs as well. In their eyes, it's more likely to leak, collapse, or highly to cause fire hazard, which means they're more likely to have to pay out a claim. Because of this, some insurers require roofs to be under a certain age or in good condition as a condition for providing coverage.
Personal Considerations – Are you planning to stay in the home for a long time? In this case, replacement now will be more economical than replacing later when costs have increased.
Finally, consult a few professionals. Discuss the issues for both replacement and repair with a few trusted roofing specialists and your insurance agent before making the final decision.
Author: Susanna Leung
Susanna Leung’s goal as a real estate professional with Haylen Group is to help her first-time home buying clients find that perfect home where their families can grow, thrive, and live their dreams in the United States. She applies her experience in remodeling, resource networking, negotiations, and advanced marketing to provide her clients with dedicated, full coverage service.
