Start with age and material
Architectural shingles typically last around 20 to 30 years in Mississippi, and older 3-tab shingles often less. Metal roofs last much longer. If your roof is at or past its expected age, repairs tend to be short-term fixes.
Repair is usually right when
- The roof is well within its expected life
- Damage is limited to one area, such as a few missing shingles, a failed pipe boot or a small flashing leak
- The decking under the damage is sound
- The rest of the shingles are flat, sealed and holding their granules
Replacement is usually right when
- Shingles are curling, cracking or losing granules across large areas
- There are leaks in more than one place, or repairs keep needing repeating
- The decking is soft, sagging or visibly damaged
- Hail or wind damage affects a large portion of the roof
- Moss, algae and moisture problems have set in on multiple slopes
- The roof is nearing the end of its expected life and you plan to stay in the home
A simple decision checklist
| Question | If yes |
|---|---|
| Is the roof older than about 20 years (shingles)? | Lean toward replacement |
| Is the damage in one small area? | Lean toward repair |
| Have you paid for two or more repairs in the last few years? | Lean toward replacement |
| Is there interior water damage in several rooms? | Get it inspected soon; likely replacement |
| Was there recent hail or wind damage? | Inspect first; insurance may be involved |
The cost logic
A repair costs a fraction of a replacement, but repairing a failing roof repeatedly can cost more over a few years than replacing it once. Estimate the replacement with the roofing cost calculator and compare it to the repair quote. If the repair costs a large share of a new roof, replacing usually makes more sense.
Check the gutters too
Roof damage and gutter damage often go together. Clogged or failing gutters send water back under the shingles at the edge and rot the fascia. If you are replacing the roof, it is the best time to look at new gutters.
Not sure which side of the line your roof is on? Call (662) 676-5023. We will look at it and tell you honestly.