Cheaper to repair the roof or replace it?
The roof is one of the most important structural elements in any building. It is what protects the occupants of the house, but also the entire structure, from the negative effects of weather conditions such as hail, storms or strong winds. Eventually, however, it can become damaged. The most common question in such a situation is whether the roof should be replaced or whether it is better to repair it. In order to be able to give a clear answer, it is first of all worth comparing the price of the two projects so that you can ultimately decide which is more worthwhile.
Roof replacement – price
The roof is a structural element that is exposed to many dangers. It is the one exposed to all possible risks. Above all, it is exposed to negative atmospheric conditions such as rain, wind and hail, but also to other threats such as fungi and microorganisms. It is also important to bear in mind that over the years, the roof simply ages and its resistance decreases significantly.
This is only natural, and anyone living in or just starting to live in their own home must be aware of it. The most important thing, however, is to take proper care of the roof. To this end, it is worth remembering to carry out periodic inspections in order to catch any leaks or minor damage. Prevention is better than cure, as replacing an entire roof is not a cheap investment. However, if the roof is well cared for, renovation can be postponed.
Roof skin replacement – price
In order to be able to even consider whether the roof qualifies for renovation or complete replacement, a proper assessment of its condition is necessary. This will enable the builder to find out how much money he will have to invest in the roof. In such a situation, this task is best left to professionals. However, avoid ‘know-it-all’ teams. It is worth taking the time to find a professional who can examine the condition of the roof sheathing in the best possible way.
When it comes to roof repairs, the matter is certainly much simpler than replacing the whole thing. It is possible to repair a felt roof where there are leaks or visible blisters. In such a situation, all you have to do is remove the defective piece of felt and put a new one in its place. Also, a tiled roof does not seem too complicated to repair. Simply remove the damaged tiles and replace them with new ones. It is also possible to replace some elements of the trusses, but only if you can access them from the attic side.
Roof replacement – cost
The situation is completely different when the entire roof sheathing is to be replaced. Minor repairs are not such a big expense and will certainly not break the household budget. However, if you decide to replace the entire roof surface, you have to reckon with the fact that it will be quite a large investment. In the case of tiled roofs, only part of the sheathing can be replaced. However, if there is sheet metal on the roof, complete removal is necessary. The same is true if the attic is in use and the roof trusses need to be accessed.
It gets much more difficult when the roof is covered with tile or asphalt shingles. In this case, it is necessary to replace the roof in its entirety. It is not possible to replace only part of these materials. There are also buildings that are covered with asbestos. In this situation, the occupier of the premises is obliged to get rid of it. However, this must be carried out by a competent company with the necessary authorisation.
Replacing roof sheathing – cost
It is extremely difficult to give a single answer to the question of how much it costs to repair a roof. The cost of such an investment depends on many factors, including the surface area and the extent of the damage. However, it will certainly be much cheaper to repair than to replace the entire sheathing. For this reason, it is advisable to take good care of the roof and carry out periodic inspections. It should also be borne in mind that appropriate administrative approvals and other formalities are required to replace the entire sheathing.