Should I Repair or Replace My Roof After Storm Damage?

Are you unsure whether to replace or repair your roof after it was damaged during a storm? Are you wondering what factors can help you decide whether to repair or replace before even meeting with a roofing contractor?

At RoofSmart, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners just like you repair or replace your roof after a wind storm. Our thorough inspection process that looks beyond the roof helps us determine the extent of the damage and what it will take to fix it.

In this article, you’ll learn about

• The consequences of not fixing your roof when it gets damaged in a storm
• Who can help you decide when you should repair or replace your roof after a storm
• The factors that can help you decide when to repair vs. replace your damaged roof

By the end, you’ll be able to decide whether repairing or replacing is right for you and you’ll be prepared to discuss your options with a roofing contractor.

What are the risks of not fixing my roof after storm damage?

The decision to repair your roof after it gets damaged is ultimately up to you. However, if you choose not to repair your roof then you’ll face some risks:

1. There’s potential for further damage: Even a minor problem on your roof can turn into an expensive mess if it is not repaired right away. Missing shingles, damage to the roof, and holes in the roof can all lead to leaks. Roof leaks are a big problem in a rainy, wet area like Seattle. This can quickly lead to mold, and eventually, it can rot wood and cause structural or interior damage.
2. You won’t be able to file an insurance claim: If you notice damage but don’t file a claim with your insurance company right away, this violates your policy. You have to tell them about it as soon as possible, otherwise, it will get denied. If you wait long enough, it will eventually be considered preexisting damage (which is not covered).

If you do not want to use your insurance coverage, then you don’t need to worry about the second issue. But, no matter what you should do your best to make repairs and avoid further damage to your roof (such as water damage from leaks) that will cost you extra money in the future.

Insurance Adjuster vs. Roofing Contractor: Who can help me decide if I should repair or replace my roof after storm damage?

The choice to either repair or replace your damaged roof can be determined by considering several different factors (which will be explored in the next section). In some cases, you might be able to see the damage to your home and anticipate which one is best for you.

Or, you might wait to see what your insurance adjustor has to say after they inspect your roof. They will likely give you a cost estimate and recommend if you should repair or replace your roof. They could be right, but the thing to remember is that they are not professional roofers.

They might be able to identify some damage but they are simply following their guidelines and policies. Their priority is to get your claim settled. On the other hand, having a roofing contractor who is experienced in working with insurance companies is incredibly valuable in this scenario because they have your best interests in mind.

Their priority is making sure that they get to the root of the problem because they know that the insurance company is paying for the roof work. A roofer, especially one who is experienced with insurance is more likely to align with your best interests.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of hiring a professional roofing contractor to come out and assess the damage. That way you can be certain that the right decision is made and there isn’t any damage that gets missed.

Finding a qualified roofing contractor can save you from paying even more for extra damage in a few months or years.

Which factors impact the decision to repair or replace my roof after storm damage?

There are many different factors to consider when deciding if repairing or replacing is better for your roof. Knowing which of these factors applies to you can help make your decision more clear.

1.) How extensive is the damage?

Not all storm damage requires a full roof replacement. There are many situations where a repair will be the most effective course of action. Deciding between a repair or replacement depends mostly on how much damage there is.

Damage that is contained to a small area of the roof will usually only warrant a repair. For example, if you are missing a few shingles in one spot or if a branch only hit one spot on the roof and didn’t leak. These are things that make the most sense to repair because happened to a small section of the roof.

Having damage all over the roof or really extensive damage will likely require a full replacement. Your roof might’ve been hit by branches without you noticing, resulting in leaks. If your roof has enough time to leak it can cause wet plywood that will get moldy and eventually rot.

Leaks can cause a lot of damage, so if any of the storm damage on your roof caused leaking then you could end up needing a replacement. This is especially a concern if the leak is not fixed right away.

But even if you don’t have extensive damage below the surface of your roof, you might still need a replacement. For example, if you have shingles missing or minor damage all over your roof, it might be worth it to replace the whole roof or one entire side of the roof.

2.) What kind of roof material do you have?

Some materials are easier and more convenient to repair than others. But, if you have a roof that is expensive and difficult to repair, then a full roof replacement might work better (this also depends on how extensive the damage is and the condition of your roof).

For example, asphalt roofs are easy to repair because that material is easy to pull back without damaging the rest of the roof. But metal roofs can be very tricky to repair because you have to remove and reinstall the entire panel when it gets damaged. This will entail a bigger repair job and potentially a full replacement if multiple panels are damaged.

3.) What condition was your roof in before the storm damage?

The storm might not have hit your roof hard enough to need a full replacement, but is it really worth it to repair a 15 to 20-year-old roof? In most cases, it probably isn’t because you’ll just have to replace the whole roof soon anyway. So, you might as well just do it now.

If the roof is still in decent condition aside from the storm damage, a repair will likely be enough to keep it functioning for a while longer.

It’s important to ask yourself how much longer you want to live in that house. A roof that is old or in poor condition can be repaired, but you might be better off replacing the whole thing either because you want to live there for another 20+ years or because you are close (5 years or less) to selling your house and you need the roof to pass inspection.

This can be a really difficult decision to make. The best way to be sure about the condition of your roof and how repairing vs. replacing will impact it is by hiring a professional roofer to do an inspection.

4.) What is your current roof replacement budget?

While it’s true that you’ll get coverage for insurance to do some roof work, they might not cover everything you need or want to do. That means you will have to pay for at least some of the roof work.

If you aren’t currently in a financial position to do an entire replacement, you might consider doing some repairs to hold you over for a while. Don’t forget that you can also see if you’re eligible for financing to help you pay for a roof replacement.

How do I get started with a repair or replacement to fix storm damage on my roof?

Deciding whether to repair or replace your roof after storm damage can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, the choice becomes clearer. By addressing the extent of the damage, consulting with both an insurance adjuster and a professional roofing contractor, and considering factors like roof material, pre-storm condition, and budget, you’re now equipped to make the best decision for your home.

Don’t wait until minor issues escalate into costly repairs. Whether you opt for repairs or a full replacement, taking prompt action is key to protecting your home and maintaining its value.

Another way to make this decision between repairing and replacing easier is to hire a qualified, experienced roofing contractor to inspect your roof.

Not sure how to find one? Read our article “How Do I Know If A Roofing Contractor is Qualified?” and learn how to find a trustworthy roofing contractor with experience to help you assess your roof.