If your current roof has suffered damage, such as a leak or missing shingles, the question of whether to pursue a roof repair or replacement can lead to a difficult decision. Roofing professionals may attempt to steer you in different directions. At Alan’s Roofing, we assist homeowners in deciding which path to take based on their best interests.
Should You Repair Your Roof? Price Considerations
The cost of repairing a roof depends on numerous factors, including the extent of damage, the type of roofing material, and the relative ease or difficulty of accessing impacted areas. A damaged roof will require minor, moderate, or extensive repairs. Otherwise, replacement may be the only viable alternative.
Consider the following national average pricing for a typical asphalt shingle roof repair or installation on a 2,000-square-foot home:
| Minor Roof Repairs | $150-$1,500 |
| Moderate Roof Repairs | $1,500-$7,000 |
| Extensive Roof Repairs | $7,000+ |
| Total Roof Replacement | $6,000-$12,000 |
Homeowners should understand common roof repair issues and corresponding costs:
| Repair/replace a few damaged shingles | $200-$500 |
| Repair/replace a “modest” amount of flashing | $200-$500 |
| Fix relatively “basic” gutter problems | $250-$400 |
| Reseal/recaulk roofing materials | $400-$800 |
| Fix relatively “minor” roof leaks | $400-$1,000 |
Every roofing material and product has a different expected longevity. For instance, asphalt shingles can last between 15 to 50 years. However, most asphalt shingle products can be placed into one of three classes, each with its unique lifespan:
| 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles | 15-20 years |
| Architectural/Dimensional Asphalt Shingles | 20-30 years |
| Premium Luxury/Composite Asphalt Shingles | 30-50 years |
Although no hard and fast rule exists to determine whether a homeowner should repair or replace a damaged roof, a roof’s anticipated life expectancy plays a crucial role in this decision. The nearer the current roof is to the end of its expected lifespan, the less financial sense it makes to repair damage. Instead, roofing professionals will typically recommend replacement.
Assume an asphalt shingle roof has an expected lifespan of 30 years. This table reveals which direction a homeowner should pursue if roof damage occurs:
| 0-30% of its life expectancy | 0-9 years old | Repair is almost always more economical |
| 30-60% of its life expectancy | 9-18 years ol | Minor or moderate repair may make sense |
| 60-80% of its life expectancy | 18-24 years old | Only a minor repair should be considered |
| 80-100% of its life expectancy | 24-30 years old | Replacement is generally recommended |
The crossover point at which replacement almost always becomes the more financially feasible avenue is when the roof reaches between 60% and 80% of its anticipated longevity. At this juncture, the cost of repairs and the likelihood of needing additional repairs in the future will typically justify pursuing a full roof replacement.
How The Extent Of Damage Impacts This Decision
The 30% threshold is a standard metric used in the residential roofing and property insurance industries to determine whether repairing a roof makes sense. If damage exceeds 30% of the roof area, repairs become less economical. Piecemeal repairs on an extensively damaged roof often lead to uneven aging and unsightly appearance issues. A home may also experience a higher likelihood of underlying structure problems. Many roofing professionals and insurance companies will recommend a total roof replacement in this instance.
Roof Repair Or Replacement: Return On Investment
If a roof has incurred significant damage or is nearing the end of its lifespan, a homeowner must consider replacing it. Generally, a roof repair is a sunk cost with little to no return on investment (ROI). However, installing a new roof will generally offer a 60-70% ROI if the homeowner anticipates selling it within the next 1-5 years.
How does ROI work in this setting? Assume a home’s value is $300,000. If the homeowner installs a new roof for $10,000 and elects to sell the house two years later, they could add a premium of 60-70% of the roof replacement cost (equal to $6,000-$7,000) to the listing price. A new or newer roof is an attractive feature for prospective buyers.
How Energy Costs Affect Whether To Repair A Roof
The price of heating and cooling a home continues to escalate. A damaged roof could cause energy inefficiencies, resulting in excess heating and cooling consumption – an unnecessary and avoidable issue. Today’s advancements in roofing technology allow homeowners to pursue energy savings through new roofing materials. Many homeowners will experience a net savings of between 15-30% on their annual utility expenses by installing a new roof.
Choosing An Experienced Roofing Professional
If you are a homeowner in Central Florida, trust the roofing experts at Alan’s Roofing to provide helpful guidance in determining whether to repair or replace your existing roof. We will offer an honest assessment of its condition and detailed evidence of our findings to help you make an informed decision.
Contact Alan’s Roofing today to learn more about our residential repair and replacement services or to schedule an appointment.
