Roof Repair Cost Calculator

Roof repair costs $200–$7,000 depending on the type and extent of damage. Minor patches (few shingles) cost $200–$500, moderate repairs (section replacement) $500–$1,500, major repairs (structural damage) $1,500–$7,000, and emergency tarping $200–$600. Material type affects cost: metal roofs cost 30% more, tile 50% more, and slate 80% more to repair than asphalt shingles. Add $200–$500 for flashing and $150–$400 for gutter repair.

Repair if: damage is localized (under 30% of roof), roof is under 15 years old, no structural damage, and costs under $2,000. Replace if: damage is widespread, roof is 20+ years old, multiple leaks in different areas, sagging deck, or repair costs exceed 30% of replacement cost. Average repair costs $500–$1,500 vs. $8,000–$15,000 for full replacement. Get a professional inspection — many roofers offer free assessments.

Homeowners insurance typically covers roof damage from sudden events: storms, hail, fallen trees, fire, and wind. It does not cover: normal wear and tear, neglected maintenance, or gradual deterioration. Deductible is usually $1,000–$2,500. File a claim for damage over your deductible. Document damage with photos immediately. Insurance may pay for temporary tarp ($200–$600) while waiting for permanent repair. Some policies depreciate older roofs.

Start inside: look for water stains on ceilings and walls, trace stains upward to their highest point. In the attic: look for daylight through roof boards, wet insulation, mold, and water trails on rafters. Outside: check for missing/damaged shingles, cracked flashing around chimneys/vents/valleys, clogged gutters, and damaged boot seals around pipes. Water often travels along rafters before dripping — the leak source may be far from the stain.

Minor patch repair: 1–3 hours. Moderate section repair: 4–8 hours (1 day). Major structural repair: 2–5 days. Emergency tarp: 1–2 hours. Timeline depends on weather (no work during rain), roof accessibility, material availability, and extent of hidden damage. Most roofers can schedule minor repairs within 1–2 weeks. Emergency services available within 24–48 hours at premium pricing. Storm seasons may cause 2–4 week delays.

Simple repairs like replacing a few shingles are DIY-friendly if you're comfortable on a roof. Cost: $50–$200 in materials. You'll need: replacement shingles, roofing nails, pry bar, hammer, roofing cement, and caulk gun. Never work on a wet roof or in wind. Safety equipment: roof harness ($50–$100), non-slip shoes, and a helper. Hire a professional for: steep roofs (over 6/12 pitch), multi-story homes, structural damage, flashing repair, and any work near electrical lines.

Most common leak causes: damaged or missing shingles from wind/age (35% of leaks), failed flashing around chimneys, skylights, and valleys (25%), cracked pipe boot seals (15%), ice dams in cold climates (10%), clogged gutters causing water backup (10%), and nail pops from thermal expansion (5%). Preventive maintenance: inspect roof annually, clean gutters twice yearly, trim overhanging branches, and repair minor damage promptly before it spreads.

Emergency roof repair costs $200–$600 for tarping and $500–$2,000 for immediate leak repair. Emergency premiums: 50–100% over standard rates for after-hours, weekend, and holiday service. Timeline: most emergency roofers respond within 2–24 hours. Emergency tarping prevents further interior damage — worth the cost if you have an active leak. Check if your homeowners insurance covers emergency repairs. Keep your roofer's number handy during storm season.