Deciding whether to repair or replace your roof depends on the damage.
For example, if you have a loose tile, it would be complete overkill to replace your entire roof!
My customers are delighted when told a minor roof repair was sufficient, having assumed the damage was costly to sort out.
A recent example comes to mind with a roof repair in Trowbridge where the homeowner was losing sleep over receiving a big bill (it wasn’t as bad as he imagined.)
Therefore, if you have not done so already, you will need to fully assess the damage to your roof.
If you are local to me and cannot gain full access to the outside of your roof, I am more than happy to visit and inspect any damage (photos will be taken so that you can see the damage for yourself.)
Once it has been determined that roof work is necessary, you will need to consider the following:
Is the Damage Minor or Major?
A missing tile would be a minor roof repair. This would involve minimal disruption, and every effort would be taken to ensure that the new tiles blend with your existing ones.
If you have several missing tiles and it has caused a leak in one or more places, this would need additional repairs to ensure that the roof is watertight.
If you are losing a lot of heat in your home due to poor insulation in your loft/roof, this is something that could be repaired at the same time.
How Old Is the Roof?
If the roof is approaching/past 20 years old, a new roof may be the best option.
For example, the typical lifespan of a natural slate roof is 80-100 years. It can last longer if it is maintained. If you are looking to replace your roof, then slate would be a good choice. On the other end of the scale, a thatched roof can be costly and would need to be maintained/replaced more often.
Your Roof Budget
If it’s a case of replacing a couple of missing/cracked tiles, the cost of repair won’t be much of an issue. A new roof, on the other hand, can be a significant outlay and one that requires careful consideration.
A new roof will pay dividends in the long run, of course, and is worth considering if you are planning on living in the property for many more years.
A new, modern roof (i.e. non-thatched) is also a great way to add value to the property if you are looking to sell it.
This could yield a return on your investment by as much as 63%, which beats the value offered by a new bathroom or kitchen!
In short, your best bet is to get an assessment of your roof, which I can provide at no cost, and there is no obligation.
See also: Spring cleaning and roof maintenance