This is one of the most common questions we get from Cordova homeowners: "Do I really need a new roof, or can this just be repaired?"
The honest answer is: it depends. Some roofs that look bad just need a targeted repair. Others that look fine on the surface are actually past saving. Here's how to figure out which one yours is.
When a Repair Is the Right Move
Repair is usually the answer when:
The damage is isolated. A few missing shingles after a storm. A leak around one chimney. A pipe boot that's cracked. These are small problems with small solutions.
The roof is under 15 years old. Most asphalt roofs in the Memphis metro are designed to last 20 to 25 years. If yours is still relatively young, repairs make sense as long as the damage isn't widespread.
The decking underneath is solid. As long as the wood under the shingles isn't rotted, you have a foundation worth repairing.
You haven't had recurring problems. If this is the first significant issue in years, a repair will probably hold.
A typical roof repair around Cordova runs anywhere from a couple hundred dollars for something simple to a few thousand for bigger fixes — far less than full replacement.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
Replacement starts being the smarter call when:
The damage is widespread. Multiple leaks, missing shingles in several areas, or visible damage across most of the roof. Patching pieces of a roof that's failing all over is throwing money away.
The roof is over 20 years old. Even if it looks decent, an old asphalt roof is on borrowed time. Spending money on repairs when replacement is coming in two or three years anyway doesn't make sense.
The decking is rotted or sagging. Once the wood underneath is failing, repairs won't fix it. The whole roof needs to come off so the decking can be replaced.
You've had two or three repairs in recent years. When the same roof keeps needing fixes, the underlying problem is bigger than any individual repair.
Your shingles are curling, cracking, or losing granules across most of the roof. That's the entire roof telling you it's done.
The Math Is Usually Pretty Clear
Here's a quick way to think about it. Add up what you've spent on the roof in the last five years. If it's getting close to a quarter of what a full replacement would cost, replacement is probably the better long-term move. New roofs come with warranties. Repaired old roofs don't.
Insurance is another factor. If storm damage is covered, replacement might cost you only the deductible. That's a totally different conversation than paying for it all out of pocket.
What You Should Avoid
Don't trust anybody who tells you that you need a full replacement before they've actually been on your roof and looked at it. Some roofing companies in the Memphis area are notorious for pushing replacements that aren't needed — usually after a storm, when homeowners are already worried.
Equally, don't keep paying for repairs just to delay the inevitable. We've seen Cordova homeowners spend more on three years of repairs than a new roof would have cost. If your roof is past its prime, replacement is usually the cheaper option in the long run.
Get a Real Opinion
The only way to know for sure is to have someone competent actually look at your roof. At Waynes New Roof, we do free inspections across Cordova and the Memphis metro. We'll tell you honestly whether you need a repair or a replacement — and we won't push you toward the more expensive option.
Call (662) 671-0778 to schedule a free inspection. We'll be straight with you.