Your Baton Rouge Roof: Repair or Replace?

There comes a time, eventually, when you’ll need to decide the next step to take with your roof. It could begin by unsightly shingles or broken tiles . Maybe it’s that incessant leak every time it rains really hard and the wind blows from the west. Maybe it’s something different altogether. No matter what the reason, if you’re in your Baton Rouge home long enough, you’ll have to decide whether to repair or replace your roof.

Your biggest asset and ally will be the roofing contractor you choose. A company that is licensed and insured is an important attribute to consider, but they should also be available to guide you through this decision process. Considering what is best for your home and for you as well as having the resources and knowledge available to make the best decision can save you not only money, but headaches and heartaches at the end of the process.

Here are few important things to consider when choosing between a roof repair or replacement.

• How often have you made repairs or otherwise paid to maintain your roof? As you tally all of these expenses up, do they put a serious dent in your checkbook? Even if you do it yourself, you need to consider the time and energy you exert. If you’ve come out of pocket for more than simply cleaning your gutters or nailing down the occasional shingle, and you have a recommended repair looming, this could make your decision easier. A roof replacement may save you substantially in the long run.

• How old is your roof? Is it the same age as your home? Was it recently replaced? A good rule of thumb for the life of your shingles is about 20 years. However, depending on the condition, a 15 year old, or younger, roof could be repairable.

• What does your ceiling look like? Take a look at the interior of your home and see if you notice any discoloring or paint damage along the higher areas of your walls and your ceilings. This could be a key sign for a roof replacement. However, having a trusted roofing company assess the cause of the leak can really help you decide if a smaller repair would do the trick.

• How long do you plan to stay in or continue to own your home? If you plan to move, a new roof can dramatically increase the value of your house. After all, you can tell any prospective buyers that they won’t have to wrestle with any of the tough roofing decisions you just did. The cost of a new roof could be built into your asking price. However a repaired roof is not a new roof, and while it may be functional, it will only take away from your bottom line.

These are some basic considerations. The decision to repair or replace your roof really depends on your specific situation. The best first step is to have your roof inspected by a trusted, local Baton Rouge roofing company. Cribbs Incorporated has been taking care of homes and homeowners for over 50 years . Getting the best advice will help you make the best decision for your home.