Roof Repair vs. Replacement New Jersey: Making the Right Choice for Your NJ Home
Many homeowners are not aware of how long their roof should last or how often a roof replacement needs to be carried out. Some are not even sure of the age of their roof or when it was last replaced.
Aging roofs and storm damage are common issues for New Jersey homeowners due to the changeable and sometimes extreme weather here in the Garden State. A damaged roof can lead to leaks and water ingress, structural damage, and health issues caused by mold and mildew. It can also increase your heating bills by damaging your home’s insulation and present a danger to you and your family.
But if your roof is tired or damaged, should you repair it or replace it? Repairing a damaged roof can save money in the immediate term, but replacing your roof can prevent bigger problems in the future. In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of both roof repairs and roof replacements to help NJ homeowners make an informed decision.
Understanding the Signs: Does Your Roof Need Help?
Before you can decide what to do with your roof, you need to understand the signs that something is amiss and maintenance is required. Regular inspections are essential for maintaining roofs, as they help catch issues early and prevent more costly repairs down the line.
In this section, we will explore some common roofing problems experienced by NJ homeowners, share the visible signs of damage you should look out for, and explain how to tell the difference between structural and cosmetic roof damage.
New Jersey Roofing: Common Issues
Due to its coastal position, New Jersey experiences extreme weather conditions from high humidity in the summer to seasonal storms and snow and ice in the winter. Storm damage is a reality of life in NJ’s climate, so always check your roof thoroughly for damage after a storm.
Ice dams, where ridges of ice form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow from draining properly, are a common problem for New Jersey properties. In addition, the salt-laden coastal air can corrode metal components, leading to leaks and structural weakening.
Visible Signs of Roof Damage
A visual inspection can often reveal problems with your roof. Visible damage may indicate underlying issues with the entire roofing system. Missing or damaged shingles, visible sagging, water ingress, moss or algae growth, and damaged flashing are some of the most common signs that your roofing needs attention.
Structural vs. Cosmetic Damage
Cosmetic damage can be unsightly and harm your home’s curb appeal and overall visual impact. However, structural damage is a far bigger problem, and it can be difficult to tell the difference.
Minor issues such as discoloration and small dents, scratches, or other imperfections are likely cosmetic. On the other hand, sagging, missing shingles or tiles, and cracked or missing support beams are major structural concerns. Internal leaking, mold, and poor insulation are also indicative of structural problems.
If in doubt, a roofing expert can advise you whether your roof damage is a structural problem or merely cosmetic.
When Is Repairing Your Old Roof the Right Call?
If your roof is 10-12 years old or under and well-maintained, it will generally not need replacing unless it has undergone significant structural damage. In addition, repairs can be sufficient for minor and isolated problems such as single-area shingle damage, moderate flashing issues, and small areas of leakage.
The main advantage of repairing rather than replacing your roof is that it is cheaper. In addition, many NJ townships allow expedited repair permits, meaning that your project can get underway more quickly.
When to Consider a New Roof Installation
If your roof has widespread damage, major structural issues, or recurring problems, it is likely a sign that a roof replacement is needed. Leakage in multiple areas, mold, wood rot, and structural sagging all indicate issues that, if left unchanged, could seriously damage your property.
Consider the age of your roof, too. Older roofs of 15-20+ years, particularly those with asphalt shingles, are likely coming to the end of their life, making it a false economy to repair them. A roof replacement can be costly, but it may save you money in the long term. New roofing materials can reduce utility bills, increase energy efficiency, and boost home value.
If your roof is damaged in a storm or other extreme weather event, your home insurance may cover all or part of the cost of a replacement.
Remember that many NJ towns require permits for roof replacements as well as safety inspections to ensure compliance with updated codes. Leave plenty of time to complete the paperwork and get your permits in place before construction on your new roof begins.
Cost Comparison: Repair vs. Replacement in New Jersey
In NJ, the typical cost of roofing repairs ranges from $300 to $1,500, depending on the extent of the repairs needed and the cost of the materials required. The average cost of a roof replacement, on the other hand, can be anything from $7000 to $15,000 or more, depending on materials and square footage.
At Matute, we understand that either option is a major investment, and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that your roof repairs or new roof installation add value to your property.
Many standard home insurance policies cover roof repairs and replacements, particularly if a storm or other extreme weather event has damaged your roof. The Matute team of experienced roofers can guide you through the insurance claim process to ensure that you receive all the coverage you are entitled to, making your roofing project more affordable.
A Locally Owned New Jersey Roofing Contractor: How Matute Roofing Helps You Make the Right Decision
At Matute, we have been completing roofing projects for both residential and commercial buildings for more than 20 years. Matute is a family-owned and GAF-certified roofing contractor with more than 15,000 projects completed for happy customers across New Jersey.
We offer free and no-obligation on-site inspections, honest assessments, and accurate estimates with options for both repair and replacement projects.
We can support you with insurance claims for storm-related work and help you to secure the relevant permits needed to comply with NJ building codes, making the process as stress-free and straightforward as possible.
Make the Right Call with Confidence
The decision to repair your roof or install a new roof depends on the existing roof’s age, the extent of any damage, and your needs and goals for your property. Professional guidance is essential to help you determine the best course of action. Do not be tempted to guess, as unaddressed roofing damage can put your home and your family at risk.
Still unsure if you need a roof repair or full replacement? Contact Matute Roofing today for an on-site assessment, free estimate, and expert advice tailored to New Jersey homeowners.