Should I Repair or Replace my Roof? The Ultimate Guide

In this guide, we answer the burning question: “How do I know when it’s better to repair or replace a roof (and when and how to decide)?”

Quick Reference:

  • Replace your roof if it doesn’t keep out the weather, looks bad due to age or has suffered widespread damage.
  • Repair the roof when it is less than 12 to 15 years old, and the problems are isolated in a few spots.
  • Roofs older than 15 years should probably be replaced when this question comes up.

Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement

Hail damage to an asphalt shingles roof

When a roof is in fair condition, neither new nor obviously in need of replacement, it becomes a difficult decision. Repair is an affordable, short-term fix. Replacement cost is a lot higher, but going this route also means that your new roof likely won’t need major attention for 20 to 40 years, depending on the material you install.

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Luma Solar vs GAF Solar Roof: The Ultimate Guide

There are two main options for homeowners who are considering a solar energy system: traditional photovoltaic panels, or a solar roof with built-in PV cells. Like in any design decision, each option has advantages and disadvantages. However, solar panels and solar roofs can both offer an attractive return on investment, and clean electricity for more than two decades.

GAF Timberline Solar shingles installation

In this buyer’s guide, we will compare two leading solar roof providers: GAF Energy and Luma Solar. Both companies offer excellent products, but there is an important difference between them:

Luma Solar was founded in 2007, which means they have been providing solar roofs for more than a decade. In fact, Luma was the first provider of solar roofs in the US, starting ten years before the popular Tesla solar roof was launched in 2017.

Luma solar tiles on a hip roof of a two story house

GAF Energy was created more recently in 2019, but their parent company GAF (General Aniline & Film) has more than a century of manufacturing experience in the roofing industry. Regardless of who you choose as your solar roof provider, you will be dealing with a reliable provider. Also, both companies offer a solid warranty.

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What Are the Current Problems with Tesla’s Solar Roof?

Tesla’s brand positioning has been remarkable and the company has become a household name around the world. The Tesla solar roof was first announced in 2017, as an alternative to traditional solar panels.

Instead of installing photovoltaic modules on top of a roof, the solar cells become part of the roof – this concept is called building integrated photovoltaics or BIPV.

From a technical and aesthetic standpoint, the Tesla solar roof is an excellent product, covered by a 25-year warranty that ensures electricity production in the long run.

The Tesla solar roof also has a completely invisible design, where roof shingles with PV cells look identical to the shingles without them. This is a great design feature for homeowners who want to generate their own electricity, but don’t like the appearance of traditional solar panels.

Despite the product’s great features, bringing the solar tile roof to the mainstream market has been a challenge for Tesla. Manufacturing and installations have been unable to keep up with demand and challenging realities of what it takes to install a complex product like the solar tile roof. These realities mean you can expect a very, very long wait time.

Many homeowners have also reported major price hikes after their initial quote, even after a contract had already been signed.

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