5 Reasons to Keep the Old Roof And 2 For Getting a New One

A new roof can be a sizeable investment for your homes future. We like to preach the quality of new roofing systems, but new isn’t always practical for the homeowner.

Return on Investment calculators give a wide margin to roofing numbers when you look around the Internet. This handy guide from Nu-View Homes in Victoria is par for the course, offering a range of 25% to 75% on returns for new roofing systems.

Why such a large gap? Timing.

Choosing the right time for a roofing renovation is key to getting the most out of your investment.

Here are 5 reasons you should keep the roof you already have.

1) You Have Not Found a Trustworthy Roofer

There are a number of men and women out there offering their services as professionals in the roofing industry, but before you hire anyone, you need to be able to trust them. A roofer should have a good name in the local area, and in the industry. They should be insured properly to protect you from the worst, and they should offer a reliable guarantee on all of their work. Finding this shouldn’t be too difficult (since you are on our blog right now), but a roofing project should never be started until you have a trustworthy roofer.

2) You Are Selling Your Home

A properly installed new roof should last for decades. If you do not plan on living in your current home for more than a year or two, that new roof is a large investment that you will not benefit from beyond the increased sale price of the home.
The return on investment here would greatly depend on the talent of your real estate agent.

3) Your home is less than 10 years old

We’ve already said a new roof should last for decades, so why replace it when it still has some life left? There are exceptions to this principle. If your roof was victim to a shoddy installation, or significant storm damage, a professional roofer may recommend a new roof regardless of age.

4) All you need is maintenance

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your roof for years, or even decades. In many instances, we have gone out to a customer’s home to provide a quote on a new roof, only to recommend that some small repairs be done. The longer your roof lasts, the better the investment.

5) You cannot afford the roof you need

Roofing systems are not all built equally. The demands of different climates demand different materials, and some of those materials come cheaper than others.
The West Coast of BC has one of the most challenging climates for building materials anywhere. It can be wet, dry, hot, cold, windy, or still and all of this can be witnessed within a week.

It can be tempting to buy the “best deal” around when shopping for roofing materials, but always be sure that your roof will appropriately protect your home by meeting the demands of the climate. Spending the money on quality materials is a must.

2 Reasons you Should Replace Your Roof

1) It’s Time

Sure, there are reasons to put off a roofing renovation, but putting it off too long can cost you an arm and a leg. Roofs all come with a lifespan, and though proper care and maintenance can improve that lifespan, the needs of an old roof can become excessive. If your current roof is over 20 years old, it’s time to start considering a new one.

2) Disaster Strikes

Natural disasters get big play on news networks around the globe, but you don’t need to experience a hurricane to have a roofing disaster on your hands. Pervasive water damage from leaks that are left unchecked can weaken the integrity of the roofs structure, and cause other damage to your home as well. Repairs can certainly be made if these issues are caught in the early stages, but the integrity of the home should always be considered.

If the old roof cannot protect you or your family, it’s time for a new one.

If you would like a free inspection done on your home’s roof, give us a call and we will arrange for someone to carry out the inspection as soon as possible.