Do you need to replace your roof? Are you worried about paying for it?
This is an understandable concern when considering the cost of a roof replacement. Unfortunately, some homeowners try to find ways to cut costs without knowing the risks to their roof, home, and even their wallets.
A common way to cut costs is by only replacing half the roof. But is it even possible to replace half your roof? Is it a good idea?
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has educated homeowners on every aspect of their upcoming roof replacement. That’s why I want to break down what you need to know when considering replacing half your roof.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn:
- Can you replace half a roof?
- 5 things to consider before replacing half your roof
Can you replace half a roof?
Yes, you can replace half your roof. However, I don’t recommend a partial roof replacement just to save money.
I understand areas with frequent problems or leaks where the only solution is replacing the section. But you’re asking for problems by only replacing half your roof if you actually need a full roof replacement.
You’ll definitely be able to find a roofer willing to do it, but this creates more problems (more on this later). Trying to save money by replacing half your roof might seem like a good idea, especially on a tight budget.
However, there are options if you’re worried about paying for a new roof.
5 things to consider before replacing half your roof
Now you know that you can replace half your roof. While I don’t recommend it, it’s 100% your decision.
You may even be thinking, “You’re a roofing contractor, so of course you want to sell a full roof.” But the reality is there are good reasons why most reputable roofing companies don't recommend replacing half your roof.
So, let's look at 5 things you need to consider before deciding to replace half your roof.
1. You’ll have one roof with two different lifespans
When getting a full replacement, every material and component is aging together. Even though it may be one roof, replacing half of it creates a roof with two lifespans.
Because they age at different rates, the older side will fail and start leaking sooner than the newer side. You’ll then have to replace the older side, which starts the clock on it.
However, it doesn’t magically reset the lifespan of the other half you replaced previously. Unfortunately, the cycle continues over and over again until you finally replace your entire roof.
2. Replacing half a roof makes roof leaks more likely
When replacing half a roof, you only address half the potential problems. This makes leaks more likely, which means paying for repairs on the aging roof until it’s finally replaced.
That’s why you need to think about how much you’re really paying when getting a partial roof replacement. You’re still paying for materials, labor, time, the contractor’s overhead, and everything else like a normal roof replacement.
However, frequent repairs means you’ll pay more in the long run than you would for a full replacement. You may think replacing half your roof saves you money, but in reality, it could end up costing you more.
3. You won’t get the warranty protection that comes with a full roof replacement
Anytime you replace your roof, you get two types of warranties. There’s one on the roofing materials and another on the roofing contractor’s workmanship.
When replacing half your roof, you don’t get nearly the same warranty protection as a full roof replacement. The shingles and other materials come out of the package with a standard warranty for the half getting replaced.
However, you won’t be eligible for the 50-year non-prorated warranty that most shingle manufacturers offer when getting a full roof system. Even if you already have a material warranty on your current roof system, replacing half the roof voids it.
I also guarantee you won’t get a workmanship warranty with long-term protection, especially if the other side already has leaks. And if you hired a different roofer, the two sides of your roof will be covered under two different warranties.
This just creates the opportunity for finger-pointing, which commonly leads to fighting to get one or the other to fix the problems. Either way, replacing half your roof doesn’t provide long-term protection like a full roof replacement.
4. A half roof replacement doesn’t give you peace of mind
The three things we just covered play into this next point. Simply put, replacing half your roof doesn’t give you the same peace of mind as a new, properly installed roof.
After a roof replacement by a reputable company, you can count on peace of mind for 20 years. If you hire a roofer who stands behind their work, you’ll still have peace of mind if problems show up later.
As I said, replacing half a roof means you’re only taking care of half the problem. You’ll never get the peace of mind you expect until it’s fully replaced.
5. Replacing half your roof leads to mismatching colors
Your roof is one of the first things people notice when driving by, walking down the street, or coming over to visit. Getting a new roof increases your home’s curb appeal, but replacing half of it does the opposite.
Shingles lose their color as they age from wear and tear from the elements. Instead of a uniform look, replacing half of your roof creates mismatching colors, with one side being lighter.
Even if you get the same shingle and color, you can tell the difference between the two sides. This gives your roof a look that stands out, but not in a good way.
You might not think this is a big deal; for some people, the look of their roof doesn’t matter. But every day when you get home, you’ll notice it, and I guarantee your neighbors will, too.
What are the risks of getting the cheapest roof possible?
You now know the 5 things you need to consider before replacing half your roof. I always recommend a full roof replacement. But as I said, it’s 100% your decision.
I get that spending money on a new roof isn’t fun, and some homeowners avoid it for as long as possible. However, a quality, leak-free roof is a necessity.
So, even if you’re on a tight budget, there are ways to replace your roof without breaking the bank. However, this doesn’t mean you should look for the lowest-priced roof replacement possible.
Unfortunately, some homeowners end up doing exactly that without thinking about the consequences. Even worse, the consequences are extremely costly.
I don’t want this to happen to you. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the risks of getting a cheap roof.
Check out 6 Risks When Getting a Cheap Roof Replacement to avoid the bad side of the roofing industry and the consequences that follow.
