Did you find out you need to repair your roof? How much will it cost to repair part of a roof? The cost of these repairs causes many homeowners stress. Unfortunately, you won’t know the exact cost until a residential roofing specialist inspects your home. However, a few factors to consider will give you a rough idea of how much to budget.
The cost of roof repair depends on several factors. Firstly, you have to consider the extent of damage and the size of the part of the roof that needs to be repaired. Naturally, more significant roof repairs with larger water leaks and more shingle damage will cost more to replace because they need more materials and labor. The cost per square foot will also vary depending on the type of roofing materials used. While certain materials, such as asphalt shingles, are relatively affordable, others, such as slate tiles, metal, or concrete tiles, can be pricey.
However, the national average cost to repair a roof in the US is $884.
Lastly, the final cost will also depend on how complex the roof repair job is. A more complicated job that requires removing and repairing the roof deck could be rather expensive, while a quick and easy repair of damaged shingles could be pretty affordable.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair Part of a Roof?
Not every roof repair is the same. While you might be dealing with a sagging roof, someone else might have a pesky roof leak. Some repairs might be inexpensive, while others need more effort, resources, and time. The typical range for roof repair costs is $650 to 950. However, some repairs are significantly less expensive than others.
These estimates are based on the total cost; however, your contractor might also give you the cost per square foot.
Here is a breakdown of the little, medium, and significant roof repair costs for residential buildings:
- Minor repairs: $150 – $400
- Moderate repairs: $400 – $1,200
- Major repairs: $1,200 – $3,500
You would probably be better off installing a brand-new roof if repairs cost over $3,500. Remember that replacing a roof typically costs $9,500 or more, so if you decide to put off simple repairs, you can find yourself with a $9,500 payment rather than a $400 one.
Roof Repair Cost by Roofing Material
Most roof repair cost data is acquired using asphalt shingle roofs on average-sized homes (1,500 to 2,000 square feet). Although asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material, many more options exist.
Repair costs for wood, fiberglass, metal, and asphalt shingles are low to moderate; however, those for concrete, clay and slate tiles are typically higher. A slate roof is the most expensive.
Asphalt Shingle Roof
Repairing asphalt shingles for a flat roof will typically cost $710. The common cause of these repairs is the shingles blowing off in strong winds. Even though asphalt shingles can now withstand gusts of 110 mph, poorly fastened shingles might still break off in light winds. When strong winds lift shingles, the shingles tear, or the nails can come loose. Additionally, asphalt shingles may deteriorate with time and become more vulnerable to wind damage. Asphalt roofs are widespread and are something you can make a minor DIY repair on.
Wood Shingles
A wood shake roof typically costs $750 to repair. Different requirements apply to wood shake roofs. If not properly maintained, wood shake roofs are vulnerable to moss growth and insects, but cedar shakes are more naturally insect-repellent. They can also deteriorate quickly due to UV exposure from the sun.
Metal Roofs
If properly installed, metal roofs often don’t need repairs. Breaks in the sealants on the locks or fasteners are the main problems with metal roofs. Fasteners can become loose over time due to the roof’s frequent expansion and contraction. Water can enter through broken seals, rotted rubber, frayed seams, and spaces between panel fasteners; the typical repair here costs slightly over $1,000. The type of metal you choose can cost anywhere from $6 per square foot to $20 per square foot. However, a metal roof should only require occasional paint application if you hire a professional roofing company.
Slate Roof
A slate roof costs an average of $1,350 to repair, making it the most expensive. If the slate is fastened down too firmly, it may stick up and cause leakage problems. Slate roofs also develop ice dams more often, meaning ice accumulates beneath the slate before seeping onto the ceiling.
Composite Roof
Similar to asphalt roofs, composite roofs are substantially lighter. Therefore, they cost approximately $450 to repair. They are more vulnerable to damage from strong winds. Strong winds can lift sections of the roof, which may result in rain leaking through the roof. Unlike composite roofs, which may have entire sections blown off by severe winds, asphalt roofs may lose a few tiles.
Is it Better to Patch a Roof or Replace it?
Now, you might be wondering whether roof replacement is a better option. This depends on your unique circumstances.
A complete roof replacement is usually necessary for any severe roof damage, including significant gaps, mold growth, serious leaks, a lot of soggy or missing shingles, or leaks after heavy rains. However, repairs might be a great and more affordable option if your roof only has one layer of shingles and minor leaks or damages.
Re-roofing (repairs) is the most straightforward and least expensive approach to improving the appearance of a roof. Unlike a roof replacement, it requires little time, resources, or labor. That’s because you won’t need to remove any of the roof’s components for this home renovation project.
Repairs don’t last as long as replacements because you’re masking the problem. It simply provides a temporary barrier to stop leaks. Additionally, since you won’t be able to look under the deck, you won’t be able to tell whether there are any damages.
Investing in a new roof is unnecessary because most small-scale damage can be patched up and fixed. However, it is preferable to replace your entire roof if the damage covers more than 30% of it.
Contact a trustworthy contractor or roofing specialist if you’re unsure whether you need a repair or complete roof replacement. They will inspect the roof and help you determine the optimal solution for your budget and needs.
Can You Replace One Side of a Roof?
You can replace one side of a roof; however, it’s not recommended. Some homeowners consider it a less expensive option or believe it saves time. Experts say a half-roof replacement typically causes more damage (or costs) than good.
Why should you not replace one side of a roof? Here are a few of the most common reasons:
Durability
You need to think of your roof as a single unit. The other side of the roof will be affected if only half of it is replaced. Your roof’s inside support may already be fragile, so replacing only half of it could jeopardize the structural integrity of the complete roof.
Aesthetics
One of the main reasons you shouldn’t opt for a partial roof replacement is how your roof looks. It will be pronounced which half of the roof is new and which is old, even if you match the other half of the roof with the roofing materials that are already there.
Additionally, since the older portion of the roof has experienced wear and tear and is inconsistent, you can’t duplicate its exact color.
Cost
When you get half a roof replacement, you’re splitting your roof in half, which could lead to leaks and other problems. Additionally, if your roof caves in or you sustain significant damage, your insurance provider is unlikely to pay for a complete roof repair, so you’ll be responsible for the additional costs.
Lifespan
The lifespan of your roof structure might be unequal if you only replace half of it. Since the other half is already old and worn out, the new half will have a longer lifespan. Remember that when you replace one side of a roof, you must do it repeatedly. You must make another one-side replacement when the older half gets damaged or worn out.
Signs That You Need Roof Repairs
Now that you know the average cost of different roof repairs, when should you contact a roofing contractor? Although your roof experiences daily wear and tear, contacting a roofing contractor to check your roof’s membrane is unnecessary whenever it rains or gets windy.
Scheduling routine maintenance with your roofing contractor is one of the best ways to manage your roof’s health. This way, an expert constantly inspects your roof and can use a cherry picker to notice problems before they get out of control.
Local roofing companies will generally look for the following signs or roof replacement or repair; therefore, if you notice any of them, be sure to contact a professional as soon as possible:
Clogged Gutters
If your downspouts have drainage problems, or if you’re on a ladder cleaning your gutters and see debris from your roof and stains on your soffit, this could be a sign that your roof is deteriorating.
Broken or Missing Shingles
You must contact a professional when you notice a few missing shingles on your roof. This should be affordable if you only need to replace a few shingles.
Interior Leaks
Keep an eye on the ceilings inside your home, particularly in the attic. You’re dealing with a roof leak if you see dripping or water stains.
Remember to check on your attic regularly and schedule routine roofing inspections. Most homeowners only notice these leaks once extensive damage has been done.
Algae Growth
If your roof has changed color, you could deal with excess moisture or algae growth. When you see green moss-like growth or dark spots on your roof, it’s time to call the experts.
Hire a Reputable Roofing Company for Accurate Roof Repair Costs
The average cost per square foot to repair your roof depends on several factors. Improper installation, roof materials, the type of roof (e.g., flat roofs, gable roofs, etc.), and more all affect the roof repair cost. If you want an accurate quote, you should contact a trustworthy roofing contractor to inspect your roof.
FAQs
Is it Worth Patching a Roof?
You might be wondering, “Is it worth patching a roof?” Yes, it is! If you’re experiencing roof problems, patching is more cost-effective than replacement. These fixes can help an older roof last longer and get you by until it’s time to remove the old one and install a new one.
Can You Repair Just a Section of a Roof?
Yes, you can repair just a section of your roof. Water Damage and Roofing of Cedar Park roofing contractors generally charge per square foot, so repairing one section is easy. This is a much more affordable option than roof replacement.
Are There Additional Cost Factors?
Yes, certain factors increase the roof repair cost. The most common roof repairs also involve work done on the rain gutters and roof trusses. Be sure to get a complete work proposal from any roofer before starting any work on your home.