The average cost to repair your roof is $950. This can range in cost from as low as $100 to a couple thousand for more major repairs. Even so, this is just a tiny piece of the roof repairs puzzle.
Costs, repairs, timelines— everything directly depends on many factors for how much it’s going to cost and how long it will take to do repairs. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a guide on what to expect for roof leak repair costs in 2022, so there are no surprises.
What Causes Roof Leaks?
Storms, wind, debris, rodents— all of the above can cause your roof to leak. But your roof is pretty strong, so it does take something quite strong or persistent to damage it enough to leak. Some examples of roof leak causes include:
Hail Damage
While your roof is tough, hailstones can cause serious damage. If you live in an area where hail is common, your roof may be more susceptible to leaks. Also, contrary to popular belief, hail does not need to be golf-ball-sized to damage your roof. If the wind behind the hail is fast enough, the impact of smaller hailstones can be enough to dent or even crack your shingles.
Wind Damage
The wind is often the root cause of roof damage and leaks. Shingles can be ripped off by high winds, leaving your roof vulnerable to the elements. The wind can also lift your shingles, pulling out the roofing nails, and they lay back down once the storm passes.
This can be especially bad since the roof may look normal but is quite damaged under the surface and can cause a slow-growing leak. If you experience a strong wind storm, it might be worth getting an inspection.
Infestation
Animals like squirrels and mice can find their way into your roof through the smallest access point. While newer roofs in good condition may not be as likely, these animals can chew through just about anything, and if you don’t regularly check your roof for signs of infestation, you might be at risk of bigger issues down the road.
Ice and Snow
Ice and snow can cause damage to your roof in a few ways. The first is the weight of the ice and snow itself, which can put too much pressure on your roof and cause it to collapse. The second way is through the expansion and contraction of the ice as it melts and refreezes. This can cause cracking and leaks in your roof.
Age
As your roof ages, it experiences decades of wear and tear from the elements. Eventually, the integrity of your roof can get worn down enough to leak. In this instance, roof repairs may not be your best option; instead, a replacement may be the best way to remedy any damage or leaks.
Common Minor Roof Repairs
All of the above can cause a wide range of issues, from leaks to high energy bills— and if you’re lucky, your roof repairs are minor and affordable. Some may even be DIY-friendly, and savvy homeowners can handle repairs on their own.
Some of the most common minor roof repairs you can make include patching a hole, replacing a missing shingle, or re-insulating your attic. These repairs likely cost under $1,000 and can get your roof back in shape in a day. Some of the most common minor roof repairs include:
- Replacing a missing or damaged shingle
- Clearing out the gutters
- Re-insulating the attic/roof
- Removing ice dams
- Patching a hole
Examples of More Major Roof Repairs
Fixing a roof leak as soon as you notice it is key to mitigating any further damage. If left unaddressed, a roof leak can cause water damage, mold, and structural damage to your home. Some more major roof repairs might include:
- Replacing the flashing
- Fixing damaged gutters
- Replacing large sections of shingles
- Replacing the roof decking or underlayment
If you’re unsure of what caused your roof leak or the severity of the damage, it’s always best to consult with a professional. They will be able to assess the damage and help you determine whether you need a minor repair or a more major fix, including roof replacement.
How Much Do Roof Leak Repairs Cost?
As we stated, roof repairs can bring a wide range of costs, so knowing how much certain repairs might cost can help you plan ahead for when the inevitable happens.
Minor Roof Leak Repairs $20-500
Minor repairs might include patching a small hole, replacing one shingle, or re-caulking an area to make it waterproof. These repairs require minimal training or expertise and take one quick trip to the hardware store for a few supplies. You can often make a minor roof leak repair for just a couple of bucks with a roof patch.
Moderate Roof Leak Repairs $500-$5,000
More moderate roof leaks include larger patches or a multi-shingle replacement. These may or may not have leaked into your home and affected the underlayment or flashing, which may also need to be replaced.
Severe Roof Leak Repairs $5,000-$10,000+
More severe roof leaks may be due to spreading over time or from massive damage to your roof from a severe storm. These may often result in a roof replacement vs. repair, but you may consider repair if your roof is newer or under warranty.
Factors That Determine the Cost of Roof Repairs
Many factors can affect how much your roof repair will cost you. Don’t be shocked if you have a giant patch to repair and get a big estimate for repairs— the smaller the repair, the smaller the bill. Some of these determining factors include:
The Size of Your Roof
The larger your roof, the more materials you’ll need for repairs, driving up the cost. Since materials are often priced by the square foot, and labor is charged by the time or extent of repairs, the size of your roof and the repairs can really drive up costs.
The Slope or Pitch
The steeper your roof, the harder it can be to make these repairs. It also may mean that leaks have more easily traveled down the length of your roof due to the steep slope. This can mean longer, more expensive roof assessments and repair timelines.
The Extent of the Damage
The severity of the damage will affect how much time, effort, and money you’ll need to spend on repairs. A few missing shingles can be a quick fix, while an entirely collapsed roof might mean starting from scratch with a new roof— but that’s an extreme case.
How Accessible Your Roof Is
If your roof is easy to access, then repairs will be quicker and cheaper. If ladders or scaffolding are needed to reach the damaged area, the repair bill will add time and money.
The Type of Roofing Material
The type of roof you have will also affect repair costs. Certain materials are harder to patch or replace than others. For example, fixing a shingle on an asphalt roof is much easier and less expensive than fixing a cracked tile on a clay roof.
Average Cost of Roof Leak Repairs By Material
As we just mentioned, the type of roofing material you have on your home will vastly change the cost of your repairs. An asphalt shingle roof would be on the lowest end of repair costs; meanwhile, a metal roof or clay tile roof will be much more expensive even for a minor repair due to the cost of the materials and special technique required to repair it.
- Composite Shingles $250-$300
- Asphalt Shingles $350-$500
- Clay Tiles $500+
- Metal $700+
- Wood $800+
Does Insurance Cover Roof Repairs?
Home insurance typically covers roof repairs if the damage is caused by an act of nature or severe weather. This includes wind, hail, water, and snow. Some insurance policies have a deductible that must be met before full coverage kicks in, so you’ll likely have to pay something out of pocket.
It’s important to note that home insurance typically does not cover roof repairs or replacements due to neglect or old age. So, if you have an old roof that’s starting to show signs of wear, you likely won’t be covered.
If you’re unsure whether or not your insurance policy covers roof damage, give your insurance company a call to ask about your coverage.
When to Replace vs. Repair Your Roof
There are times when repairs are just not going to cut it. And if you want to ensure your roof leaks are fixed, and you are investing in the long-term protection of your home— a roof replacement is the way to go. A total roof replacement is most appropriate when:
- Your roof has reached or passed its intended life span
- The roof leaks or damage are too extensive for repairs
- The structure of the roof is not in good condition
To know for sure if it’s time to repair vs. replace your roof, get a professional roofing inspection. A contractor like Apple Roofing can thoroughly assess the leaks, damage, and your roof to determine the best plan of action.
Hiring a Professional Roof Leak Repair Team
While roof leak repair costs may seem cheaper upfront compared to a roof replacement, it’s important to note that repairs buy time, but a replacement makes an investment.To get started on your roof inspection to repair or replace your roof, reach out to the expert roofers at Apple Roofing today!
