How much does it cost to repair a roof?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Part of owning a home means giving it constant care and attention. The roof adds to your home’s curb appeal and value while protecting it from the elements. Eventually, weather and time cause damage, including leaks or worse. Even small leaks should be fixed before the problem escalates, so plan on addressing roof issues as soon as you see them.

The national average for typical repair jobs is $400 to $2,000. Most homeowners pay $900 for replacing and repairing shingles after a severe storm on a gently sloped roof. However, prices vary depending on the issue and required work. Repairing a small crack on 50 sq.ft. of a flat roof averages $200, but a full tile replacement of old broken tiles on a large roof of 2,000 sq.ft. can cost $16,000.

Price to Repair a Roof

Roof Repair Cost per Square Foot

In many cases, repair companies consider multiple factors when deciding how much to charge for roof repairs. They must look at the problem, required materials, and the amount of time needed to fix it. When relatively large sections of the roof need to be repaired, they may also decide to charge per square foot. Bigger sections of roof require more time, effort, and materials to fix, so they have higher costs. Expect to pay between $4 and $9 per sq.ft. for most roof repairs. Costs increase if you have more expensive roof materials.

Cost to Repair a Roof by Material

One factor influencing your repair cost is the roofing material. Some materials are more difficult to deal with, such as metal and tile, and have higher replacement costs. Some materials are more expensive to purchase, so their overall repair cost is higher. The severity of the damage necessitating the repair also influences whether the repair costs per square foot are on the higher or lower side of the scale for each type of material. The table below shows common material types and average repair costs for each:

Tar Roof Repair

Repairs for a tar roof range from $3 to $7 per sq.ft. Tar roofs are also known as tar and gravel roofs or built-up roofs (BUR). They are usually used on flat roofs. They are very popular in the Southwest on Spanish-style homes and cottages. They are traditionally made with a mixture of asphalt, tar, and roofing felt. This makes them very strong and hard to penetrate, but issues can still arise. Structural movement may cause cracks to form. A buildup of debris may lead to the deterioration of the roofing materials.

Rubber Roof Repair

Repairs for rubber roofs cost between $4 and $8 per sq.ft. Rubber roofs are also referred to as synthetic or membrane roofs, and it is common to use rubber on flat and low-pitch roofs. Flat roof repair costs vary depending on the issue that's being fixed. Rubber is a cheap and easy-to-use material but not the toughest, so expect to have rubber roofs repaired more often than tougher materials. Common problems include punctures to the membrane, shrinkage, wrinkles, and issues with the flashing that require repair.

Composite Roof Repair

Repairs for a composite roof average $4 to $10 per sq.ft. Composite is made from an asphalt and fiberglass mixture and is a common choice for roofs across the U.S. A good advantage of a composite roof is that the shingles are flexible, allowing them to bend to suit the expansion and contraction of the surrounding materials. However, it is common for these shingles to slip away or crack and break in stormy weather. Ice dams and icicles may also form, which must be removed to prevent lasting damage.

Asphalt Roof Repair

Repairing asphalt roofs averages $5 to $9 per sq.ft. Asphalt is one of the most popular materials for roofing across the U.S. due to its affordability and strength, but asphalt shingles can be damaged or blow away in high winds and stormy conditions. Common repairs for asphalt roofs include cracked shingles, granule loss, raised shingles, and tearing. Keeping an eye on asphalt roofs is important because a few broken shingles may lead to leaking.

Slate Roof Repair

Repairing a slate roof ranges from $5 to $15 per sq.ft. Slate roofs are known for their aesthetic beauty and general sturdiness. However, they are prone to issues like ice damming, which is when ice builds up on the shingles and slowly melts through the roof. Shingles can also become damaged in storms and other situations. It can be somewhat costly to replace broken slate shingles because slate is a high-end material. A common issue is slipped tiles, which may cover the gutters and cause drainage problems.

Metal Roof Repair

Metal roof repairs average $6 to $20 per sq.ft. You can find different metal roofs, including steel and aluminum shingles and shakes. Metal is strong and sturdy and can last for many years, withstanding difficult temperature and weather conditions. However, expansion and contraction can loosen the fasteners between the panels, leading to leaks and loose shingles. One of the most common issues metal roof owners face is corrosion, which is a risk with a galvanized steel roof and can lead to further problems like failing fasteners.

Wood Shake Roof Repair

Wood shake roofs cost between $8 and $14 per sq.ft. to repair. Wood shakes are beautiful and enhance your home’s curb appeal, but they are expensive to install and costly to maintain. They are usually made from cedar or redwood, which is strong enough to withstand tough conditions but can still wear away during periods of excessive rainfall. The problems that wood shake roof owners most commonly face include split shingles, missing shingles, and the growth of damaging moss and mildew.

Tile Roof Repair

Repairing a tile roof costs between $8 and $25 per sq.ft. This is one of the more costly materials for roof repairs. Tile is a pricey but popular choice for its durability and weather-resistant qualities. Tile roofs last for many decades with proper maintenance. However, there is still a chance for tiles to crack or slide away, and leaks can occur in tile roofs. Broken tiles are the most common problem faced by tile roof owners. However, degraded support materials are also a concern because tile roofs last so long that homeowners may forget that features like the underlayment degrade faster than the tiles on top.

Average Roof Repair Cost by Type of Problem

Not all repairs cost the same to perform because they require different materials and labor to repair. For basic repairs, a few damaged shingles that came loose in a storm might cost just $200 to fix, while water damage caused by the entry of water into the attic may cost as much as $7,000 to repair when damage is severe. Take a look at the table below to get an idea of the problems that may require roof repair and the cost to repair those issues.

Repair Damaged Shingles

Shingle roofs are extremely popular. Repairing them is one of the most common repairs homeowners will experience at an average cost of $200 to $700. The tradeoff for an inexpensive asphalt roof is that shingle repairs are fairly common, particularly in areas with high winds. Repairs commonly occur near skylights and chimneys. Some shingles are repairable with sealant, but some require full replacement when the damage is too severe and it is more than just a simple crack or tear.

Repair a Cracked Roof

Fixing a cracked roof costs between $200 and $1,000. You will most commonly find cracks on flat roofs where structural damage or aging causes a breakdown of the roofing materials and leads to cracking. A severe crack may require the roofing company to cut the damaged area out of the roof and replace that section with new materials. Meanwhile, simpler repairs with minor cracks on rubber or synthetic membrane roofs are often repaired with adhesive patches. Cracks may also occur in the ridge capping area, where two angles of the roof come together and are connected with triangular shingles. Repairs may include replacing the damaged layers below the ridge capping area.

Hole in Roof Repair

Repairing a single hole in a roof costs $200 to $1,100. A hole may form in a roof due to age, stormy weather, or a tree branch falling onto the roof. It is essential to repair holes in the roof quickly because rain or snow entering the interior of the home can cause significant damage. Small holes may also grow to a catastrophic size and eventually cause a roof collapse. A hole in the roof requires the repair person to remove all the shingles and underlayment in the vicinity of the hole, cut through the plywood surrounding the hole, and replace those layers with intact materials.

Missing Roof Tile Repair

Missing tiles cost between $250 and $2,500 to repair. Although you might not think much of a missing roof tile or a few dislodged tiles, just a single missing tile may allow rain and snow to enter the home and eventually cause significant damage. Roof tiles give your home a particular aesthetic, but they are also an essential part of the roof because they protect the layers underneath. Roof tiles may become dislodged in strong storms, or the nails that hold the roof tiles secure may corrode and fail.

Roof Leak Repair

Roof leaks may occur because of shingles that blew off the roof, damaged flashing, or problems with the seals around skylights or dormers, the protruding areas near the windows. Clogged gutters can even cause roof leaks. Damaged flashing is another common source of leaks. When a roof leak occurs because of damage to the roof, the cost ranges between $400 and $2,500. Simple leaks around flashing or near damaged shingles are less expensive. A roof leak that is not fixed in a timely manner may cause extra damage to the roofing materials and require more extensive replacement of underlayment, flashing, or shingles.

Roof Dent Repair

Repairing a dented roof typically costs between $500 and $4,000. A dented roof most often occurs from hail damage or objects striking the roof with enough force to create a dent but not cause a hole. Metal roofing is the most common type of roof to experience dents. Dent repair on a roof may include removing and patching sections of the roof. Several dents on a roof may require large sections to be removed and replaced. Roof vents may also experience denting due to inclement weather and aging and may require replacement if the dents are severe.

Sagging Roof Repair

A sagging roof should cost between $750 and $4,000 to repair. A sagging roof is often caused by damage to the trusses or the rafters that support the roof. With a small portion of sagging roof, repairs may require the replacement of the plywood if it is damaged or the metal gusset plates if they are broken. If a truss under the roof is damaged and needs replacement, repairs will easily rise to the top end of the average. A roof truss supports the entire roof. It is a very necessary repair since a sagging roof may eventually collapse and cause even more damage.

Roof Rot Repair

The cost to repair a rotted roof like a wood shake roof costs between $800 and $5,000. On a traditional shingle roof, rot may occur along the roof fascia, a long board attached to the end of the roof where it is attached to the trusses. The roof fascia may experience rot, and the trusses may also become impacted by rot over time. Repairs can become expensive with significant damage. Sometimes, less expensive repairs are possible with patching of the roof fascia when only a portion is rotted.

Water Damage Roof Repair

Repairing water damage costs between $800 and $7,000, depending on the severity of the damage. Water damage is insidious. When left alone, it impacts much more than the basic roofing materials. Repairs may entail replacing a portion of the roof and working on interior areas like the attic, ceiling, or walls. Water damage is expensive to repair because it is what results when you do not get a leak repaired quickly. In addition to physical repairs, the process may require using industrial strength fans in the attic to avoid mold growth and prevent further damage from lingering dampness.

Cost to Repair a Roof by Solution

The type of repair required from roof damage varies depending on the severity of the damage and its location on the roof. A roof that was recently impacted by wind and experienced a loosening of shingles might need resealing. A home with significant damage in one area might require a larger project like partial roof replacement, where a section or entire side of the home’s roof is completely replaced. Check out the table below to learn more about different repair types.

Roof Patch

Patching a roof costs $200 to $1,000. The cost is influenced by the location and requirements of the repair. A roof repair company can patch any part of a roof that is damaged. Patching an area of roof with a few missing shingles might cost just a few hundred dollars, but patching a large section of a rubber roof, for example, where the roofing material has deteriorated may cost more. Patching is commonly done at an early stage of damage before a hole appears in the roof or the area becomes structurally unstable. Your roofing repair company might recommend replacing the entire roof if more than 30 percent needs repair.

Reseal a Roof

Resealing a portion of the roof during a repair should cost between $200 and $2,500. The cost depends on the amount of roof that needs resealing. A larger area comes with a higher cost. However, complex repairs that require replacing several parts of the roof, like the nails, screws, and flashing, and replacing some tiles or shingles, may increase the cost. Your roof repair person may recommend resealing a roof that leaks to avoid significant damage from water, wind, or wild weather.

Reinforce a Roof

Reinforcing a roof costs between $500 and $2,000. Reinforcing a roof improves the performance of recent repairs like resealing, protects the roof from further damage from storms, and fixes wobbly roofs. Tasks in reinforcing a roof include making sure the underlayment and shingles are properly adhered to the roof, re-caulking the flashing and skylights when necessary, and applying construction adhesive to the trusses. A roofing professional may use metal tie-downs to secure the roof during replacement.

Replace a Roof

Replacing a portion of the roof costs between $2,800 and $6,000. Many roofing experts recommend replacing an entire roof if a significant portion needs replacement. However, the homeowner can decide on partial replacement or full replacement. When one part of a roof is significantly aged versus another part, partial roof replacement is an option. A roof partially damaged in a storm where every layer of the roof needs replacement is also a candidate for partial replacement and repair.

Average Roof Repair Cost by Type of Replacement

In some cases, it may not be possible to repair the damaged parts of your roof. If the damage is too great, parts might need to be replaced. Replacements may be required if the shingles are completely broken or the flashing is too worn to be fixed. This is usually more expensive than having the existing parts repaired. The table below shows common roof replacements with average costs.

Gable Vent Replacement

Gable vent replacement costs between $200 and $600. Gable vents are very important for controlling your attic’s temperature and airflow. They can last a long time but may become cracked or dented from debris or extreme temperatures. They may become dislodged when animals damage them, and replacing them is important to avoid an increase in animal intrusions. Replacing them requires removing the old vent, its nails or screws, the flashing, and the caulking. Each of those items is then replaced with the new gable vent.

Roof Shingle Replacement

Replacing roof shingles ranges from $200 to $7,500. The reason for this wide price range is the final cost depends on the shingles material and how many must be replaced. A few cracked or broken shingles can be replaced without spending too much, but the costs can be much higher if your roof suffered serious wear and tear and must be replaced with high-grade premium shingles. Shingles may become dislodged or broken because of stormy weather or aging. Replacing them helps avoid bigger problems like holes in the roof and leaks. To replace shingles, the roof repair professional must remove the existing shingle and its nails and replace them with new sealant and nails.

Flashing Replacement

Replacing roof flashing costs $300 to $1,450, depending on the quantity of flashing. Flashing is designed to resist moisture and temperature and last for many years, but it wears over time. Like the flashing around the chimney, roof flashing prevents water from entering the home or negatively impacting the roofing materials and attic. When your roofer replaces the flashing, they remove the old flashing and apply new flashing. It is not recommended that new flashing is applied to the roof as a second layer.

Replace Chimney Flashing

Chimney flashing replacement costs $300 to $1,500,with the highest cost resulting from chimneys with multiple flues. The flashing around the chimney provides it with extra protection against rain, ice, and snow. This reduces the risk of leaks, but it is normal for flashing to wear during big storms. Chimney flashing protects the roof from water damage and leaks, so waiting to replace it may result in significant damage inside the home. Replacing the flashing requires removing the old flashing and its adhesive, reattaching the flashing, and applying new flashing.

Roof Tile Replacement

Replacing roof tiles ranges from $250 to $12,000, depending on the roof size and tile type. The costs should not be high if you only need a small section of tiles replaced, but an entire roof might need to be re-tiled in some cases, which can be far more expensive. Tile roofs are known for their longevity, but they are not impervious to damage and may become cracked or damaged from extreme weather or the natural aging process. Replacing broken tiles helps prevent water damage from holes in the roof and reduces the likelihood of mold or mildew growing amidst the broken tiles.

Guttering Replacement

Gutter replacements cost between $900 and $6,000. Gutters can leak, crack, rot, and sag over time, and all these issues usually require gutter replacements. In most cases, the costs are on the lower end. However, prices can be significantly higher if your home suffered serious damage and needs full gutter replacement. Failing to replace broken gutters may lead to significant damage to the foundation of the home when water falls from the roof to the ground and is not directed away from the home by gutter spouts.

Soffit Replacement

Replacing the soffits on your roof costs $600 to $2,500. Soffits are situated alongside the fascia, providing ventilation for the attic, protecting against moisture damage, and reducing the risk of birds nesting in the roof. The price of soffit replacement depends on the quantity of materials because soffit sections of varying sizes can be damaged by weather and animals. Replacing damaged soffits reduces the likelihood of further damage to the drywall and framing of the home, which can cause repair and replacement costs to skyrocket.

Replace Eaves

Replacing roof eaves costs between $1,500 and $9,000. The price of this replacement varies because eaves involve various components like soffits, fascia, rafter tails, and gutters. Eaves should last about 15 to 20 years before they need replacement due to age. The average house has anywhere from 100 to 250 linear feet of eaves. Some replacement jobs may only require replacing parts, while others are more costly because the entire section must be replaced. Eaves protect the foundation of the home and the siding. It is important to get them replaced when they wear out or experience damage that is not repairable.

Average Roof Repair by Location

The roof on top of your house is not the only roof you might need to repair. Roofs can also be found above the garage, porch, shed, and other areas. Some of these roofs are smaller, simpler, and easier to access, so the repair costs can be significantly lower. For example, shed roof repair cost is on the low end of the scale because it only needs a small amount of material that will cost far less than a house roof. Meanwhile, house roof repair cost is at the top of the scale because a house roof is made of many layers and requires a substantial amount of material.

The roof on an exterior building commonly attached to a house costs somewhere in the middle. Porch roof repair and deck roof repair costs may simply include some new metal pieces or wood pieces to replace aged or broken areas. The roofs on a garage or carport may cost a little more since they are often meant to provide more protection. In some cases, garage roof repair costs may approach the cost of house roof repair because the garage is insulated and has a higher quality roof. Homeowners may also seek out the assistance of a roof repair company for their RV. The cost of RV roof repair is in line with the common repairs on a garage or house. The table below shows common roof locations and average repair costs.

Emergency Roof Repair Cost

Sometimes, a repair needs to happen immediately in an emergency. Contact a roofer to assess the damage, but be wary of anyone who offers a free inspection. The roofer must be licensed and insured before climbing on your roof. An emergency repair cost varies, but anticipate an extra $100 to $300 for immediate work. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover emergency repairs from storm damage.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Rebuild a Chimney Above a Roof

A chimney rebuild costs from $1,000 to $3,500. The chimney of a home can be exposed to a lot of pressure, extreme temperatures, and difficult weather conditions through the years, leading to cracks, chips, and broken sections, just like a roof. Sometimes it makes sense to rebuild the chimney at the same time that a contractor works on the roof because some facets of the chimney, like the flashing, are replaced anyway. The price you pay depends on the amount of work that needs to be done.

Roof Inspection

If you are not sure how to spot a roof problem or cannot access your roof, a roof inspection is recommended. Homeowners should visually inspect their roof after a storm and generally every six months. Once a year, have your roof inspected by a professional to see if anything needs replacing before it becomes a bigger issue. Roof inspections cost $100 to $600.

Clean a Roof

Before repairs or replacement of roofing materials proceed, the area might require professional cleaning at an average cost of $450 to $700. Not only can occasional roof cleaning keep the roof in good condition and reduce the likelihood of rot and accelerated wear, but it can also help the roofer determine the full extent of the required repairs or replacements. The roof cleaning process may include removing debris buildup like leaves and power washing, brushing, or applying chemical cleaners to remove grime, moss, and algae.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Regular Inspections. When a storm has struck your area, visually inspect your roof for any obvious signs of damage. Look for puncture holes, missing shingles, and broken shingles. If you experience leaks or see any signs of damage, have your roof professionally inspected or have the damage repaired right away. Your homeowner’s insurance usually covers storm damage.
• Permits. Depending on where you live and the extent of your repairs, you may be required to file for a permit with your municipality or homeowners’ association. Permit costs vary based on the project scope, but $75 is the average. Your local permit costs may vary.
• Warranties. If you choose to hire a roofer to repair your roof, it is important to have a guarantee of service in writing or a warranty of sorts. The last thing you want is to have a repair that does not last.
• Licensing and insurance. The roofer you hire needs to be licensed and insured. Accidents may happen, and this insurance and license means you will not be held liable for any incidents.
• DIY. Roof repair is not recommended as a DIY project. Climbing on a roof is dangerous. Experienced professionals are the best at conducting repairs. The best DIY project for a homeowner is regular inspections conducted from ground level. You can also reduce the likelihood of needing repairs by brushing the roof clean of snow in the winter from ground level with a long brush.
• Homeowners insurance. Homeowner’s insurance may possibly cover the cost of your roof repairs. Policies cover instances of peril, such as fires, wind, and hail. Check your policy to see what is covered. Normal wear and tear is typically not covered.
• Snow Removal. The cost of snow removal from a roof averages $250 to $500 and depends on the size of the roof. Roof manufacturers recommend that snow is removed from roofs before it accumulates more than 2 feet. Snow removal professionals usually recommend getting snow removed at 6” to avoid damage to the roof from ice or weight.