Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement: How to Know Which One You Need
The decision framework we walk homeowners through when their roof needs work.
Repair makes sense when
Your roof is under 12 years old, the damage is isolated to one area, the deck underneath is sound, and there's no widespread granule loss. A targeted repair on a healthy roof can buy you another 5-10 years.
Replacement makes sense when
Your roof is over 18 years old, you're seeing multiple leak points, granules are filling your gutters, shingles are curling or cracking across large sections, or the decking is soft. At that point, repairs are throwing good money after bad.
The middle ground
Sometimes a roof is in the 15-18 year range with some real wear but no major leaks. That's when honest contractor advice matters most. A good roofer will tell you whether to start budgeting for replacement or whether you can squeeze another few years out.
The dollar test
If repairs would cost more than 30% of a full replacement, replace it. You'll get manufacturer warranty, a fresh start on lifespan, and one job instead of three.