How Much Do Roof Repairs Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $386 - $1,874
Your roof repair will cost between $386 and $1,874 on average, though most homeowners spend about $1,123, depending on roof size and the extent of damage.
Your roof is a vital part of your home, as it offers invaluable protection from the elements. If your roof becomes damaged, be it from a storm or aging, you should address it immediately. The typical roof repair cost runs between $386 and $1,874 on average, though most homeowners spend about $1,123, depending on the size of the roof and the extent of damage. Here we break down all the factors involved in the cost to repair a roof.
- Average
- $1,123
- Low end
- $150
- high end
- $7,800
Roof Repair Cost Factors
A professional roofer can inspect your roof and provide you with a quote for roof repairs. Within that quote, the roofer will consider a series of factors that determine the roofing repair estimate provided.
Size
The size of the repair plays an important role in determining how much the roofer might charge you. Some pros offer quotes based on the number of squares they’ll need to repair. A single square is roughly 10-by-10 feet or 100 square feet. If you need to have a single square replaced, anticipate spending between $350 and $1,200 per square.
Type of Repair
Again, the type of repair could make all the difference in your final roofing repair costs. Repairing a sagging roof starts at $1,500 but could go as high as $7,000, while minor repairs like fixing a leak cost around $200 to fix.
Type of Roof
From flat roofs to gable roofs, your roof type matters. Another unit of measurement for roof designs is called a roof plane or the field of the roof. In a pitched roof, roof planes are generally two flat surfaces with four separate edges that meet at the top of your rooftop. On a flat roof, there is only one roof plane. Pitched roofs and roofs with custom designs, chimneys, or add-ons—like those stunning skylights—add to the cost of repairs because of the complexities of repairing a very pitched or unique roof design.
Type of Roof Material
The type of roofing material you have can affect your roofing repair costs, with materials ranging from $400 to $1,600. Metal and slate roofing materials cost more to repair than asphalt roofing, while flat roofing materials are often the easiest and most affordable type of roofing material to repair.
Permits
Most minor roof repairs won’t require a permit, but if you have major damage to your roof, it’s a good idea to contact your local municipality to check and, if necessary, obtain a building permit. Many municipalities have minimum fees for residential remodeling, with building permit costs ranging from $70 to $250 on average.
Labor
The average cost to hire a roofing contractor to repair a roof is between $45 and $75 per hour. If your roof only has cosmetic or minor repairs, you might only spend between this range. On the other hand, if the work is extensive and requires hours or even days of work, you could end up paying significantly more.
Time of Year
No one wants to go on a roof covered in snow or slippery ice, but if your roof needs repairing during the winter, expect to see a major price increase. Emergency repairs in the winter mean additional precautions for your roofer and up to a 100% increase in repair costs. However, if you contact a professional roofing contractor in the fall or other regional slow periods, you could potentially see a 10% to 15% decrease in costs.
Roof Replacement vs. Repair
Roof repairs cost $380 to $1,800 on average, while roof replacement costs $5,900 to $12,900. Because of the considerable price difference between repair and replacement, you would typically only go for a full replacement if you have extensive damage or your roof is nearing the end of its life span.
Roof Inspection
A roof inspection will help you find out what type of damage you have on your roof, if any. From a physical inspection to a drone inspection or an infrared inspection, you can expect to pay $75 to $600 for the cost of a roof inspection.
Emergency Repair
There are unfortunate times when your roof repair costs more than usual. One example of this could be an emergency roof repair during times of extreme demand, like during a severe weather event. Generally, emergency repair services can require an extra fee of $100 to $300 or more.
Cleanup and Disposal Fees
Most roofing companies and contractors will include cleanup and disposal fees in their estimates. If not, junk removal costs start at $60 for smaller jobs.
Cost of Warranty
You will likely save money on roof repairs if you have an active roof warranty. Many homeowners pay anywhere from $45 to $180 per year for a roof warranty. Many home warranties cover leaks, natural wear and tear, and weather damage, but be sure to check your home warranty for roof specifics before you sign a warranty contract.
Cost of Roof Repairs by Type
Nationally, the average cost to fix a roof is about $1,000. Patching a leaky roof, repairing broken shingles, or replacing flashing are tasks you should address before you need to handle an emergency roof repair. When these minor problems go unaddressed, they can turn into much larger (and more costly) problems later on. The most common roof repairs and their average costs (ordered by minor, moderate, or major) are:
Minor Roof Repairs ($75–$750)
| Minor Roof Repairs | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Repairing a vent | $75–$250 |
| Repairing damaged gutters | $180–$560 |
| Repairing flashing | $200–$500 |
| Repairing a damaged roof cap | $200–$750 |
Moderate Roof Repairs ($100–$1,700)
| Moderate Roof Repairs | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Repairing a leak | $360–$1,550 |
| Repairing eaves | $1,500–$1,700 |
| Repairing a dormer | $250–$1,000 |
| Patching a roof | $100–$1,000 |
Major Roof Repairs ($500–$7,000)
| Major Roof Repairs | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Repairing fascia | $600–$6,000 |
| Repairing a truss | $500–$5,000 |
| Repairing a sagging roof | $1,500–$7,000 |
| Repairing hail damage | $700–$4,000 |
Cost to Repair Roof Leak
It costs anywhere from $360 to $1,550 to repair a roof leak. A leaky roof can cause severe structural damage to your home’s roof, if not to whatever happens to be below the leak.Skylight leaks are often a common culprit behind roof leaks. Repairing a skylight leak runs between $300 and $800. Another area that tends to leak is a roof vent. Fixing a leaky roof vent costs less, $75 and $250, because it only requires a quick patching with sealant. For homes with shingle roofs, a missing shingle or two can easily lead to a roof leak. The cost to repair a shingle leak is around $350.
If you live in an area with cold winters, you may face the problem of ice dams and resulting leaks. Ice dam removal costs depend on factors like roof size and removal methods, but the typical cost to remove them on a two-story house runs between $500 and $700.
Hiring a local roof repair company is your best bet to get damage diagnosed and repaired without ever stepping on a ladder.
Cost to Repair Damaged Gutters
You may need to repair your gutters due to storm damage, a lack of regular cleaning or maintenance, improper installation, or regular wear and tear. The average cost to repair gutters is $370, with an average range of $180 to $560. The total cost of repair depends on house height, gutter length, the type of repair, and the type of gutter.
Cost to Repair Flashing
Roof flashing is designed to protect your home from costly leaks by directing the flow of rainwater away from sensitive areas and off of your roof. Roof flashing is usually found in areas that would otherwise be prone to puddling or leaks, like corners and crevices near chimneys, skylights, and vents. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $200 and $500 to repair their roof flashing. Full flashing replacement can run up to $2,000.
Cost to Repair a Sagging Roof
A sagging roof is often due to structural issues, wear and tear, weight, or rot, and it means your roof is unstable and unsafe. Repairing a sagging roof is best handled by a pro and tends to be a more expensive repair, costing between $1,500 and $7,000.
Roof Patch Cost
Patching a roof or repairing a hole in your roof will cost anywhere between $100 and $1,000, though most homeowners spend an average of $550 on this fix. What you'll pay depends on the size of the area you need to patch and your roof's material. The extent of damage also impacts the price. In many cases, patching holes or damaged spots on your roof is a temporary solution. A roofing pro can assess whether it's worthwhile to opt for replacing areas of your roof if the damage warrants it.
Roof Vent Repair Cost
Repairing a roof vent costs $75 to $250 and involves the removal of the vent, installation of a new one, and proper sealing around the edges to keep leaks at bay. It's important to keep an eye on your roof vents, as they're a common source of roof leaks. The reason for this is that vents wear out over time thanks to exposure to the elements. They'll deteriorate most quickly in regions with extreme weather.
Roof Cap Repair Cost
Repairing a roof ridge cap costs $200 to $750. You'll be able to spot your roof cap by looking for the triangular top on the ridge of our roof—all roofs have caps, regardless of your roof's style. Their job is to cover any cracks or openings between the roof's materials. Once a roof ridge cap gets damaged, water can flow into the shingles or tiles below, which leads to—you guessed it—a leaky roof.
Dormer Repair Cost
Repairing a dormer costs anywhere from $250 to $1,000, with most homeowners spending an average of $600. Dormers come with a lot of benefits, not the least of which is their ability to add light to your home. But one drawback of a dormer is that it can put your roof at risk for a leak because of its shape. If your home has dormers, be sure to inspect the areas around them for any signs of a roof leak.
Cost to Repair Hail Damage
The cost to repair hail damage is between $700 and $4,000, but varies widely based on the size of the hail and intensity of the storm. If your roof endured a hammering from marble-sized hail flying at high speeds, odds are it suffered some extensive damage. The area of the hail damage also impacts the final price. If there's only a small section of your roof that suffered damage, you can expect the cost to be on the lower end of the spectrum. One of the most vulnerable areas to hail damage is your gutters. Tile and skylights are also susceptible to hail damage.
Roof Fascia Repair
Fascia and soffit repair costs between $600 and $6,000, or $6 to $20 per linear foot. You can spot soffit by looking for the board that bridges the gap between your home's siding and roofline. The nearby fascia looks like a horizontal board located outside the soffit, which holds the gutters. Both of these roofing features are vulnerable to water damage thanks to water flowing from your roof and gutters. Critters like squirrels and raccoons also tend to make nests in and around the boards, causing damage that can lead to leaks.
Roof Truss Repair
Falling between $500 and $5,000, roof truss repairs cost on the higher end of the roof repair spectrum. That's because a roof truss is an essential part of your roofing structure that is crucial to its design and support. Most roofs require between 10 and 16 trusses, with one truss costing an average of $200. Individual trusses can cost as little as $45 or $400, depending on the truss type, size, accessibility, and local labor fees.
Wooden roof trusses are susceptible to water rot, storm damage, and issues due to insects and pests. Often, a roofer will recommend replacing a roof truss over repair.
Roof Eave Repair
Repairing roof eaves costs between $1,500 and $1,700. Roof eaves hang over the edge of your home to prevent water from running down your siding, which makes them susceptible to rot. The price to fix your eaves depends on their material and whether you have to repair shingles, trusses, fascia, or any other nearby feature.
Roof Repair Cost by Roof Material
With all the types of roofing materials available, it likely isn't a surprise that different roofing comes with different repair costs. Here are some of the most common roofing materials and the average cost to repair them.
Asphalt Shingles
It costs around $875 to repair an asphalt shingle roof. Wind damage is one of the biggest culprits for asphalt roof repairs, though blistering from high summer temps and natural wear and tear are other reasons why you might need to fix your roof. While most asphalt roofing lasts anywhere from 10 to 30 years, wind speeds above 110 mph or poorly installed shingles can lead to premature damage.
Metal Roofing
Metal roof costs for repairs are $1,600 on average. The higher price accounts for the cost of metal, though you’ll find the type of metal roofing you have also affects the price. Aluminum and tin roofing come in around $6 to $16 per square foot, while steel and copper roofing come in around $10 to $20 and $12 to $20 per square foot, respectively. If you’re an experienced roofing DIYer and know how to install metal roofing, you’ll be able to pay for materials only and forgo the labor costs.
Metal roofing is one of the most durable options—lasting anywhere from 40 to 70 years—and generally doesn’t require many repairs. However, dents, corrosion, ice dams, or heavy snow can all shorten the life span of your metal roofing, resulting in costly repairs.
Composite Roofing
Repairing composite shingles costs an average of $450. A composite roof is one of the most affordable roofing materials to repair because your pro can walk on the roof while repairing the material. Composite shingles are also lightweight and easy to replace for individual shingles. These roofs have a life span of approximately 30 to 50 years if properly sealed. At the same time, composite roofing is more prone to cracks from hot summer temps, high wind upheavals, and snow storm damage than asphalt roofing—all of which can cause leaks.
Wood Shakes
The price to repair wood shakes is approximately $750 on average. Wood shakes typically last for 20 to 40 years. The most common cause for repairs includes water damage. Since wood is so absorbent, the wood shakes can accumulate moisture underneath the boards leading to mold, moss, and algae. Wood shakes that aren’t properly maintained can also deteriorate quickly from the elements, attract pests, and become a potential fire hazard.
Slate Roofing
The price to repair slate roofing material comes in around $1,550 on average, which is right up there with the cost of repairing metal roofs. The reason for the steep cost comes down to how difficult it is to install slate tiles. Poor installation techniques can cause leakage issues, whereas ice-damming is another issue that can lead to your slate roof needing repairs.
Additionally, slate is much heavier than other roofing materials. This factor adds to the time it takes to repair damaged roofing materials. It also makes for a more difficult and time-consuming installation process. Slate roofing might seem invincible given its weight—it can last anywhere from 50 to 200 years—but this material can break easily during the replacement process. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional slate roofer near you.
Tile Roofing
The cost to repair clay or concrete tile roofing is around $1,000 on average. This material comes in on the higher end of the price range for several reasons. For one, tile roofing is more dangerous for roofers to repair and may need specialized equipment to do the job safely, as tile reparation is a delicate process. It also takes longer to repair a tile roof compared to many other roof materials, such as composite roofing.
Though tile roofing can last anywhere between 50 and 100 years, cracked tiles, leaks, and missing tiles are a few of the most common reasons for fixing up a tile roof.
Single-Ply or Flat Roofing
The average cost to repair a flat roof is around $400. Single-ply roofing has the shortest life span of all the roofing materials, with a life span of 10 to 15 years, while multi-layer roofs offer a slightly longer life span of 15 to 20 years. So, while it might be more budget-friendly to repair a flat roof in the short-term, overall, you’ll spend more repairing and replacing these roofs, which are susceptible to sagging, water buildup, leakage, and mold growth.
Do I Need Roof Repair?
Visible Roof Damage
If you have visible roof damage, there's no question that you'll need to make a repair. Some common visual signs of roof damage include missing, peeling, or damaged shingles, a sagging appearance, light peeking through your attic, water stains on your walls, peeling paint, and shingle granules in your gutters. Even if the damage appears minimal, there's a good chance it could lead to bigger problems down the road, so it's wise to call a roofer to check it out.
Roof Leaks
If you notice any roof leaks, you’ll need to schedule a repair. That’s because untreated leaks will eventually lead to wood rot and water damage. You can patch leaky roofs as a temporary solution, but ultimately you may need to repair the damaged part of your roof to ensure long-term prevention of future leaks. To spot a roof look, look for pooling water on your shingles, water stains on the walls and ceilings, and rotting boards.
Visible Roof Sagging
A sagging roof is a major problem that comes with the risk of structural failure. If you notice any area of your roof sagging—even a small portion—you need to repair it immediately. A sagging roof indicates a weakness in your roof deck that could lead to collapse under heavy snow, rain, wind, or even wet leaf debris. If you put off fixing a small area of sagging roof, you could end up with a much bigger problem on your hands, like a collapsed section of the roof. Call a roofer as soon as you notice sagging areas on your roof to keep it from spreading.
Energy Bills Increasing Over Time
Your home's utility bills may fluctuate a bit from month to month, but if you notice a major spike in heating or cooling costs, you may need to take a look at your roof. A roof leak could be the culprit behind increased energy bills, because it causes your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home at a consistent temperature. Have a pro inspect your roof for any cracks or holes to determine if your rising utility costs could be due to a leak in your attic.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Roof Yourself?
Simple repairs, like patching tiny leaks, can cost as little as $10 to $120. Roof repairs require proper research and safety protocols. However, you can do a variety of maintenance routines and repairs yourself, including:
Gutter cleaning: Free, but not fun
Replacing bent or cracked flashing: $20
Replacing broken or missing shingles: $30
Repairing cracked vent booting: $10 to $20
Mitigating ice buildup: $50 $120
Sealing around skylights and chimneys: $25 to $80
Some homeowners may head to the hardware store in search of a bucket of tar or roof sealant to stop a leak, but pros advise against that.
“This can work for the short term, but it is not a permanent solution—it's a bandaid fix,” says Ami Feller, Expert Review Board member and owner of Roofer Chicks in New Braunfels, Texas. “UV light breaks down tar in 2 to 5 years. A reputable roofer won't use exposed tar in the repair as the primary fix.”
Repair or Replace Flashing
Metal flashing protects against and channels water away from the edges and seams of your roof. Over time flashing can rust and become damaged. Flashing costs around $20, far below the cost of hiring a roofer. However, repairing flashing requires a lot of skill and experience, so it’s best to call a pro for this job.
Replace Damaged Shingles
Shingles protect from the elements and allow moisture to sheet off your roof. When a shingle is damaged, it should be replaced. A hammer, nails, pry bar, and shingles sealant will cost you around $30. Plus the shingles will cost about $30 to $40 for a bundle.
Replace a Vent Boot
A vent boot seals around vent piping. It is made of rubber and keeps water and debris from entering your roof around the vent pipes. The boot costs around $20. Loosen the shingles surrounding the boot to free it. Grab a razor knife to assist in cutting the caulking away from the vent.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY roof repair is a task best left to homeowners with advanced roofing knowledge and experience. Because roof work involves working at dangerous heights, it’s important to practice safety measures, like wearing a harness and only working during mild weather. It’s also wise to work with a partner.
The most DIY-friendly roof repair tasks include patching small leaks, replacing a small number of shingles, and sealing areas around skylights and chimneys. Gutter cleaning is also a common roof-related maintenance task that homeowners often do themselves.
For more extensive roof repair jobs, like replacing more than just a few missing shingles, fixing a sagging roof, or repairing the structure of your roof, it’s best to call a roofing contractor.
How to Save on Roof Repair Costs
The best way to save on roof repair costs is to get the work done during the off-season since you will pay more during peak season. You should also check with your homeowner’s insurance to see if you can use it to cover costs; before submitting a claim, make sure you consider all the pros and cons of doing so.
Other ways to save on roof repairs include keeping up on regular maintenance and roof inspections. This will help you find damage from storms and leaks before it gets worse. You can also check for government rebates, which are usually offered for repairs that make your roof more energy efficient. Finally, find several companies and contractors and get estimates from a few before settling on the roofer of your choice.
Allie Ogletree and Mizuki Hisaka contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
As small repairs continue to crop up, it might save you time and money to replace your roof rather than continue to repair it. This is especially true if your roof is at the end of its life span—20 years old or more. You should also consider replacing your roof if an inspection reveals more than 20% damage throughout your roof.
A highly-experienced DIYer may be able to replace a roof, but it’s best to leave this job to pros in most cases. The average roof replacement costs $9,000 and ranges from $5,700 to $12,000.
It’s best to call a roofer to repair or replace roof shingles, but if you are a handy DIYer wondering how to replace a roof shingle, you can do so by putting roof sealant to the underside of a cracked shingle. First, use a pry bar to loosen the shingle row, as well as the row above it. Remove the nails that are holding down the broken area along with the row above. Remove the portion of shingles and fit the new shingles into place, then secure it with new nails. Add sealant to the bottom of disturbed shingles and nail holes, then press down hard to engage the sealant.
If simply making repairs on your roof, simply match the replacement shingles to the existing ones. Each roof shingle material offers advantages and disadvantages, along with more significant costs.
Preservation societies, homeowners associations, and local municipalities may have rules and ordinances that determine the type of roof shingles owners can add to their roofs. Be sure to double-check with the appropriate organizations if your home is considered historical, in a covenant community, or in a region with heightened risks like wildfire.
Roof repairs can be complicated and present safety hazards. Roofing repairs should be attempted with experienced individuals trained to work on roofs. A reputable roofing company should inspect your roof and provide you with a quote for needed repairs or replacement of your roof. Common price quotes are provided “per square.” A square is equal to a 10’x10’ area or 100 square feet.
A reputable roofing company will know if your insurance may cover your roof damage. Consider requesting quotes from a few different roofers. Finally, request information on warranties offered on materials and labor.
While repairing shingles, a professional roofer can take a look at the base of your roof. A softening or damaged portion of your roof might require replacing plywood. You may also want to add a new sealant to create a waterproof coating to repel water. Anytime you’re up on a ladder is a good time to inspect your gutters, too. If your gutters have a lot of debris, it’s time for a cleaning.