So, you’ve got a roof leak, or you spotted a blown-off shingle in your yard. You might start to panic, wondering if you need to completely replace your roof, but try your best to stay calm! (Easier said than done, we know.)
If your roof is still young or doesn’t have extensive damage, you can likely get away with roof repairs to extend its life. Like most home repairs, the first thought running through your mind is likely, “how much is this going to cost me?”
The extent of the damage and the type of roofing material contributes to the overall roof repair cost. Take a look at the material breakdown below to gain an understanding of what to expect for your upcoming roof repair.
Average Roof Repair Costs by Material
The overall average price range of a roof repair in the United States is between $350-$1,7500. Some roofing materials are more common than others, which often makes them more affordable to repair.
Keep in mind that while the size of your roof will impact the cost of a roof replacement, it shouldn’t impact the cost of a roof repair. The main cost considerations for roof repairs are:
- The extent of the damage 💔
- The roofing material 🧱
- Your location 📍
1) Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material for homes across the country. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a roofing company that doesn’t know its way around asphalt shingles. Since this material is so common, easy to work with, and widely available, it’s more affordable to repair than more premium materials.
The average cost of an asphalt shingle roof repair is $700. A minor repair, such as replacing one shingle, may run less than $500, but a more extensive repair involving flashing or underlayment can run up to $2,000.
2) Metal Roofing
If you’re one of the many home or business owners who has made the switch to durable metal roofing, you likely won’t have to deal with repairs as often. Metal is incredibly durable and weather-resistant, but you may run into one of the following issues at some point, especially if your roof is a few decades old:
- Loose screws
- Rusting/corrosion
- Leaks from expansion and contraction
There are also two common types of metal roofing that can impact the repair cost: standing seam panels and metal shingles.
Standing Seam Panels
Standing seam panels are a little more common than metal shingles. They also tend to be more affordable. If you need a repair on your standing seam panel roof, you’ll probably pay an average of $1,500 or $10-$17 per square foot.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles or tiles are beautiful, but they aren’t as common since they do come with a higher installation price. If you need a repair on your metal tiles, you’ll pay a little more than with standing seam panels, but it’s not a tremendous difference. Metal shingle repairs can run between $10-$35 per square foot.
3) Flat Roofing
Most commercial buildings and multi-family housing structures have flat roofs. As long as the damage isn’t extensive, flat roof repairs are typically on the lower end of the price spectrum. The average flat roof repair costs about $400-$500.
However, if you have a lot of damage and your flat roof is more than 10 years old, it may be more economical to get a commercial roof coating on top of the repair or even a total replacement.
4) Clay Tiles
We don’t see a lot of clay tile roofs here in North Carolina since they’re more common out West, but some homes have them! Clay tiles are another incredibly durable material, so repairs usually aren’t frequent. When clay tile roofs need repairs, it’s usually to replace a few damaged tiles.
Since clay tiles are a specialized, premium material, you’ll likely pay closer to $1,000 for a repair.
5) Cedar Shakes (Wood Shingles)
Wood shingles require frequent upkeep and lots of hands-on maintenance. You may need to repair any of the following issues with cedar shakes:
- Rotting wood
- Moss or mildew growth
- Split shingles
- Curling shingles
The average repair for a cedar shake roof runs between $750-$1,000.
Common Types of Roof Repairs
There are many common kinds of roof repairs that arise for homeowners. The cost of these repairs is usually standard and doesn’t always get impacted by your roofing material.
- Chimney flashing: $200-$300
- Eaves: $1,300-$1,700
- Broken or clogged gutters: $300-$4,000
- Ridge cap: $200-$800
- Skylights: $200-$400
- Minor shingle replacement: $100-$500
- Vents: $100-$300
Other Cost Factors for Roof Repairs
As we stated earlier, the biggest cost considerations for roof repairs are the extent of the damage and your roofing material. However, other factors can impact the final cost of your repairs.
- Location: Urban areas and high-cost-of-living states will experience higher prices for roof repairs compared to more rural areas with a low cost of living.
- Labor: A majority of the final price goes to professional labor. Hiring a professional is definitely worth it so that you don’t run into more issues. But, hiring someone with decades of experience will likely cost more than a contractor who’s just starting out.
- Inclement weather: If you live somewhere that experiences frequent inclement weather like hail and high winds, you may have more extensive damage on your hands.
- Roof age: Older roofs usually require more work than newer roofs. An aging roof usually produces more issues, which drives up prices.
- Time of year: Roofers are the busiest in summer, but you may luck out with a promotion in slower times of the year.
How to Know If You Need a Replacement Instead
Deciding between getting roof repairs or a total replacement can be a difficult decision. At the end of the day, we recommend getting two or three quotes from reputable roofing companies. If multiple roofing contractors recommend a full roof replacement, you should follow their advice. (Be sure to check online reviews and testimonials before getting estimates, so you can feel confident that the roofing companies are honest.)
Often, the following situations constitute a full replacement:
- An asphalt shingle roof that’s over 15 years old
- Damage affecting 40% or more of your roof
- Issues with the roof decking
- Frequent leaks and repairs
- Significant storm damage
If you’re concerned about the price of a total roof replacement, you may be able to get repairs to tie you over until you have more upfront funds. Just keep in mind that getting multiple repairs will cost you more in the long run.
The roofing company you hire may also provide financing options. If financing is important to you, be sure to ask about it right away when scheduling quotes. Some contractors don’t provide financing, so you’ll want to sort that out early on before proceeding.
Get a Free Roof Repair Quote Today!
The best way to know exactly what to expect with roof repairs is to get a quote from a professional roofing company. They will be able to assess the extent of your damage and provide an accurate quote for the suggested repairs.
If you live in North Carolina, Tidds Roofing should be your first call. Our friendly and honest team is proud to provide excellent roofing service at a fair price.
Reach out to Tidds today to schedule a free estimate!
