The Cost of Repairing Your Roof

April 22, 2021

Estimating roof repair costs may seem like a complicated, headache-inducing nightmare. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. Use the guide below to get an idea of how much your roof repairs will cost.

Low-end estimates can be as low as $150 for a simple patch on an asphalt roof. Larger items, such as roof leak repair costs, can be around $400- $1,000. Your total roof repair cost will vary depending on the problem and the roofing material used. 

Types of Repairs

Roofing repairs aren’t one-size-fits-all, so it’s essential to consider what kind you require and understand the issue.

You can separate roofing repairs into two sections: major and minor. Let’s look into what constitutes each kind.

Minor Repairs

Minor repairs are an easy fix. The average roof repair cost typically ranges from $150 to $1,500. A minor repair is performed when there’s not much damage to the roof and includes the following:

• Patching small leaks
• Fixing or replacing cracked shingles
• Fixing nails that are lifting
• Correcting issues of pooling water
• Fixing pest damage

Major Repairs

When roofing issues require the attention of a professional, it’s considered a major repair. You may feel tempted to DIY these, but it’s important to call your local roofing professional instead so you don’t cause further damage. These repairs can range anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000 and include the following:

• Electrical problems
• Extensive water damage
• Roof sagging
• Large amounts of mold

You may need to consider a total roof replacement if your roof is older than 20 years and has experienced significant or recurring damage.

How Much Does a Roof Repair Cost?

How much a roof repair costs will depend on the type of roofing materials you use and the extent of the damage. Below is a breakdown of common items to help you estimate.

Solar Roof Repair Cost

When it’s time for roof repairs, the roofers will need to be able to access your roof, even if it is covered by solar panels. You will need to have a professional remove and reinstall them to ensure that nothing is damaged.

If it is your solar panel that needs repairs, you will need to contact the manufacturer. Each company will have its own policy and costs associated with repairing cracked or damaged solar panels.

Slate Roof Repair Cost

The average roof repair cost for a slate roof is not very high unless you have to repair the flashing as well. For both, it will cost you around $1,000, but without the flashing, you can most likely repair your slate roof for about $250.

Composite Roof Repair Cost

Composite roofs may come apart in sections rather than a shingle at a time. They are also lighter in weight and can lift up more easily, allowing water to blow in beneath them and cause leaks. 

These leaks are generally due to poorly installed seals or tiles that have been damaged in bad weather. When looking at roof leak repair costs for composite roofing, repairing the asphalt or tar paper will be fairly inexpensive.

Asphalt Roof Shingle Repair Cost

Strong winds can blow away shingles, and it is even easier if they are improperly attached. Roof shingle repair costs for asphalt shingles range between $150 and $500 on average, with most people paying around $350. 

Clay Roof Repair Cost

Clay roofs can pick up a lot of debris and can crack easily. The average roof repair costs for clay roofing is around $500 and ranges between $300 and $700.

Tin Roof Repair Cost

Roof leak repair costs tend to be less expensive for tin roofs than for full metal roofs, averaging around $600. Tin roofs also typically have much longer lifespans and may not need to be repaired as often. 

Metal Roof Repair Cost

Roofing materials expand and contract in different temperatures, which can cause fasteners to work loose on metal roofs, especially if they are improperly installed. This can lead to rust, deterioration, and other issues. You can expect to spend around $700 on metal roof repairs.

Wood Roof Repair Cost

Wood roofing is attractive to pests and susceptible to fast-spreading rot and moss buildup. These issues may cause you to need an entirely new roof rather than simply making repairs. Wood roofs are also among the most expensive roofs to repair and average around $800.

Cost Table:

Causes & Needs for Roof Repair

Estimating how much to repair a roof will cost also depends on the cause and type of problem you have encountered. Some examples of the top reasons for roof repair are listed below for reference.

• High Winds 
  • Wind can blow shingles off the roof, exposing the roof deck and underlayment to damaging elements.
• Poor Installation
  • Improperly installing flashing, sealants, fasteners, or shingles can lead to roofs leaking over time.
• Rot
  • Rot can lead to a roof sagging, which is unstable and unsafe.
• Chimney Flashing
  • Because of its exposure, chimney flashing tends to be more damaged by weather.
• Skylight Flashing
  • Like chimney flashing, skylight flashing is more exposed to weather and tends to be damaged more quickly.
• Ice Dams
  • Ice dams occur when water freezes on your roof. They create barriers that prevent water from properly draining into the gutters.
• Excessive Snow Buildup
  • Too much snow on your roof can lead to ice dams, leaks, and even a cave-in. Make sure you know how much snow your roof can handle and remove excess with a rake if needed. It may be best to call a professional.
• Lack of Maintenance
  • Make sure you perform regular inspections and keep your roof and gutters free from debris.

Average Cost to Replace Roof by Home Size

Remember that the size of your roof is not the same as the area of your house. You will need to factor in items such as overhangs and pitch. Use the table below to estimate the average cost of a roof replacement based on your home’s size.

Average Cost of Roof Replacement by Location

Your roof replacement cost may also vary depending on where you live. Factors such as climate and available materials can impact the total cost.

DIY vs. Hiring a Roofer

If you’re considering doing work on your roof yourself, take some time to consider the pros and cons of DIY vs. hiring a roofer. Even if you’re skilled in many home repair areas, you may find that hiring a professional is the best option.

DIY Roof Repairs

Compare the pros and cons of DIY roof repair below to see if doing the work yourself is worth the risks.

Pros

• You can potentially save hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars.
• You set your own schedule.

Cons

• Once you begin, you have to commit until the job is complete. This will mean sacrificing many long hours on nights and weekends that could otherwise be spent with family or doing something you enjoy.
• Tools are expensive. You may be saving on the cost of labor, but unless you are a roofer by trade, there are tools you may need that you probably don’t already have. By the time you buy them, are you still saving enough money to make it worth your time? Plus, will you ever use these tools again?
• It’s physically demanding. You need to be in pretty great shape to carry equipment and shingles up and down a ladder for hours at a time. Not to mention squatting or kneeling on the roof, tearing off old shingles, and battling the heat.
• You also risk voiding the warranty if anything is installed incorrectly. You won’t be covered when something goes wrong in the future.
• Most importantly, you need to consider the safety risks. Professional roofers are prepared with the right training and equipment to install roofing safely and accurately.

Hiring a Roofer

Now, consider the pros and cons of hiring a roofer and compare it to your list from the section above. 

Pros

• You don’t have to climb up onto your roof and risk your neck.
• You are not responsible for mistakes.
• A professional will let you know if there is anything else wrong with your roof that could become a problem.
• A professional knows how to install and repair everything safely and correctly.
• You don’t have to take time out of your own busy schedule to do the work.
• You’ll be protected by a warranty when the work is finished.

Cons

• In some cases, it may be easier and less expensive to make minor repairs yourself rather than pay for the labor.

How to Save on Roof Repair Costs

It’s no secret that roof repairs can be expensive, but repairs are vital for maintaining your home’s protection. If you want to save on roof repair costs, here are a few things that may help:

Inspect the roof yourself

We’re not suggesting you attempt to patch the roof yourself, but inspecting the roof and determining whether you need major or minor repairs can save you the inspection fee and help plan for future costs.

Talk to your insurance company

You may be looking at issues caused by weather or other natural disasters. In that case, your insurance company may be willing to help you with the roof repair cost. It never hurts to ask.

Learn about your roof

The more you know about your roof’s issues, the better you can advocate for yourself. By understanding your roof’s elements, you can better control the repair process and adequately express your needs to others.

How to Hire a Professional

Roof repairs are essential to home maintenance, so research your options. Here are a few things to do when looking for a professional:

Determine a range of expected costs

It’s crucial to understand potential costs as you take on these repairs. Once you’ve researched typical costs, you can determine which professionals offer the best deal.

Check out area professionals

Once you’ve figured out the costs, you can look into professionals in the area. Be sure to read reviews and check prices and availability.

Cross-reference with your insurance

It’s essential to communicate with your insurance company about the professional you plan to hire to determine if they can help with the cost.

How to Avoid an Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement

The average roof repair cost may be less than a complete roof replacement, but how do you know whether your roof can be repaired or whether it needs to be replaced?

When your roof gets older, the shingles begin to dry out and lose their natural oils. These oils are needed to enable the shingles to bend, expand, and contract as needed in varying weather conditions. When shingles dry out, they become stiff and start to curl, crack, or stain. You may also notice granules flaking off and landing in your gutters or around your home. When you see these symptoms, or dark stains and streaks, it’s time to consider how best to care for your roof.

If your shingles are beginning to dry out, but your roof is in otherwise good condition, you may be able to put off a roof replacement and opt for a roof restoration instead. A roof restoration can add years to the life of your roof and save you thousands compared with a replacement.

Roof Maxx uses a 100% natural bio-oil to restore lost moisture to dry shingles. This rejuvenates them from the inside out, enabling them to work better for much longer. They regain their strength and flexibility and can protect your home from all kinds of weather. 

If you have an asphalt roof, contact Roof Maxx to find out if your roof is eligible for roof restoration and to get a free quote. We’ll perform an inspection and let you know if we find any other problems that need to be repaired before we proceed. Learn more about roof restoration vs. roof replacement to see if Roof Maxx is right for you.