Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

Your home is one of your biggest investments and taking care of a home can be expensive. There are many things to consider before deciding to repair or replace your roof. Here are a few things to consider before making a potentially costly decision.

Age of your roof

Living in the Pacific Northwest your roof is exposed to many elements throughout the seasons. When considering the age of your roof, it’s also important to consider the type of roof you have, if it’s metal, shake, flat roofing or asphalt shingles. Different types of roofing materials have their own life expectancy. The typical residential roofing product used is asphalt shingles which could last up to 20 years or longer.

Extent of the repair

If your roof is in good condition and a branch falls on the roof and causes a whole, this is definitely a reason to do a repair in that area. On the other hand, if your roof is older and you notice things like missing shingles or granules in the gutters, this is a sign that your entire roofing system is failing and doing patches or repairs here and there can be costly and ineffective.

Overall condition of the roof

A healthy, well maintained roof can last many years past it’s expectancy. Conversely, a neglected roof may not last more than 10 years. It’s not always just the age of the roof that matters, but the quality of installation and materials and how well the roof has been maintained. Your roof is exposed to the elements so proper maintenance can be crucial.

Type of roofing

Different roofing materials include cedar shake, asphalt shingle, flat roofing and metal roofing. Hiring a professional to do roof repairs is always recommended, but consider the contractor’s expertise and knowledge. For example, a roof repair on a cedar shake roof is different than an asphalt roof. Each time anyone steps foot on your roof, there is the potential to cause damage.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Most contractors offer free estimates so you have nothing to lose. We are a family owned business since 1994 and pride ourselves on our level of expertise, professionalism and customer service. Give MCE a call at (503) 397-2215 or Fill Out Our Free Roofing Consultation Form to schedule a contact-free roof evaluation.

Author: Angie HolcombIn late 1993, one year after their marriage, Angie and Mark Holcomb decided it was time to follow their dream, and the couple set out to launch their own business. One year later, in 1994, Marks Custom Exteriors was established, one loving couple, one new truck and a passion for their vision. 25 years and many roofs later, MCE has grown to become Portland's premier roofing company and one of the only Nationally Recognized Roofing Companies in the State of Oregon as a GAF Master Elite Contractor. They remain committed to building lasting relationships with their customers through outstanding customer service, expert craftsmanship, and professional behavior and appearance among every member of our team.