Is your roof in need of repairs, but you’re debating between replacement or restoration? To help you choose the best fix for your roof, here are the pros and cons of roof replacement and roof restoration.

Roof Replacement

Roof replacement is just what it sounds like. A contractor removes the current roofing material from your roof and installs new material in its place. Here are the pros and cons of roof replacement:

Pros

• Newly replaced roofs are extremely durable.
• During replacement, contractors will uncover any problems with your roof and help you fix them.
• Replacement is more expensive upfront but will save you money long term.

Cons

• Because replacement is time- and labor-intensive, it tends to be costly.

Roof Restoration

Roof replacement involves stripping your roof down to the studs and installing new roofing material. But what does roof restoration entail? During roof restoration, the existing materials of your roof are left intact. Any minor issues are addressed, and, if necessary, new roofing material is laid on top of the current material. Here are the pros and cons of roof restoration:

Pros

• Restoration is quick and requires minimal labor, which makes it inexpensive.
• It’s more convenient for businesses, who won’t have to deal with days-long construction noise.
• It’s eco-friendly. Less material in the landfill is better for the environment.
• It provides many of the same benefits of a replacement—improved temperature control, resistance to the elements, safety—for less time and cost.

Cons

• If your roof already has two layers of materials on it, you may not be able to add a third. Some locations prohibit a third layer for safety reasons.
• A restored roof won’t last as long as a new roof.
• It can be difficult to assess the full extent of damage without removing the current roofing material and looking underneath.

Which To Choose

Now that you know the pros and cons of roof replacement and roof restoration, you’re probably wondering which to choose. When choosing between replacement and restoration, there are a few factors to consider:

Age of Roof

How old is your roof? If your roof is old, replacement is the logical choice because you’ll need to do it sooner rather than later anyway. If your roof is younger, restoration may be the more efficient option.

Leaking

Leaking can lead to serious problems in the future, so you want to fix leaks as soon as possible. If your roof is leaking, you may need to rip up the existing roofing material to find the source. At this point, it may just be easier and more effective to replace the roof. But if the leak is caused by something small, like a crack, restoration can fix it.

Extent of Damage

If your roof only has minor aesthetic damage, restoration can address it. But restoration can’t fix major structural damage, so if the damage is severe, you’ll need to replace your roof.

The Cost

Of course, budget is always something to consider. Restoration is cheaper in the short term, but more expensive in the long term, whereas replacement is more expensive upfront but will save you money over the years. If you have a commercial building with a roof that needs repairs, contact Armour Roof Co. We have years of expertise in commercial roof restoration and replacement and pride ourselves on being easy to work with. Communication is our forte, and we promise a quick turnaround. Learn how we can help you fix your roof and save money today!