Should You Replace the Entire Roof or Just the Shingles?

If you notice that some shingles on your roof are cracked or broken, you may be wondering if you need to replace the entire roof or just the individual shingles. In most cases, it is possible to replace the shingles without having to replace the entire roof. However, if the damage is more extensive, it may be necessary to replace the entire roof. In some cases, it is possible to replace just the roof tiles and not the entire roof.

This is a much more preferable action since it will take less time and cost much less than replacing the entire roof. If approximately half of the roof is damaged, we recommend replacing the roof completely. If you're afraid your budget won't allow you to buy a completely new roof, there are some cost-saving options available. See our blog on removable roofs vs.

overlapping roofs for more information there. As long as you only have one layer of shingles on your roof, you're a candidate for re-roofing. Otherwise, building codes prohibit roofs that already have two layers of shingles installed from installing a third layer, in which case a complete roof replacement will be required. When it comes to restoring the roof, you may be faced with the dilemma of whether to repair it or replace it completely. Repairs focus solely on damaged areas of the roof and may seem like a good option if the damage is not widespread.

But even if the damaged area is small, it might be advisable to replace the entire roof. It could also involve repairing or replacing the platform or any other damage that is revealed when the old roof is removed. From a financial perspective, repairs may seem like a good short-term solution, while replacing the roof may seem like an overstatement (especially if you only have a small leak). Partial replacement may save you a day, but it won't help older sections of the roof last longer.

When it's time to replace the roof completely, the cost of removing two layers can offset any savings you've made by choosing to re-roofing. If your roof only needs to replace a few shingles or do some minor patches, you can ask a roofer to do those small repairs for you. Deciding whether to repair or replace your roof can depend on many factors. Partial replacement is often done when the damage is a little more extensive, but it's still limited to just one or two sections of the roof. Here are some things to consider when it comes to replacing individual shingles or the entire roof:

  • If only one or two shingles are damaged, they can be replaced individually.
  • If minor cracks or tears are present, they may not need to be replaced and can be repaired with a sealant.
  • If half of your roof is damaged, it's best to replace it completely.
  • If two layers of shingles are already installed on your roof, building codes prohibit installing a third layer and require a complete replacement.
  • Repairing half a roof is faster and requires less material but costs more than replacing the entire roof in one go.
When considering whether to repair or replace your roof, be sure to consider all factors involved.

Partial replacement may save time and money in some cases but won't help older sections of your roof last longer. On the other hand, replacing your entire roof will require more labor and materials but will ensure that all sections of your roof are in good condition.