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Roof Replacement 101 - Can You Replace Just Half a Roof?

Roof Pros • June 29, 2021

Roofs are seldom single, flat expanses. They are made up of various sections that are interconnected to make one sturdy unit that protects your home from the outside elements. Having said that, if a portion of your roof gets damaged beyond repair, is it possible to replace just that part instead of the entire roofing system?


Is It Okay to Replace Only a Part of Your Roof?

can you replace part of your roof


The answer is yes, but it all depends on the extent of the damage as well as the age of the roof. Generally speaking, if multiple parts of your roof already need to be replaced, then it’s better to just scrap everything and hire local roofing contractors to replace your entire roof. However, it’s actually possible to replace parts of your roof up to a certain extent. Certain sections you can replace are individual roofing shingles, metal panels, stiles, and slates. These are called unitized materials and can be easily replaced without removing the entire roofing. 


While it’s not recommended to replace a roof partially, there are certain situations where replacing some sections and pieces of your roofing system is acceptable. These situations include:

  • Patch Jobs - If less than half of your roof gets damaged, you can consider patching up only the affected areas. However, you must consider the extent of damage before doing any repairs. If only a small portion of the roof got affected, but it caused severe moisture damage and started to penetrate your attic, you may need to do extensive repairs. Consult your local roofing contractor and have them assess the damage before replacing anything.

  • Replacing Individual Shingles - It’s completely possible to get some of your shingles blown off your roof due to high winds. When that happens, it makes sense to only replace the missing part. New shingles can be easily slotted where missing or damaged shingles existed before. However, it’s also best to have your roof inspected in case there are any signs of damage to the decking underneath.


When Is Partial Roof Replacement Not Okay?


If your roof needs multiple sections or large areas replaced, it’s probably better to just replace the entire roof. The main benefit of a complete roof replacement is assessing the whole roof deck and seeing if there are signs of internal damage or rot. If you see any imperfections in the roof deck or some slightly damaged areas, there’s a possibility that it can cause some water damage to your home’s internal structure. 


This is especially true if it’s been a couple of decades since your last re-roofing. The average lifespan of a well-maintained roof usually lasts around 25 - 40 years, depending on the material used. Consider doing a replacement if you’re anywhere near that number, especially if your replacement has long been overdue.


Conclusion


Your roof serves as your primary protection against the elements, keeping you warm and dry through every season. For that very reason alone, you should give your roof the care it deserves so it can continue to protect you and your family. Ask help from residential roofing contractors to know if your roof needs partial or full replacement.


Choose Roof Pros for all your exterior home improvement projects. When you work with our team, expect quality service and timely completion. We serve clients in Hampshire County and Hampden County, MA. Contact us today for
emergency roof repairs.


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