Roof Repair Cost

Your roof is an important—and often expensive—investment. If you're planning a repair or replacement, you need to know the factors and options that will affect the final price tag. Understanding roof repair costs will help you make a smart investment.

But with so many factors at play—materials, labor time, minor vs major repairs—it's easy to get confused. Ultimately, homeowners just want to know one thing—how much will my roof cost? Thankfully, we're here to shed a little light on the process and let you know what to expect.

What is the average cost of roof repair in 2024?

The average cost of roof repairs in 2024 ranges from $150 to $400 for minor projects and upwards of $8,000 for major projects. On average, a roofing repair job will cost at least a grand. However, these costs can vary depending on several factors, including the type of repair needed, the materials used, and labor costs. Here’s a general breakdown based on the level of repairs.

Minor roofing repairs ($150 to $400; 1 to 2 days to fix)

Minor repairs include fixing nominal damage, such as a few missing shingles, a small leak, or broken gutters. These types of repairs require basic tools and materials. While such updates may seem minor, they’re often integral to the value and safety of a property. For example, small leaks can cost under $500, but they can lead to major water damage over time. Patching these leaks prevents further damage and potential mold growth.

Moderate roofing repairs ($400 to $2,000; 2 to 3 days to fix)

Moderate repairs address issues beyond simple patchups and generally require more than a day to complete. Examples include fixing bigger leaks, repairing flashing around vents, or replacing minor wood rot. Moderate repairs could even include partial re-roofing or addressing sagging areas or minor structural problems.

Major roofing repair cost ($2,000 to $8,000+; 3 to 7+ days to fix)

Big repair projects require professional expertise, specialized materials, and up to a week or more to fix. We’re talking about significant roofing damage, structural issues, or leaks that impact other areas of the home. For instance, you will likely experience major repair costs if the roof experiences a structural collapse after a storm. Other examples include major upgrades like installing more durable materials, a new ventilation system, or added insulation. 

What are the average roof replacement costs?

If you’re considering replacement over repair, expect to spend between $5,700 and $12,500 on a new roof on an average-sized home. The overall national average is about $9,000. However, there are many pricing factors (materials, roof size, location, etc) that could affect the final cost of your roofing replacement.

Nevertheless, opting for a completely new roof could be the better investment if you're faced with major repairs. If your roof is older than 20 years and has experienced major or recurring damage, a full replacement will make more sense than paying for repairs every other year. Furthermore, getting a new roof will generally increase your home's value more so than a repair.

What factors impact the cost of a roof repair or replacement?

Whether you’re investing in full repairs or a replacement, the following factors will affect the final price tag.

Materials 

The more expensive the material being repaired, the more expensive the job. For instance, asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material, typically cost between $4.25 and $8.25 per square foot to repair. Concrete tiles, which are the most expensive roofing material, can cost up to $24 per square foot to repair. We’ll go into more detail about roofing materials below. 

Size of roof 

A single section of shingles being replaced won’t be nearly as costly as repairing 25% of your roof. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay by roofing size:

Of course, this is a general estimate, and additional factors could come into play. For example, the roofing contractor will consider the pitch of your roof, as it takes longer to work on very steep roofs compared to flatter roofs that are easier to navigate. 

Labor

Roofing teams typically charge by the hour for labor. Expect to pay $35 to $90 an hour depending on the job or company. The steepness, number of layers to remove, and other factors can affect the job's length and labor cost.

Experienced contractors often charge more for their services since they have a higher skill level and knowledge of the industry. They may be able to complete the job more quickly and efficiently. As a result, they can reduce the overall cost of the project despite their higher hourly rate. On the other hand, less experienced contractors may charge less, but the job may take longer or require corrections.

Permits and inspections 

Depending on local regulations, you may need to pay for permits and inspections throughout the repair/replacement process. The price of an inspection can range from $100 to $300. Permits often cost hundreds of dollars to secure.

Geographical location 

Prices for both materials and labor can vary depending on where you live. In general, the price of a roof replacement or repair will be higher in an urban or suburban community than in a rural area.  Also, the local climate or neighborhood structural requirements could restrict your options.

What are the most common roofing repairs?

Water damage ($800 to $7,000)

A leaking roof causes extensive water damage. Repairing these issues often involves replacing damaged materials, treating for mold, and possibly re-routing water sources. The cost will depend on the extent of the damage and the areas of the home affected.

Treatment of mold and mildew ( $3,500+)

Mold can pose serious health risks. Remediation can involve professional cleaning, replacement of materials, and improving ventilation or sealing leaks.

Roof shrinkage or roof sagging ($750 to $4,000)

Over time, roofs can shrink or sag, leading to leaks and structural damage. Repairing this can involve replacing shingles, reinforcing the structure, or, in severe cases, replacing the entire roof.

Flashing replacement ($150 to $1,000)

Flashing is a thin layer of waterproof material that prevents water from entering joints or intersections on your roof. Over time, flashing can corrode or come loose, leading to leaks.

How does the roof type affect the cost?

The type of roof you have can make a big impact on the cost of repair or replacement. Different types of roofs require different materials for repair. More durable materials tend to be more expensive than others.

For example, roofs made of slate, tile, concrete shingles, or metal offer the best protection, but they're also the most expensive to replace. On the other hand, asphalt shingle roofs are the most economical choice.

Cost of roofing materials

Asphalt ($4.25-$8.25 per square foot)

Asphalt shingles have long been the most common roofing material in the US. This not only keeps their price point more manageable but also makes them easier to repair. Asphalt is among the most customizable and easiest options to install. Expect a life span of 20 to 30 years. 

Slate ($12-$22 per square foot)

Slate is a type of fine-grained rock that’s known for its durability and unique texture. While the cost is significantly higher than asphalt (upwards of $44,000 for a 2,000-square-foot roof), it lasts much longer. Your slate roof could last over a century before it needs to be replaced. 

Tile ($11-$28 per square foot)

Made from clay or concrete, tile roofing offers a distinctive Mediterranean or Southwestern appearance. Tile also offers impressive longevity – lasting upwards of 50 years. Clay is the more customizable option, but concrete is more economical.

Cedar/Wood Shakes ($8-$14 per square foot)

If you’re aiming for a natural, rustic look, consider wooden shakes made of cedar. This option offers excellent insulation and durability. However, you will need to invest more in maintenance to prevent moss, mold, and mildew growth. Wood is also more susceptible to fire. 

Metal ($7-$28 per square foot)

Metal roofing has been growing in popularity due to its energy-efficient properties and modern appearance. Metal options include steel, aluminum, and copper. These lightweight, fire-resistant metal options can last 40 to 70 years without needing much maintenance.