What Is the Cost of Roof Repair? (2024 Pricing)
Typical Cost Range: $379–$1,755
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Your roof protects your home from the elements, so it can be stressful when it gets damaged. However, delaying your repairs could lead to bigger issues. Most homeowners pay $379–$1,755 for roof repair, with an average of $1,067.*
Though roof repair can be expensive, it’s less costly than roof replacement. We’ve detailed the costs of the most common roof repairs and provided money-saving tips so you can fix problems as soon as they arise.
Key Takeaways
*All cost data in this article is sourced from Angi.
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Shingle replacement typically ranges from $4.25–$8.25 per square feet.
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Depending on the leak severity, repairs typically range from $150–$2,000.
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The average cost for a professional roof inspection ranges from $100–$600.
GET QUOTEWhat Are Signs You Need a Roof Repair?
Some signs of roof damage are obvious, while others may be more subtle. Here are some indicators that your roof may need repairing:
How Much Does it Cost to Repair Your Roof?
Depending on your location and the necessary repair, roof repair costs can be as low as $150 or as high as $8,000.
Here are the main factors that determine what you’ll pay:
- Repair type: The larger or more complex the repair, the more it will cost.
- Material: Some roofing materials are more difficult and, therefore, costlier to work with than others.
- Roof features: Structural elements are more expensive to repair than surface features.
- Pitch/design: If your roof is steep or difficult to access, labor costs will be higher.
What Are Roof Repair Cost by Repair Type?
Repair type has the largest impact on cost. A minor repair, such as replacing a few missing shingles, will cost far less than replacing structural elements like rafters or trusses. The size of your roof doesn’t usually matter as much as the extent of the damage.
Minor Repairs ($150 – $1,000)
- Small roof leaks
- Minimal shingle replacement
- Punctures
Moderate Repairs ($1,001 – $2,000)
- Limited water damage
- Flashing replacement
- Felt/decking repair
Major Repairs ($2,001 – $8,000)
- Partial roof replacement
- Sagging roof
- Extensive roof replacement
What Are Roof Repair Costs by Material?
The type of roofing material you have also determines how much it costs to repair. The more expensive and difficult the material is to install, the more it costs to repair per square foot. Asphalt shingles are typically on the low end of the price range, while metal and slate tiles are on the high end. See the average costs to repair each type of 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/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 materials (rubber, PVC, etc.) |
$5.50–$7.50 |
$400 |
|
Slate tiles |
$12–$22 |
$1,550 |
|
Standing seam metal panels |
$10–$17.05 |
$1,600 |
|
Steel shingles |
$10–$20 |
$1,600 |
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material, and also 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 are fixing curled corners, applying roof sealant to cracked shingles, and replacing missing or damaged shingles.
Composite shingles are another popular and affordable roofing material. They’re 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 the repairs needed 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 are a midrange roofing material. They’re easy to maintain but are more fragile than other materials. They’re prone to brittleness, cracking, and breakage, which can make them more susceptible to leaks.
Flat roofing isn’t designed with shingles but rather with panels of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), TPO, or PVC membranes. The big drawback is that the lack of pitch leads to standing water, so this type of roof needs careful installation, regular maintenance, or even full flat roof replacement.
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 roofs are a big investment, but they can last up to 200 years with proper maintenance. Repairs can be expensive, though. Tiles that loosen are relatively affordable to have re-adhered, but if tiles chip or break, they’ll need to be replaced with a new slate tile, which can be costly.
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 not allowed in all jurisdictions due to its lack of fire resistance.
What Are Roof Repair Costs by Roof Features?
Your roof has at least a dozen features that can leak, rust, corrode, or otherwise need repair. Repair costs vary based on the extent and location of the damage. Here are the 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 the 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—will be 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.
What Are Roof Repair Cost Factors?
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 when roofers are busiest: 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. Liability and workers' compensation insurance add significantly to roofing labor costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Entire Roof?
If your roof is decades old, has significant damage, or needs regular repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. According to Angi, 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: your location and your roof’s size and pitch. Location and size might seem obvious, but slope may be a factor you haven’t thought about. 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.
| Material | Cost per Square Foot | Life Span in Years | Cost per Year of Use* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Asphalt Shingles |
$2.08–$3.50 |
20–30 |
$220 |
|
Built-up Roofing (BUR) |
$3.42–$4.90 |
15–30 |
$370 |
|
Clay Tiles |
$5.90–$14.68 |
50–100 |
$275 |
|
Concrete Roofing |
$5.16–$8.60 |
50 |
$275 |
|
Green Roofing |
$10–$28 |
40 |
$950 |
|
Metal Roofing |
$9–$14.60 |
40–70 |
$430 |
|
Slate Roofing |
$7.56–$18.70 |
75–200 |
$190 |
|
Solar Roofing |
$16.10–$20.85 |
25–30** |
$1,350 |
|
Wood Roofing |
$6.53–$9.90 |
15–30 |
$730 |
*Cost per year of use is an estimate for how much each roofing material costs for a 2,000-square-foot roof for each year of its life span and is meant to help show the potential value of each option.
**Solar roofing life span is a general estimate due to the technology only being 10 years old.
Your roof’s life span may vary depending on how well you maintain it and various weather and locational conditions. If not maintained properly, your roof may need replacement sooner rather than later.
What Are 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.
What Are 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:
Roof flashing is thin metal sheeting, typically 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.
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 and other storm 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 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.
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.
The horizontal boards that run along the end of the roof rafters are called fascia. Fascia helps to support gutters, so it needs to be 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 fascia boards and soffits typically cost $600–$6,000.
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.
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.
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, 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.
A roof’s valley is where two descending slopes meet on an inside corner. Precipitation gathers and flows heavier in this area, so it needs to be carefully waterproofed. Depending on the extent of damage, it can cost between $300 and $1,000 to repair.
Vents, which allow sewer gas, kitchen or bath exhaust, and attic heat or moisture to escape, all have flashings that can form weak points. Cracks and gaps in these areas can usually be patched quickly and easily with sealant, so repairs tend to be in the low range of $75–$250.
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. Nails, screws, or mortar may be involved in repairs depending on the material. Verges are generally easy to access and repairs don’t require ripping up the existing roof, so costs range from $250–$750.
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. Be prepared to pay between $1,500 and $7,000 depending on severity.
If roof damage is limited to the shingles, repair costs may be low, 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.
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 to be replaced. 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 Learn the Basics of Roof Systems article.
What Are Other Cost Considerations with Roof Repair?
Apart from labor and materials, consider the following when budgeting for roof repair.
- 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 should have a professional inspect your roof for $100–$600.
- Emergency services: Be prepared to add several hundred dollars to your overall cost if you need immediate roof repair.
- Gutters: Lack of maintenance and damage to gutters can cause fascia and soffit issues and may lead to repairs ($180–$560) or replacement ($1,000–$3,000).
Can You Repair Your Roof Yourself?
You may be able to 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?
Though roof repair can be expensive, it’s important to have it 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 if you want to risk further damaging your roof and your home. Be sure to leave room in your 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 be less expensive 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 three to five days to replace.
What are the benefits of repairing a roof?
Here are the benefits of repairing a roof:
- Prevention of further damage
- Extended lifespan of the current roof
- Increased curb appeal
- Increased resale value
- Improved energy efficiency
What Cities Have the Most Roof Damage?
Cities with climates that experience harsh weather conditions, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, are more likely to suffer from roof damage.
We’ve researched and vetted roofing companies state and country-wide. Find top-recommended roofers near you in our guides below.
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