Roof repair costs an average of $1,147 in the U.S. The price can range between $392–$1,913, depending on the materials, the type of damage, the type of roof, and many other factors.
This guide examines those factors and provides tips on how to know when your roof needs a repair—or whether a new replacement roof is required—and how to save money on this home improvement project.
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Key Takeaways
- The average cost of roof repair is $1,147, but pricing typically ranges between $392–$1,913.
- The most common cost factors influencing roof repair include the age of the roof, the weather, the time of the year, and labor costs.
Roof Repair Cost Factors
This might seem like common sense, but it’s extremely important to repair a damaged roof as soon as possible. In addition to safety factors, no matter what you end up paying for a roof repair, it’s bound to cost far less than you’d have to pay for an entirely new roof.
Roof repair prevents further damage from occurring, can extend the lifespan of your roof, and eliminate unsightly cracks, punctures, and other obvious signs of damage. This is especially important if you plan to sell your home, because roof repairs can contribute to greater resale value. Repairs can also help improve your home’s insulation against the elements, improving energy efficiency and reducing electric bills.
In addition to the major roof repair cost factors, such as roofing material, roof size, and extent of the damage, consider the following factors when budgeting for your roof repair:
- Weather: If you live in an area with high winds, lots of snow and ice, or coastal seawater exposure, your roof will have a higher potential for damage and may require more expensive repairs.
- Time of year: Repairs cost more during times when roofers are busiest, which is typically during winter in cold climates and the rainy season in wet climates.
- Age of your roof: Older roofs are more prone to extensive and costly repairs due to the degradation of materials over time.
- Location: Urban areas and places experiencing housing booms often have higher repair costs due to greater demand for qualified roofers.
- Labor: About 60% or more of roof repair costs go toward labor, according to local contractors. Liability and workers’ compensation insurance add significantly to roofing labor costs.
- Gutters: Lack of maintenance and damage to gutters can cause roof fascia and soffit issues and may lead to gutter repairs, which cost $180–$560, or replacements, costing $1,000–$3,000 on average.
Other Cost Considerations for Roof Repairs
In addition to the factors listed above, you can expect a number of administrative costs when repairing a roof. No construction job takes place in a vacuum, so make sure to ask your contractor or roofer about these easy-to-overlook cost factors:
- Permits: The exact permit needed depends on the type of work, but these cost about $75–$250.
- Roof inspection: If you’re not sure what the problem is, you can have a professional inspect your roof for $100–$600.
- Emergency services: If you need immediate roof repair, prepare to add several hundred dollars to your overall cost.
Roof Repair Costs by Category
The roof repair type has the most significant impact on cost. It’s important to know that ignoring small problems often leads to bigger problems and higher costs. The list below provides examples of three common roof repair categories—minor, moderate, and major—and gives you a general idea of typical price ranges.
- Minor repairs ($150–$1,000): Keep in mind that even minor roof damage can lead to major problems if you ignore it. Minor repairs include fixing a small roof leak, replacing a few shingles, and identifying and plugging small punctures.
- Moderate repairs ($1,001–$2,000): By the time roof damage requires a moderate repair, there’s a good chance you’ve already experienced related problems in your home. One issue you can usually classify as moderate is limited water damage, but that can escalate into major damage quickly if ignored. Other moderate repair jobs include replacing the roof flashing and repairing the underlying felt or decking.
- Major repairs ($2,001–$8,000): Repairs are classified as major if you need a partial or extensive replacement or reinforcement for a sagging roof. Once you’ve reached this level of repair, it’s time to consider whether it would make more sense to install a whole new roof instead of patching the old one.
Signs Your Roof Requires Repair
Without hiring a professional roofer to conduct an inspection, how can you tell if your roof needs to get repaired? Some signs of roof damage are obvious, while others are more subtle. Here are some common roof problems that indicate your roof may need repairing:
- Visible damage to shingles (such as holes, tears, and missing granules)
- Moss or mildew buildup in valleys
- Leaks or water stains in your ceiling or attic
- Pooling water on the roof
- Ice dams after heavy snow
- Visible sagging
- Increasing energy bills not caused by HVAC problems
- Gutters clogged with shingle granules
Roof Repair Costs by Material
The type of roofing material you have also determines how much repairs cost. The more expensive and difficult the material is to install, the more it will cost to repair per square foot. Asphalt shingles are typically on the low end of the price scale, while metal and slate tiles are on the higher end. Compare the average costs to repair each type of roofing material below.
Roof Type | Cost per Square Foot | Average Repair Cost |
---|---|---|
Aluminum shingles | $6–$16 | $1,600 |
Asphalt shingles | $4.25–$8.25 | $875 |
Cedar shingles or shakes | $8–$14.30 | $750 |
Clay or ceramic tiles | $12–$24.75 | $1,000 |
Concrete tiles | $11–$19.80 | $2,400 |
Copper tiles | $12–$20 | $1,600 |
Corrugated metal | $5.50–$11.50 | $1,600 |
Flat roofing (rubber or PVC) | $5.50–$7.50 | $400 |
Slate tiles | $12–$22 | $1,550 |
Standing seam metal tiles | $10–$17.05 | $1,600 |
Steel shingles | $10–$20 | $1,600 |
Learn more about each type of material:
- Asphalt shingles: The most common type of roofing material, and one of the cheapest. How well asphalt shingles hold up depends on the manufacturer, style, and climate. The most common repairs homeowners run into with asphalt shingles include fixing curled corners, applying roof sealant to cracked shingles, and replacing missing or damaged shingles.
- Composite shingles: Another popular and affordable roofing material that’s made from a mixture of asphalt and fiberglass, making them both lightweight and durable. Composite shingles typically last around 30 years, which is less than other materials such as metal or slate, but repairs are usually easier to perform. As these shingles age, they may experience cracking, curled corners, or degradation when adhered to the roof.
- Clay and ceramic tiles: As midrange roofing materials, clay and ceramic tiles are easy to maintain but more fragile than other options. They’re prone to brittleness, cracking, and breakage, which can make them more susceptible to leaks.
- Metal shingles, tiles, and panels: Metal roofing, one of the most expensive options, can come in alloys or pure metals. A metal roof can last several decades if regularly inspected and maintained. There is the risk of corrosion, as well as oil canning and stress wrinkling. You’ll also see color fading and scratches.
- Slate tiles: Slate roofs are a big investment, but with proper maintenance, can last up to 200 years. Repairs can get expensive, though. Tiles that loosen are relatively affordable to have re-adhered, but if tiles chip or break, you’ll need to replace them, which can get costly.
- Wood shakes and shingles: Installing and repairing wood roofing materials is cheaper than other options, but these roofs need more regular maintenance. Wooden roofing is prone to insect damage, water damage, and moss, so expect a lot of debris removal and regular reapplication of sealers and preservers. Wood roofing material is also not allowed in all jurisdictions due to its lack of fire resistance.
Roof Repair Costs by Roof Features
Your roof has at least a dozen features that can leak, rust, corrode, or otherwise need a repair. Repair costs vary based on the extent and location of the damage. Here’s an overview of average cost ranges for some common roof feature repairs:
How To Calculate Roof Repair Cost by Pitch and Design
Roof pitch, as expressed by a fraction, and roof slope, as written in a ratio, both describe the steepness and angle of a roof in different ways. Steep roofs are trickier, more dangerous, and costlier to fix than flat roofs, which are simple but require special tools. A roof with many levels and features, particularly one that’s several stories off the ground, is typically the most expensive to repair.
How To Save on the Cost of Roof Repair
If the cost of roof repair feels daunting, here are some steps you can take to save money.
- Visually inspect the roof twice a year and after any major storms for potential damage.
- Have a professional inspect your roof annually to catch problems early.
- See if your homeowners insurance will pay for repairs after a natural disaster.
- For minor and moderate problems that occur during the snowy or rainy seasons, consider performing a temporary fix yourself and hiring professionals once the busy season has passed.
- Take time to understand the parts of your roof system and what purpose they serve so you feel informed about what your roof needs.
- Look for local, state, or federal rebates on repairs that make your home more energy-efficient, such as for cool roofing materials.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Your Roof?
If your roof is decades old, has significant damage, or needs regular repairs, it might be more cost-effective to replace it. The national average cost of roof replacement is around $9,000, with a total cost range of $5,700–$12,500.
Three primary factors impact the cost to replace a roof: your location, your roof’s size, and pitch. Most roof slopes fall between 3/12 and 6/12. A roof slope over 8/12 is considered a steep roof that's hazardous and requires extra work from contractors. This extra labor can cost you an additional $1,000–$3,000.
Compare the long-term value of roof repairs based on general pricing, material lifespan, and cost per year in the chart below:
Material | Cost per Square Foot | Lifespan | Cost per Year of Use* |
---|---|---|---|
Asphalt shingles | $2.08–$3.50 | 20–30 years | $220 |
Built-up roofing (BUR) | $3.42–$4.90 | 15–30 years | $370 |
Clay tiles | $5.90–$14.68 | 50–100 years | $275 |
Concrete roofing | $5.16–$8.60 | 50 years | $275 |
Green roofing | $10–$28 | 40 years | $950 |
Metal roofing | $9–$14.60 | 40–70 years | $430 |
Slate roofing | $7.56–$18.70 | 75–200 years | $190 |
Solar roofing | $16.10–$20.85 | 25–30** years | $1,350 |
Wood roofing | $6.53 | 15–30 years | $730 |
**Represents a general estimate due to solar roofing technology only being 10 years old.
Common Types of Roofs
Roofing type is characterized by the material that makes up your roof’s outer surface. Different roofing materials require varying structures to support their weights and attachment requirements. Each roofing material also has different underlayment requirements to seal and offer protection.






Common Types of Roof Repairs
Not all roof damage requires the same type of repair work. Here are some of the most common roof repair types:
- Chimney or roof penetration flashing repair: Roof flashing is thin metal sheeting, typically made of aluminum, steel, or lead, that makes a roof’s joints, seams, and corners more water-resistant. If the flashing corrodes or loosens, your roof can develop a leak. Repairing or replacing flashing around a chimney usually costs $200–$500.
- Dormer repair: A dormer is an architectural addition that juts out from the side of a pitched roof and usually contains a window. It’s covered by a miniature roof of its own and has metal flashing on three sides. Repairs to this area can cost $250–$1,000, depending on the type and extent of the problem.
- Hail damage roof repair: Hail damage can cost $700–$4,000 to fix. Surface damage may only require low-end repair such as new shingles, while structural damage to a metal roof might require bigger, more expensive repairs.
- Ridge capping repair: Ridge capping refers to the triangular tiles that sit at the roof’s peak where two sides meet. This area is prone to cracks and gaps that may require caulking or entirely new tiles and bedding. Repairs for ridge capping damage usually cost $250–$750.
- Roof eaves repair: Eaves are the projections of the roof beyond the building's walls. These areas require careful engineering to support the roofing and make the home weather-resistant, so repairs are comparatively expensive at an average cost of $1,500–$1,700.
- Roof fascia and soffits repair: The horizontal boards that run along the end of the roof rafters are called fascia. Fascia helps to support gutters, so it needs to stay in good shape. The nearby soffits—the exposed pieces of siding and vents on the underside of a roof’s overhang—are also important for ventilation. Repairs for soffits and fascia boards typically cost $600–$6,000. The cost of soffit replacement can vary.
- Roof hole: Patching a hole in a roof from a tree limb can cost anywhere from $100–$1,000, depending on the size of the hole and type of roofing material.
- Roof leak repair: The size of a leak and the length of time your roof has been leaking will determine the final repair cost. A small roof leak repair may cost a few hundred dollars to fix, but if substantial water has gotten into the underlayment, your roof may require structural repairs costing $1,500 or more. Finding a leak is typically more challenging than people imagine.
- Rafter tail repair: Rafter tails are parts of the rafters that extend past the walls of the home and support the overhang. They’re an integral part of a roof’s overhang structure, so repairing them is usually a little costlier at $300–$3,000.
- Roof framing repair: Roof framing, which may include trusses, forms the interior wooden “skeleton” of the roof. The outer roofing material should protect the framing and sheathing from moisture, but water, insects, or fungus can damage them over time. Only a professional general building contractor should perform framing or roof truss repair, which can cost between $500 and $5,000, depending on severity.
- Roof valley repair: A roof’s valley is where two descending slopes meet on an inside corner. Precipitation gathers and flows heavily in this area, so it needs careful waterproofing. Depending on the extent of damage, it can cost between $300 and $1,000 to repair.
- Roof vent repair: Vents, which allow sewer gas, kitchen or bath exhaust, and attic heat or moisture to escape, have flashings that can form weak points. You can usually patch cracks and gaps in these areas quickly and easily with sealant, so repairs tend to cost less in the range of $75–$250. However, you'll need to know how to fix a leaking rooftop vent pipe to do this.
- Roof verge repair: The roof’s verge is its outer edge, which gets added wind and water exposure. Depending on the type of roofing material, it may have a metal edge or a specialty tile to offer protection. Repairs may involve nails, screws, or mortar, depending on the roofing material. Verges are generally easy to access, and repairs don’t require ripping up the existing roof, so costs range from $250–$750.
- Sagging roof: If an old roof has begun to sag, it’s usually a sign of structural fatigue due to a lack of support for the rafters carrying the roof’s weight. This is most common for older homes built without roof engineering. The structure underneath the sagging portion often needs to be exposed, removed, and replaced, making this one of the most expensive forms of repair besides a full roof rebuild. Prepare to pay between $1,500 and $7,000, depending on severity.
- Shingle repair: If roof damage is limited to the shingles, you may pay lower repair costs, depending on how many shingles have been affected. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 for a few basic shingles to $800 for a large area of premium shingles.
- Skylight repair: Like chimneys and vents, skylights have flashings and can leak if not properly sealed. Skylights also face extreme weather and temperatures, so they'll eventually need replacing. Repairs tend to cost $300–$800 on average, with replacement being considerably pricier.
To understand the different parts of a roof, see the diagram below, as illustrated in our guide to the basics of roof systems:
Can You Repair Your Roof Yourself?
You can possibly repair some minor roof issues yourself, including missing shingles or small leaks. You can buy basic shingles for $30–$40 per pack, and as long as you have a hammer, a pry bar, and the right fasteners, shingles are fairly easy to replace. Similarly, if the problem is a leak around a chimney, vent, or skylight, you can apply sealant yourself. Always consider your physical ability before attempting do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs, and take proper precautions when working on a roof, especially if it’s a multistory house.
“A roofing problem does not fix itself. The problem can snowball into other issues, such as mold and wood rot,” explains John Foley, the New England branch manager of Long Home Products.
You’ll want to hire a professional roofing company for any moderate or major problems to avoid improper installation. There’s a reason roofing contractors must have a current license: major roof repair requires knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment.
“A single bundle of shingles is going to weigh at least 70 pounds. So, you’re going to have to carry 80 bundles of shingles up a ladder, which is simply unsafe anyway,” Foley said. “The average homeowner doesn’t have ladder elevators or that type of $10,000 equipment to get these things on the roof safely.”
Improperly installing even small sections of roofing material can cause big problems, such as water leaking into the roof and internal structure. Though labor costs can be steep, professional roofing is worth the price to protect your home.
Is Repairing Your Roof Worth the Cost?
Repairing your roof is worth it because it protects your home from further damage and costly issues down the line. While roof repairs can be expensive, it’s important to have them done right. This usually means hiring a licensed roofing contractor to perform repairs. You can do some small repairs yourself, but if you’re not confident in your abilities, consider whether you want to risk further damaging your roof and your home. Make sure to leave room in your home maintenance budget for roof repair, especially if you live in an area with high winds, salt in the air, or high precipitation levels.
FAQs About Roof Repair Cost
Is it better to repair or replace a roof?
Roof repair will always cost less than roof replacement. If more than 30% of your roof is substantially damaged, it’s time to consider a replacement.
How much does it cost to repair a hole in the roof?
Depending on the size of the hole and the material of the roof, it can cost anywhere from $100–$1,000 to repair a hole in the roof.
How much does it cost to replace 1,000 square feet of roof?
It can cost from $4,000–$20,000 to replace 1,000 square feet of roof, depending on the type of roofing material used.
How long does it take to repair a roof?
It can take as little as a few hours to repair a roof with a minor problem, but a whole roof usually takes 3–5 days to replace.
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on contractor estimates from Angi and market research into product pricing.