Can You Replace Half a Roof?

Can you replace half a roof?

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home’s structure and protects the interior from the elements, so any damage will need to be fixed as quickly and efficiently as possible. But what happens if the damage is limited to only one side of your roof? Can you replace half a roof or do you need a full roof replacement?

The team here at TCK Roofing & Building is here to answer your questions.

Can you replace half a roof?

Yes, you can replace half a roof. However, this doesn’t mean you should; in fact, many roofing experts would advise against this approach. While a partial roof replacement may be a cheaper option in the short term, you might be setting yourself up for serious and costly problems in the future, which we’ve covered more below.

How does a partial roof replacement work?

A roofing contractor will visit your home to inspect the damage and assess the severity of the problem, before sourcing materials that match the look of your existing roof. The damaged area will then need to be cleared of the old tiles along with any debris to allow repairs to the existing structure to be carried out. 

Then, the new roofing materials will be installed and the join between the old and new structure will be properly sealed to prevent leaks. A final inspections will then be performed to ensure the work meets all quality standards.

Why should you not have a partial roof replacement? 

Replacing only half of your roof can have a range of disadvantages, such as:

• Aesthetic mismatch: While your roofing contractor should make every effort to ensure your new roofing materials exactly match your old ones, sometimes this isn’t possible. Maybe your old roofing tiles have become weathered or the exact colour or style isn’t available anymore, in which case you might be left with an untidy, mismatched appearance.
  

• Long-term costs: Although a partial roof replacement usually has lower upfront costs, it can lead to expensive issues later on. The older section of the roof will likely need replacement at some point, meaning you’re paying for multiple repairs rather than tackling everything in one go. Plus, a partial roof replacement may be masking more serious and costly structural problems.
  

• Uneven ageing: As you’d expect, the older section of your roof will age much more quickly than the newer one, leading to uneven wear and requiring more frequent repairs and maintenance. Keep in mind the age of your existing roof; if it’s quite old and worn anyway then it’s best to opt for a full replacement, as a partial replacement will just be a temporary fix.
  
• Increased risk of leaks: The join between the new and old sections of your roof is particularly vulnerable to leaks, so it’s vital you work with a trusted roofing contractor like TCK Roofing & Building to ensure the area is properly sealed.

Is it better to replace a full roof?

There are several occasions where it may be recommended to have a partial roof replacement, such as if your roof has only sustained minor damage to a small section, perhaps as the result of a storm or fallen tree.

However, more often than not, a roofing contractor will recommend a full replacement to ensure long-term peace of mind and a uniform look.

It may be time to opt for a full roof replacement if you notice any of the following:

• Water damage
• Excessive wear
• Sagging
• Sunlight in your attic
• Slipping tiles

If you’re experiencing problems with your roof in Watford, Hertfordshire, North and North West London and beyond, contact the team here at TCK Roofing & Building today. Since 1969, we’ve been supporting homeowners with a whole range of roofing repairs and replacements – get in touch to find out more.