Five questions that decide it
- How old is the roof? Under 15 years (asphalt): repair is usually fine. Near or past its rated life (25–30 for architectural): lean toward replacement.
- How widespread is the damage? A few shingles or one flashing detail — repair. Large areas or several leaks — replace.
- What's the repair cost vs. replacement? Once repairs reach about 30% of the cost of a new roof, replacement is usually the smarter long-term call.
- One leak or many? A single leak is often localized flashing (vent, chimney, skylight) and fixable. Multiple, spread-out leaks point to replacement.
- Signs of aging? Heavy granule loss, curling edges, or cracking across the surface mean the material itself is spent — repair only buys a little time.
When repair is the right call
If your roof is relatively young and the problem is contained — a handful of wind-lost shingles, a leak traced to one flashing — a repair is cheaper, fast, and extends the roof's life. There's no reason to replace a sound roof over a small, fixable issue, and an honest roofer will tell you so.
When to replace
Replacement is the better spend when you're dealing with widespread storm damage, an end-of-life roof, repeated leaks, or repair costs creeping toward the price of a new roof. It's also worth it if you're selling soon — a new roof is one of the strongest things you can put in front of a buyer. Our guide on the signs you need a new roof goes deeper.
Get an honest assessment
A reputable roofer should be willing to repair when repair is right. Be wary of anyone who recommends a full replacement for every problem without showing you why — that's a red flag we cover in how to choose a roofer. A clear inspection — and a free Roof Report — gives you the facts to decide.
Frequently asked questions
Does insurance pay for a repair?
If the damage is from a covered storm event, yes — minus your deductible. It won't pay to fix general wear and age.
How do I find out my roof's age?
Check your closing documents or a building permit, or have it inspected — wear patterns and material tell an experienced roofer a lot.
Is patching a few shingles a bad idea?
Not at all, on a sound roof. The catch is color match on older roofs, since shingles fade over time.