Repair damaged roof or replace it?

[Jason L.]

I own a duplex in the DFW area, that has hail and wind damage from storm that happened in November.  I had a roofing company give me a quote ($675) on the repairs which he recommended filing a claim with my insurance company.  So, I did and the adjuster said the roof only looked bad in the area with the hail and wind damage but would recommend a new roof because it looked a around 15 years old.  My insurance company did agree with the adjuster's recommendation to replace the roof.  

Now, I'm not to sure if I want to replace the roof or repair the damage area.  To replace the roof I will be required to pay a $2000 deductible or I could repair the damaged area; which could cause me lose my roof coverage after 1 year, if not replace.  Also, I may consider selling it within the next year or two.   

What would you do?

[Keith Harris]

I would recommend to replace it. If the insurance company pays to replace and you elect not to, you risk not having it covered after a future (maybe more serious) storm.  Also, if you repair and plan to sell, you will likely lose the money in the home value during the sale. $2k deductible now is much cheaper than negotiating the cost to replace it during a future sale.