Understanding Roofing Repairs in 2025

While a properly constructed roof can last for decades, it will not remain in good condition forever and will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. This is why it is so important to understand how to find the right contractor for the job and how much you can expect to pay. This handy guide from RoofingScout’s experts covers what you should know about roof pricing, how to find a roofing company that fits your needs, and what to look for in a quality roofing contractor. Using this information while you compare the attributes of different providers will help you get the best results.

What you should know about roof pricing

Of course, with any big renovation project, pricing is the foremost consideration. You don’t want to pay for a new roof only to find out later that a neighbor got the same upgrade for less. Perhaps even worse, you don’t want to get sucked into a great “deal” that ends up requiring expensive repairs and maintenance down the road. How do you avoid these pitfalls? Learn as much as you can about current roof pricing trends, then compare them with your estimate.

What's the average cost of a new roof in 2024?

Across the nation, the average cost of a new roof is about $10,000, with the national minimum at about $8,500 and the national maximum coming in at roughly $14,300. There are many factors that go into calculating the cost of a new roof, with location and local labor costs responsible for a large part of the variation. Comparison shopping on our site can help you find the best value for the price.

The materials chosen to construct the roof also affect the cost. Asphalt or composite shingles are typically the least expensive, with prices starting at $4.25 per square foot. Copper tiles cost the most, starting at $21 per square foot.

The size of the home will also determine the cost of the roof, with larger homes requiring more labor and materials. A breakdown of the cost for a new roof is generally 40% for the materials and 60% for the labor.

What's the average cost of a roof repair in 2024?

If your roof needs repair, you will want to get the repairs done as quickly as possible to prevent further damage or other unpleasant issues. According to recent statistics, homeowners pay an average of $1,103 for a roof repair, but the cost can vary widely depending on the complexity of the repair.

Minor repairs can have a cost as low as $150, while major repairs can cost $3,500 or more. Simple leak repairs are typically the least expensive type of roof repair. Repairs that require the removal of the roof's outer layer are generally the most extensive and expensive. The types of materials used for fixing the roof will also have an impact on the overall cost.

What are roof warranties, and are they worth it?

Roof warranties are considered to be one of the most important considerations when hiring a contractor for roof repair or replacement. They can save you thousands of dollars if you find issues with the roofers’ labor or materials within the designated period, and your homeowner's insurance policy doesn't cover them. Make sure you keep warranties in mind while comparison shopping for a contractor to do the job. Three different types of roof warranties are currently available.

A manufacturer's warranty offers coverage for the cost of materials used on the roof, but not the labor to install them. While the warranty may say it remains in effect for 20-50 years, most material-only roofing warranties are prorated after 5-10 years.

Labor or workmanship warranties that cover the cost of installing the materials can range from 2 to 20 years, based on the contractor you choose. Longer labor warranties are often preferable, but make sure to read the fine print so that you know exactly what the warranty covers and how long the coverage lasts. Some warranties may have exclusions or limitations that affect your coverage.

A full-system warranty is the most expensive type of roof warranty, but it offers the most coverage. These warranties typically cover the materials used to install a roof, including the shingles, underlayment, and flashings, as well as the labor and material costs of repairing leaks.

How to find a roofing company that fits your needs

When it comes to your next project, choosing the right roofing company is paramount. This decision could have a major impact on the safety, comfort, and value of your home. Here are a few tips:

• Consider Your Needs: The more you know about what you want, the easier it will be to narrow your options. For example, do you have certain needs, such as using environmentally friendly materials or incorporating solar power? Be sure to look for roofers specializing in the services you require.
• Read Reviews/Get Referrals: One of the best ways to find the right roofing contractor is to read reviews online. Of course, it’s important to focus on roofing company reviews posted on a reputable third-party website. You can also ask for referrals from family members, friends, and neighbors who have hired the contractors you have in mind. These referrals can help you avoid potential scams or problems with the roofers’ work.
• Research Official Websites: Once you have found a roofer – or a list of potential candidates – you will want to verify their business details. Spend some time reading through their websites. During your research, make sure the roofing company is licensed and insured. With that, you will have peace of mind knowing you're working with a legitimate and professional company.
• Look Out for Red Flags: Don't forget to check out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and look for any red flags. This information will help you avoid any companies with a history of complaints or unsatisfactory work.
• Meet With the Prospective Contractors: While a call could be enough to start, consider meeting face-to-face with serious prospects. Most will take the time to visit your home and scope out the job. These meetings allow you to see their professionalism, expertise, and communication skills in action.
• Ask for References: You want to know that the company’s previous customers who hired them for similar projects were happy with the work and the value they received for the price. Ask for references from satisfied customers.

Choosing a reputable and reliable roofing company will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. By following these steps, you can find the best company to meet your needs.

What makes quality roofing contractors stand out?

When comparison shopping for roof repairs or replacement, you want to limit your choices to contractors who have a valid and updated roofing license. They also need to carry insurance, such as workers' compensation and liability coverage. Additionally, they should have their businesses registered in their state and never delegate tasks to subcontractors.

Reputable contractors will also back up their work with a warranty. You should ask them about their guarantees for the project. While you don't always want to choose the cheapest roofer, find someone who offers competitive pricing and has several years of experience in the industry.

Providing references is another surefire sign that you have a reputable contractor. Great contractors are proud of their projects, and they will be willing to share the final results with any prospective client.

What's the process once you find a roofing contractor?

When you decide to hire a roofing contractor, there are several steps to make sure you have a successful roofing project.

• Step 1: First, the contractor will conduct an on-site assessment of your roof. They will evaluate the current condition of the roof, identify any issues, and take measurements.
• Step 2: Next, you should get an estimate or proposal that outlines the scope of work, materials to be used, project timeline, and the total cost. Make sure to review it and ask any questions.
• Step 3: Once you're satisfied with the estimate, the next step is contract negotiation. You need to make sure all the aspects of the project are clearly outlined in the contract, including start and completion dates, payment terms, and any warranties or guarantees.
• Step 4: Once all preparations are in order, the roofing project will commence. The contractor and their team will begin the installation or repair work according to the agreed-upon timeline.
• Step 5: After the roofing work is completed, you will want to conduct a final inspection with the contractor. If you are happy, you can sign off on the contract and make your final payment to the contractor.

How long does it take to replace or repair a roof?

Replacing a roof can take anywhere from one day to a couple of weeks, depending on factors that include:

• Roofing materials: Replacing asphalt or metal roofing typically takes one to three days, while wooden shingles or slate tiles may require a week or more.
• Size of the roof: While reroofing a small to medium home usually takes one to three days, replacing a large or complex roof could occupy roofers for a week or more.
• Slope of the roof: For a steep roof, the roofers will need extra safety equipment. For a flat or shallow roof, underlayment may be needed to keep rainwater out of the housing envelope.
• Accessibility: Extensive landscaping close to your house, other homes that are very near, or lack of convenient parking space can all slow the roofers’ progress.
• Weather: Rain, snow, and ice can all affect the adhesion of roofing materials as well as the safety of the roofers.
• Special Considerations: If there is structural damage to part of your home beneath the roof, or you have a historic home that needs a special permit or extra care, you can expect the project to take longer than usual.

If your roof is not too damaged, repairs might be able to extend its lifespan and warranty, saving you the cost of a full replacement. The timeline for roof repairs varies from less than a day to more than a week, depending on whether you need minor mending, moderate repairs, or extensive restoration. While roofers might be able to replace a small area of missing shingles and nails in a few hours, they might need a week or so for a complicated project that involves removing some of the existing roofing materials on a large house.

The good news for homeowners is that many roofers offer emergency services. If your roof leaks or has serious storm damage, roofers can quickly take temporary measures to keep you and your family safe and dry. They can secure a large tarp to cover the roof until they can make permanent repairs.

Know the basics to get the best results

Now that you’ve learned more about comparison shopping for roofing contractors and the price ranges you can expect, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions for your home. Use this knowledge during your search for roofing contractors, whether it be for small repairs or complete replacements. A roof provides more than just protection from the elements; it can also enhance or spoil your home's aesthetic appeal. So, choosing the wrong roofing contractor can be a very costly mistake.