What is a Partial Roof Replacement, and When Should it be Considered?

Roof damage is a common occurrence that most homeowners have to deal with at least once in their lives. Sometimes it is clear that a whole roof needs to be replaced, and sometimes a homeowner might need to know if they can just replace part of the roof. After all, a full roof replacement can cost somewhere between $5900 and $13,200 on average. This can be quite a burden, especially when it’s unexpected.

In some cases, a partial roof replacement can be an option. However, this depends on several factors and should be considered carefully. Ultimately, you’ll need to make the best long-term decision for the functionality and safety of your roof.

What is a Partial Roof Replacement?

There is no strict definition of what is considered a partial roof replacement, but it generally means replacing the shingles and the underlying layers of some portion of the roof. When the new shingles and underlayment are installed, they are integrated with the older shingles at the ridges or valleys. These are typically done when a part of the roof is damaged and the remaining areas are still in good condition.

Some roofers might refer to a partial roof replacement as a major roof repair. More minor repairs usually consist of replacing some dislodged or detached shingles or flashing or fixing small leaks. A full roof replacement will replace all layers of all parts of the roof. If there is damage to the decking, that might be replaced too.

When is a Partial Roof Replacement Recommended?

A partial roof replacement is best for situations where only a section of the roof is damaged by something like a fallen tree branch or isolated leaks that don’t include damage to the structure of the roof. Partial roof replacements are usually best for roofs that are not near the end of their useful life. This varies for different types of roofs, but asphalt roofs usually last 15-30 years. So, it might not make sense to replace part of an old roof when the rest of it will need to be replaced soon anyway. 

Insurance coverage is another reason homeowners might go with a partial roof replacement. Often, when there is damage to a roof, homeowners must work with an insurance company to fix the problem. Depending on the extent of the damage, insurance companies might only cover a partial roof replacement. When a roof is damaged by weather, fallen branches, or some other catastrophic event, an insurance company will send out a claims adjuster to assess the damage and decide what should be covered.

Pros and Cons of a Partial Roof Replacement

It might be tempting to go with the cheaper option, but there are several things to consider when trying to make the right decision for fixing your roof. It’s helpful to go over the pros and cons of replacing only part of your roof. These can vary from roof to roof, but a roof inspection will help you determine what applies to your situation. 

Pros of a Partial Roof Replacement

• It is less expensive than a full roof replacement.
• It takes less time than a full roof replacement.
• When done correctly, it can extend the useful life of your roof.
• Depending on the source of damage, it might be paid for by homeowner’s insurance.

Cons of a Partial Roof Replacement

• The shingles might be mismatched with the older part of the roof.
• Partial roof replacements might not address any underlying structural issues that a full roof replacement can.
• If the roof is older, the continued cost of repairs might cost more than just replacing the whole roof at once.
• Warranties on partial roof replacements are less comprehensive than warranties for full roof replacements.

When is it Better to Get a Full Roof Replacement?

If your roof is relatively old or you find yourself dealing with leaks, loose shingles, or sagging in all parts of your roof, you’re probably better off going with a full roof replacement. Even if your roof appears to be in good shape but is very old, you might need a full roof replacement. For example, if you have a 30 year old asphalt roof, it might be a good idea to get it checked out. A roof this age can still be in decent shape if it was very well maintained throughout its life, but there can be problems, like a rotting deck, that you can’t see from the outside. 

On the other hand, if your roof is not that old, but has extensive damage or weathering in multiple areas, it is best to replace it. If left as is, it will only get worse with time. As mentioned above, it is most likely going to cost you more in the long run to replace part of your roof and continue to repair the rest of it frequently.

If your home has poor energy efficiency, this might also be a reason to consider a full roof replacement. Depending on the materials used, a new roof can help save 20-30% on your energy bills. A new energy efficient roof can also increase the value of your home, making the investment well worth it in the long term. You might even be eligible for certain types of roofing assistance programs to help pay for a new roof.

If you do have the option of choosing between a full or partial roof, it can be helpful to consider the pros and cons of both.

Pros of a Full Roof Replacement

• A full roof replacement will take care of all the issues you might have, reducing the likelihood that you’ll need work in the near future.
• Better energy efficiency
• Property value increase
• A full roof replacement will look more consistent than a partial replacement

Cons of a Full Roof Replacement

• Full roof replacements are more expensive.
• Full roof replacements create more waste, which can be bad for environmental sustainability.

Get a Trustworthy Roofer to Assess Your Roof’s Condition

Properly assessing the condition of the whole roof can be tricky. The best way to determine whether you need a full or partial roof replacement is with the help of a professional. Honest Abe has been fixing roofs since 2007 and our roofers are held to high standards. Contact us today to have one of our certified and licensed roofers help you decide what kind of roof replacement will work best for your situation.