Roof repairs vs. roof replacement: How to tell which one you need, according to the pros

"Deciding whether your roof needs a quick repair or a full replacement largely depends on how much damage it has," said Jon Abernathy, director of contractor engagement at TAMKO , a leading U.S. manufacturer of roofing materials. For many homeowners, it can be tricky to tell without the help of a professional roofer .

To help you make that call, Yahoo Local spoke with roofing industry experts for tips on how to tell when a roof repair is enough or if you need a full replacement. 

How to tell whether you need roof repairs or a full replacement

If your roof just has "a few missing shingles or some minor flashing issues, that is usually an easy fix," Abernathy told Yahoo Local. "Catching those small problems early, in many cases, can prevent leaks and help extend the life of your roof by several years."

In other cases, though, your roofing issues may be more significant, crossing into territory where replacement is necessary to keep your home safe and waterproof. Here's how to tell. Once you determine whether repairs or a full replacement are right for you, our homeowners' guide to getting started with re-roofing or repair will point you in the right direction.

Start by visually inspecting your roof

If you notice a few cracked or missing shingles or if your roof is overdue for a cleaning, these things probably don't mean you need a replacement. However, if you notice obvious signs of leaks, water damage, holes or structural damage, you most likely need a new roof.

"When it comes down to it, you can tell when most roofs need to be replaced with a quick outside/inside check," said Bar Zakheim, a licensed general contractor and the co-owner of Better Place Design & Build , a roofing and remodeling company in San Diego.

"With an inside check, look for water stains on ceilings or walls," he said, adding that homeowners should also check attics for obvious gaps or holes. "If you can see daylight beyond normal vent openings, that's a huge red flag." While "spotty areas can be repaired," Zakheim explained, "widespread failure is when you need replacement."

Here's what you should look for when visually inspecting your roof:

• Leaks and water stains

• Cracked, curled or missing shingles

• Broken or missing roofing tiles

• Interior gaps or holes in your roof decking

• Sagging or obvious structural damage

• Excessive moss or algae on roofing materials

"If you don't see any leaks in the home but you do see a few cracked tiles or shingles that are askew, you just need to repair them," said John Halliday, general manager of HBC Roofing in Mesa, Ariz. "No need to replace the whole roof."

See our guide to DIY roof inspections for help assessing your own roof.

Check for widespread roof damage or deterioration

"When you start seeing larger areas of curling shingles, granule loss or spots that feel soft when you walk on them, that is normally a sign the roof system is wearing out and might need to be replaced," said Abernathy. "When several parts of that system start breaking down, patching it here and there may not hold up for long and could lead to more costly repairs."

"Keep an eye out for widespread roof wear and tear," said Zakehim. Some examples of significant roof damage include widespread water damage, roof sagging or uniform deterioration of roofing materials. For example, if most of your roofing shingles are cracked, curled or wearing thin (as opposed to just a few), this likely indicates your roof is beginning to fail.

Halliday also recommends paying attention to where the damage is forming. "If you are noticing a leak around a vent in your ceiling or around your skylight or solar panels," Halliday said you can most likely do "a simple patch repair." However, if you find a leak "in the middle of your roof away from those vents, you probably have an underlayment problem and need a replacement," he said.

For more, check out these five surefire signs your roof needs to be repaired or replaced .

Consider the age of your roof

Roof age is a major factor when determining whether to repair or replace.

"Older roofs with multiple problem areas are more likely to need replacement, while newer roofs with localized issues can be repaired," said Zakheim. That said, determining whether your roof is considered "old" depends on what type of roof you have and the climate where you live.

Asphalt shingle roofs tend to fail soonest, lasting between 10 and 30 years depending on weather conditions and maintenance. Metal and tile roofs can last much longer, sometimes up to 100 years. For help understanding how far along your roof is, see our guide to roof lifespan by material .

Your roof type will affect whether you need repairs or a new roof

While some roofing advice can be applied generally, a lot of it comes down to your specific roof type. Asphalt shingle roofs, for example, will exhibit damage in different ways than metal roofs, and they're also more prone to needing to be replaced.

With tile roofs, the felt underlayment is just as important as the tiles themselves, if not more, according to Halliday. "A lot of people want to come in and patch a leak, but if the felt underlayment is damaged, then fixing the cracks in your tile won't help," explained Halliday. "If your underlayment is over 20 years old and damaged, you are better off paying for a replacement."

Flat roofs are a whole different story. "With a foam roof, you can usually re-coat it, and it will last another five to 10 years before needing another coat," said Halliday. "With a roll paper roof, you often have to replace it if it's damaged." See our complete guide to determining whether a flat roof needs to be recoated or replaced .

Don't forget to factor in aesthetics and curb appeal

"It's also important to consider the overall appearance of your roof," said Abernathy. "Even if a few shingles can be replaced functionally, older roofs may show noticeable color differences between new and existing materials, which can hurt curb appeal and even lower home value." For more, see our guide to how roofing affects home resale value .

While the appearance of your roof may not be your top priority when deciding whether to repair or replace, it's definitely worth considering, especially if you plan on selling your home any time soon. You may be able to get away with a repair, but if you anticipate needing to replace your roof in the near future anyway, it might be worth moving up the timeline for that project. Our guide to roof replacement costs can help you budget effectively.

Consult a professional roofing contractor

At the end of the day, the best way to make a smart decision between roof repairs and a roof replacement is to consult a licensed roofing contractor or home inspector. Roofing contractors can "help you figure out if a repair will get you a few more good years of use, or if it is time to invest in a new roof," said Abernathy.

When you bring in the pros, they'll assess a wide range of factors to determine the state of your roof. This process is known as a roof inspection , and it examines every part of your roof, inside and out. While DIY roof inspections can help you understand the state of your roof, professional roof inspections are often more comprehensive, and contractors have access to specialty tools that allow for more in-depth analysis.

Here's another pro tip: Bill Hogan, CEO of Hogan Roof in Lake Grove, N.Y., told Yahoo Local that homeowners should be wary of roofers who push for a full replacement when they're not actually needed. This is why it's wise to do your own visual inspection first, or schedule an independent home inspection before connecting with a roofing contractor.

While many roofers are trustworthy and honest, some may pressure sales, and it's important to have a general understanding of what's going on with your roof before bringing in a service provider. If you're ever unsure about how to proceed, consult your home insurance company for guidance.

Why replacing an old roof may be the better move long-term

While it can be tempting to make do with repairs to save on costs, Hogan recommends being wary of patch jobs when you really need a new roof. Doing this can create more problems (and expenses) down the line. "We can do a repair, but the leak will either come back in the same place or will shift to a new area," said Hogan.

Abernathy added that while roof replacements are more costly upfront, they can actually save you money in the long run. "In some cases, a full roof replacement may be the more cost-effective option," he said, since you won't get stuck in the cycle of endless repairs to keep an old roof functioning.

"Overall, a roof does a lot more than people realize," said Abernathy. "It is a connected system that protects your home from weather, moisture and all kinds of natural elements." To keep that system in good shape, Abernathy emphasized the importance of regular roof maintenance , high-quality roofing materials designed to withstand your region's weather , as well as proper, professional installation.

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