How Much Does Roof Repair Cost? (2024)

The total cost of roof repair depends on the specific issue that needs fixing along with your roof type, but the national average cost is between $400 and $2,000.* Your roof does more than protect you from the elements. It’s also vital to maintain your home’s structure and protect your foundation from water damage. A well-made, attractive roof enhances your home’s curb appeal. In fact, roof replacement has one of the highest returns on investment of all home improvement projects. Thus, it’s beneficial to get any roof problems repaired quickly. 

We’ll detail the various factors that affect repair costs in our guide.

*Article cost data sourced from Fixr and HomeAdvisor.

 

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Roof Repair Cost Factors

Roof repair costs can vary widely depending on your roof’s material and design and what repair is needed.

Cost by Type of Repair

Minor repairs, such as replacing shingles or patching small cracks, cost much less than fixing widespread rot or sagging. Here are some common roof problems and their level of severity.

Minor Repairs

Surface repairs, such as replacing damaged or missing shingles, are relatively inexpensive and easy to complete. It’s also fairly easy to replace the flashing, or the thin metal pieces that line roof valleys and prevent leaks around features such as chimneys and skylights. Small cracks and holes can be patched without disturbing the roof deck as long as they’re caught early. Gutter and downspout repair or replacement are also considered minor issues.

Moderate Repairs

Moderate repairs require roofing contractors to remove surface materials and get into the deck and underlayment, so they take longer and cost a bit more. Larger leaks and dents from storm damage may require replacing some of the roof’s underlying structure. Roof truss, fascia, and soffit replacement costs include shingle tear-off and alterations to the roof’s structure. Replacing missing tiles on a tile roof may be a minor or moderate expense depending on the size of the roof, the extent of the damage, and the price of the tiles.

Major Repairs

Issues that require major repairs have usually been brewing for a long time. An old roof may start to sag due to problems with the deck or rafters. The deck is fairly easy to fix, but replacing rafters is often expensive. Wood shake roofs are prone to rot, but even an asphalt shingle roof can rot if water gets into the deck or fascia. If a leak is large enough or goes un-repaired for a long time, you may face water damage to your roof’s structure or even your attic, which can require a partial replacement. Obviously, a full roof replacement costs the most of all repair projects. 

Type of Repair	Cost Range
Flashing	$150–$1,000
Gutters/downspouts	$200–$625
Shingle replacement	$200–$700
Cracks	$200–$1,000
Holes	$200–$1,100
Tile replacement	$250–$2,500
Leak	$400–$2,500
Dent	$500–$4,000
Roof truss	$500–$5,000
Fascia/soffits	$600–$6,000
Sagging	$750–$4,000
Rot	$800–$5,000
Water damage	$800–$7,000
Full replacement	$5,700–$12,250

Cost by Material

Some types of roofing materials are substantially more expensive than others, so replacing them is pricier. Here are some of the most common roofing materials.

• Tar and gravel roof: Also called built-up roofs (BUR), tar and gravel roofs are usually flat. They’re common on southwestern-style homes.
• Rubber or PVC roof: Rubber, PVC, or plastic membranes are almost exclusively used on flat roofs. They’re cost-effective but prone to tearing and wrinkling.
• Composite shingle roof: Made from a mixture of recycled asphalt, fiberglass, plastic, and other materials, composite shingles are eco-friendly and provide excellent insulation.
• Asphalt shingle roof: This is by far the most common residential roofing material. Asphalt shingles range from affordable basic three-tab shingles to premium architectural shingles. They tend to shed granules over time, but this is normal.
• Slate roof: Slate tile is one of the most durable roofing materials, lasting 150 to 200 years. They also require almost no maintenance. The trade-off is that slate is extremely heavy, and you may need extra roof reinforcement in addition to the cost of installation.
• Metal roof: Metal, usually steel or aluminum, may be formed into either tiles or panels. Metal roofing is sturdy and wind-resistant, but it’s prone to corrosion over time.
• Wooden shakes or shingles: A traditional wooden roof is beautiful, but it’s expensive to install and maintain. Shakes and shingles are prone to rot, moss, and splitting.
• Tile roof: Clay and concrete tiles are second only to slate when it comes to durability and life span, lasting up to 50 years. They’re lighter than slate, though they tend to be pricier.

Roofing Material	Cost Range
Tar and gravel	$3–$7
Rubber/PVC	$4–$8
Composite shingles	$4–$10
Asphalt shingles	$5–$9
Slate	$5–$15
Metal	$6–$20
Wood shakes/shingles	$8–$14
Tile	$8–$25

Cost by Roof Pitch/Design

The steeper and more complex your roof design, the more expensive repairs will be. Flat roofs are the simplest and usually least expensive to repair. Single-story gable roofs are similarly inexpensive. Roofs with multiple levels, eaves, or dormers are more complicated to work on and cost more. Roof pitch refers to steepness. Very steep roofs require extra safety precautions and time, so they cost more to repair.

Labor Cost

The longer a roof repair job takes, the more you’ll pay for labor. Some roofers charge by the hour for minor repairs, typically at a rate of $35 to $90 per hour. Larger projects are usually charged by the square, or every 10-foot-by-10-foot section of roof. However, the contractor may charge extra if there are complicating factors that make the job take longer.

 

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Additional Factors Affecting Roof Repair Cost

The above cost considerations are the most significant, but the following factors may also come into play depending on your roof’s specifics and the required repair.

Time of Year

Contractors typically charge more during periods of inclement weather. Thus, emergency roof repair during very wet or icy weather will likely come with extra costs. Additionally, roofers tend to charge more during their busy seasons of spring and summer.

Location

Roof repair costs more in areas of the country with a higher cost of living, such as major metropolitan areas. You’re also likely to pay more in areas with a growing housing market where contractors are in high demand. Roofing companies sometimes add an extra travel charge if you live far away from them.

Inspection and Permits

If you suspect a roof leak but don’t know where it’s coming from, you’ll need a roof inspection to look for weak points that need repair. This costs $100 to $600, but you’ll likely save money in the long run by catching problems early before the damage spreads. Depending on the repair’s extent, you may need a permit from your local municipality. The cost will vary by your location but is usually around $75.

Size of Roof

Costs increase for homes with larger roofs. If the damage is extensive, larger roofs will require more materials to repair. Here’s what that looks like for various sizes of repairs.

Square Footage	Cost Range
1,100	$4,200–$5,500
1,200	$4,500–$6,500
1,500	$5,500–$8,000
1,600	$6,000–$8,500
1,700	$6,500–$9,000
1,800	$6,700–$9,500
1,900	$7,000–$10,000
2,000	$7,400–$10,500

Roof Replacement

In some circumstances, it’s better to replace your entire roof instead of paying for large or recurring repairs. A roof’s life span depends on its materials. Most asphalt shingle roofs last 15 to 30 years, depending on the shingle quality and surrounding climate. If your roof is old and a substantial part of its structure has been compromised by rot or water damage, replacing it may be more cost-effective than repair. Partial replacement is another option, but there are often aesthetic issues with trying to match weathered roofing materials, and it can be inconvenient to have different parts of your roof age separately.

 

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Professional vs. DIY Roof Repair

Due to the safety risks and specialized skills required, roof repair is nearly always a job for the professionals.

Professional Roof Repair

Roofing is a skilled trade. Most states require contractors to maintain a specialized license to market themselves as roofers. These contractors have the proper knowledge and equipment to do the job quickly and efficiently. They’re also bonded and insured to protect both them and your property. Additionally, if your roof is still under warranty, you may end up voiding it by attempting large repairs yourself. You’ll have to pay for labor, but we strongly recommend hiring a professional, licensed contractor for most of your roof needs.

DIY Roof Repair

You may be able to complete a few small repair jobs yourself, but you must take all necessary safety precautions for working on a roof. For example, you may be able to replace asphalt shingles or apply sealant around leaking chimneys or skylights. You can also perform some maintenance tasks, such as visual inspections and gutter cleaning. Anything that involves going into the roof’s deck or underlayment should be left to the pros.

 

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How to Hire a Professional

Here’s what to look for when comparing roofing companies.

• Make sure anyone who gets on your roof is licensed, bonded, and insured.
• If you have specialty or high-end roofing materials, hire a professional who has specific experience working with those materials.
• Check the company’s Better Business Bureau page, as well as customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and Google reviews.
• When you receive your estimate, ask about extra charges like inspections, permits, or other fees.
• See if the company offers a warranty on repairs or workmanship.
• Ask about the projected timeline for repair completion.

 

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How to Reduce Roof Repair Costs

Here are some ways to keep roof repair costs down.

• Perform a ground-level roof inspection after storms or other potentially damaging events. This will help you catch problems early.
• See if your homeowners insurance will cover repairs for storm or natural disaster damage.
• If the repair isn’t urgent, try to schedule it outside of the busy season to lower labor costs.
• If you need a partial or full roof replacement, opt for energy-efficient materials and look for government tax incentives or rebates to help cover part of the cost. As a bonus, you’ll lower your energy bills.
• Most contractors offer a free quote, so make sure you get estimates from at least three roofing companies before making your choice.

 

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Our Recommendation

Roof repair is often part of maintaining an old house, but roofs can sometimes spring leaks regardless of age. If you suspect you have a roof leak, consult a professional roofing contractor for repairs. Maintaining your roof’s integrity goes a long way toward protecting your home, so it’s good to take care of problems quickly and professionally. Get estimates from several local roofers and make sure you understand your options for repair or replacement before the work begins.

 

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