How Much Does It Cost to Patch a Roof

How Much Does Roof Repair Cost?

Keep your family safe and dry by repairing your roof as soon as you see signs of a leak or damage. Roof repair costs run from $364 to $1,556, or an average of $949.

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• Typical Range: $364 to $1,556
• National Average: $949

Roofs are one of those features on a house that homeowners take for granted—right up until they need repair. It might surprise you to learn that you can repair your roof for $364 to $1,556, or an average of $949. Usually, the words "roof repair costs" fill homeowners with visions of overwhelming bills, but repairing a roof is simpler and less expensive than replacing a roof. The key to roof repairs is to catch the damage early enough that you can fix it before more of the house is damaged by wind or water, which will be significantly more costly. Labor and materials make up the bulk of roof repair costs, but roof design and the extent of the damage will also influence the price. You'll also need to consider your location and the current housing market, which could affect the cost of materials and labor.

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Factors in Calculating Roof Repair Cost

Roof repairs can range from simple to complex. Patching some holes or leaks around vents or pipes is much simpler than repairing a section of roof that has rotted over time. The roof's pitch, material, and other features could also increase the price of roof repairs. Roofing pros can assess the damage to a roof and repair each element. More straightforward repairs cost between $10 and $120, but here are the top factors when budgeting for roof repair costs.

Issue and Repairs Needed

In some cases, the damage to a roof is minimal. Flashing may have come loose over time due to heat and sun and needs to be resealed, or a few shingles could have blown off in the last wind storm. The thing about roof damage is that the minor problems can become massive challenges if they're not repaired quickly. A leaky seal can rot an entire roof section, which is a much costlier repair.

Roof Size, Pitch, and Design

Roofers build and repair roofs in 10-foot by 10-foot measurements called squares. If more than one square needs repair, the price goes up. If a roof has multiple levels and edges, it's considered a complex roof, which means extensive repairs will take longer and cost more. The roof pitch is another factor for a pro to consider when bidding on a roof repair job. If the roof has a steep slope, roofers will need to take extra precautions to work safely. Flat roofs are easier to fix and usually cost $4 to $10 per square foot to repair.

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Roof Material

Roof materials come in all shapes and sizes. Asphalt is a common roofing material, but homeowners could also choose a metal, composite, slate, tile, shake, or flat roof option. Repairing a metal or slate roof will be the most expensive, but a flat or composite roof is the least costly. You'll want to make sure you hire a roofing company proficient at repairing your particular roof material.

Roof Features

If your roof has extra features like a skylight or chimney, you may experience more leaks that need repair. It can be challenging to find the leak in a skylight, so leave the challenging task to a pro who knows what to look for. Repairing a roof around a skylight or chimney could take longer or cost more if either element needs to be replaced or fixed.

Labor and Permits

Labor makes up a good portion of roof repair costs. Most roofing companies charge between $45 and $75 per hour for roof leak repairs. Minor roof repairs typically cost $150 to $400 and only take a couple of hours to complete. In general, you don't need to obtain a permit for small roof repairs, but if there's significant damage that needs repairing, it's best to check with local authorities first. The average permit costs $75.

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Time of Year

Fixing a roof in the winter in an area with snow and ice is a complicated and potentially dangerous task. Icy shingles or a snow-covered roof mean the roofers must take extra precautions to avoid slipping. If you need an emergency roof repair during a snowstorm, the price could increase by up to 100 percent. On the other hand, roofing season tends to slow down in the fall or in areas with milder winters. You may be able to schedule a roof repair for 10 to 15 percent less than normal if the contractor is less busy.

Location

Your location significantly affects roof repair costs. Urban areas have higher rates in general, but if you live in an area with a booming housing market, you can expect to pay more since the demand for labor and materials is high.

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Additional Costs and Considerations

The repairs, materials, and roof design aren't the only things you'll need to consider for roof repair costs. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to pay for a roof inspection. And, of course, any emergency roof repair typically costs more.

Roof Inspection

If you aren't sure where the roof damage is or what's causing it, you'll need to have a roofing company do an inspection. This process includes checking around any roof fixtures, inspecting fascia and gutters, and checking shingles. If the damage is severe, a roofer may also check the attic to see if the wood and insulation have rotted. Most inspections cost around $200, but they could range from $99 to $375.

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Emergencies

Roof emergencies can disrupt your home and potentially be dangerous to your family. You'll want to call a roofing pro as soon as possible to get the roof repaired. Most emergency roof repairs cost at least $100 to $300 more than usual. Your homeowners insurance may cover the cost of emergency repairs due to a storm, so be sure to check your policy first.

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Roof Repair Cost: Types of Roof Repairs

Roof repairs come in all shapes and sizes, from simple to complex. Repairing a roof can take less than an hour or a full day if the roof needs a partial replacement. There are over a dozen kinds of roof repairs you could need, from shingle repair and roof patching to dormer or truss repair.

Shingle Repair

Making repairs to a shingle roof is one of the most common roof repair costs. Though asphalt shingles have a low up-front installation cost and can withstand high winds if properly installed, they can sometimes blow off in strong winds or come loose around chimneys or skylights, leading to leaks. If your roof has many shingles that need repair, expect to pay $710 on average.

Roof Leak Repair

Roof leaks aren't always extensive or caused by blown-off shingles. Sometimes flashing cracks, a skylight leaks, or the gutters get clogged. Cracked flashing or vents are the cheapest to repair, averaging $10 to $20. Skylights that leak could cost $25 to $80 to repair. Cleaning gutters as a DIY project can be free if you already have the equipment, or it'll cost about $159 for a professional service. If your house is prone to ice dams in the winter (melted snow that refreezes and weighs down the roof), ask a roofer to install heating strips along the roofline to prevent future ice dams. This typically costs $50 to $120, depending on how many strips need to be installed.

Hole in Roof

A hole in the roof is about as helpful as an umbrella that won't open in a downpour. If you suspect you have a hole in your roof, call a professional quickly so the hole can be repaired before it gets any bigger. Holes can be small or big, but repairing them often comes with high costs. Roofers can patch a small hole for around $100 or so, but large holes that require replacement materials could cost up to $1,000.

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Roof Patch

Patching a roof is similar to repairing a hole in the roof. The average cost to patch a roof is $100 to $1,000 and depends on the area that needs to be restored. Replacing a few shingles will cost less than having to replace and reseal a skylight. Patching a roof is a quick way to repair roof damage, but sometimes it's only a temporary option, and eventually the roof will require repair or total replacement.

Hail Damage Roof Repair

Some hailstorms are so intense that hail can quickly clog or overburden weak gutters. Other storms rain hail that's the size of golf balls, and this kind of hail can do severe damage to your house and roof by punching through weak shingles, destroying tile, or damaging skylights. Powerful hailstones can also crack flashing and fascia. If your home has hail damage, expect to pay $700 to $4,000 to repair it, but check if your insurance will cover the cost.

Sagging Roof

Roofs are constructed to be flat from edge to edge. If you notice a dip anywhere along the roof, you have a sagging roof problem that you'll want to repair soon. An isolated sag in the roof may not require a complete roof replacement if it's caught early. Sagging roofs usually happen from a buildup of snow or water that weighs down the shingles and boards underneath. Repairing a sagging roof costs $750 to $2,000. Higher costs are associated with any structural repairs to decking or trusses, which can cost $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot to repair.

Roof Vent Repair

Roof vents are used to allow excess odors and hot air to escape an unfinished attic. Since they're fully exposed to the elements, they wear out over time, especially in climates with extreme temperature shifts. It typically costs $75 to $250 to repair roof vents. They usually need to be replaced by cutting them out, installing a new one, then sealing around the edges to prevent leaks.

Chimney Flashing Repair

Flashing is a small metal strip that's secured around the edges of chimneys and other roof fixtures. It helps prevent water from leaking into the cracks between the roof and the element installed in the roof. Over time, flashing can warp or loosen from extreme temperatures and break the watertight seal. Old flashing should be pried off the roof so new flashing can be nailed in its place to strengthen the seal around the base of the chimney. Repairing chimney flashing costs $200 to $300 on average.

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Ridge Capping Repair

All roofs have at least one ridge where the slope changes positions. These ridgelines are capped with triangular pieces that cover any cracks between the roof materials below. If a ridge cap is damaged or a crack appears underneath it, water can leak into the roof and under the shingles or tiles. It usually costs $250 to $750 to repair ridge caps, including applying fresh mortar.

Roof Verge Repair

It costs $250 to $750 to repair the verge of a roof located on the edges or sides of the roof. Roof materials are more exposed to the elements here, so it's not uncommon for this area to need repairs. When the roof is installed, the materials on the verge are usually anchored more securely, but wind and weather can still damage or expose the roof underneath.

Dormer Repair

Any structure that alters the direction or integrity of the roof is at risk of leaks or damage over time. Dormers make for an attractive feature that allows more natural light into your house with extra windows, but they have a higher risk of leaks. Repairing a dormer can cost $250 to $1,000 on average.

Skylight Repair

Though skylights provide extra light to the house's interior, they are also at a higher risk of leaks. Water and ice can collect around the edges and wear out the seals along the roof. They should be inspected often to check for leaks before the leak becomes serious. Repairing a skylight usually costs $300 to $500.

Roof Valley Repair

A roof valley is where two roof lines dip down and meet at a lower point. Gravity works to bring water and snow to this lower point on the roof, which means it's an area that needs special attention. A buildup of water and snow can cause this area to sag or crack and expose the roof's interior. The cost to repair a roof valley averages $300 to $1,000, depending on the severity of the problem.

Roof Fascia Repair

Most roofs have fascia attached to the roof's edges to provide extra support for the roof materials and for aesthetic purposes. These long boards can warp or crack from extended exposure to sun and rain. If they can't be patched, you'll need to have them replaced for about $300 to $1,500 depending on how many fasciae you have and if they're custom made.

Roof Tail Repair

Roof tails, or rafter tails, are the boards that extend beyond the walls of a house to form the eaves. Soffits and fascia are attached to these tails. Excessive moisture or insects can damage these boards over time and cause more significant problems if they're not repaired in a timely manner. It could cost between $300 and $3,000 to repair roof tails, depending on if the damage extends into the trusses.

Roof Truss Repair

When a roof truss needs repair, it can make you wonder if it's worth it to consider new roof cost options. Have a roofing contractor inspect the damage to your trusses to determine if they can be repaired or not. Since trusses are the structures that define and support your roof, they're a critical piece that should be fixed as soon as rot, insects, pests, or storms damage them. Expect to pay around $500 to $5,000 for roof truss repairs.

Roof Eaves Repair

Roof tails form the foundation for the eaves built to hang over the edges of your house to keep water from running down the sides of the house. These helpful features are expensive roof repair elements, with an average cost of $1,450 to $1,650. They're a complex structure that may involve repairing the shingles, fascia, trusses, or any other damaged part that forms a sturdy eave.

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Roof Repair Cost: Do I Need Roof Repair?

Roof repair costs are usually unplanned expenses. Fortunately, they're cheaper than replacing a roof, but it can still be a big pill to swallow to spend money on a roof repair. In some cases, it's unavoidable to ignore a roof repair, like when a major storm or earthquake causes damage. If you see any of the following signs of roof problems, it's time to have your roof repaired.

Visible Roof Damage

Visible roof damage is cause for needing roof repairs. Some damage may be apparent, but smaller damage may be less visible and will require inspection. Look for these common visible signs of damage on your roof: missing or wet shingles, shingle granules in gutters, blistering or peeling paint, sagging, water stains on the exterior or attic walls, light in your attic, and noticeable wear and tear of roof features like chimneys.

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Leaks and Other Signs of Moisture

Since the whole point of having a roof is to keep water from getting into your house, any leak on the top level of your home should encourage you to check for roof damage. Water leaks could be as subtle as water stains on walls or ceilings, whether in the attic or just under the eaves. A wet patch of shingles also indicates that moisture has collected under the shingles. Any visibly wet or rotting boards are a big indication that there is a roof leak.

Sagging Roof Deck

A sagging roof deck is a major indication that the roof needs to be repaired. If the roof is old or it wasn't installed well, the decking may not be strong enough to support the heavy weight of snow or water in certain areas. The excess weight will push down into the attic between the trusses and cause a sagging appearance. It can be small at first, perhaps only a couple of feet wide, but it could grow so large that the roof will have to be replaced if left unchecked.

Increasing Energy Bills

Attics are a collection point of excess air, both hot and cold. If your energy bills start to climb suddenly and you rule out a problem with your HVAC system, the problem may be a roof leak. Warm air and cool air can escape out of a roof leak and cause your HVAC system to run more to compensate.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters need to be cleaned regularly to prevent debris and water from pooling at the edge of the roof. When pests have access to the roof and a pile of debris, it can spell disaster for your roof, as this combination can encourage an infestation that could cause a leak. Additionally, if you keep an eye on the debris that's in your gutters when you clean them out, you'll notice if you suddenly have more shingle granules collecting in the gutters. Worn-out shingles begin to disintegrate when they need replacing.

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Roof Repair Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Keeping your gutters free and clear is a necessary part of home maintenance. Taking care of this task is an option for homeowners who are comfortable using ladders and getting on the roof. Still, you may need a professional gutter cleaner if you have a complex or steep roof or physical limitations. Some homeowners may even be comfortable applying a fresh sealant to a skylight that started leaking, and they can certainly do some visual inspections of the roof and attic if they suspect they have a roof leak. However, beyond these more straightforward tasks, repairing a roof is a risky job that's best left to professionals who are experienced and comfortable doing it. The last thing you want is an injury from falling or stepping through a weak part of the roof. Let the insured roofers take care of the dangerous job of roof repairs.

Working on a roof requires balance and skill—all without a fear of heights. A steep roof pitch is no laughing matter, and roofers may use special equipment to stay safe while working at a steep angle. Beyond the general safety concerns, building or repairing a roof so it lasts for years takes skill and expertise. Some roof repairs require more than one item to be repaired. For instance, a roofer can inspect the damage around a chimney and discover that the roof is soft for several feet around the chimney. As a result, they can determine that the decking and even a truss may also need repair. A reputable roofer will know exactly what materials are required to do any kind of roof repair, so look for "roof replacement near me" to find a pro to help.

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How to Save Money on Roof Repair Cost

Though roof repair costs aren't as expensive as some repair costs, it's still an unexpected expenditure that could have been used for something more exciting. To keep costs low, consider these tips for how to save money on roof repair costs.

• Stay on top of any roof problems so you only have to pay for a roof repair instead of a new roof.
• Inspect the roof's exterior and attic after every major storm to check for any leaks or damage.
• If the damage comes from a natural disaster, you can check if your homeowners insurance policy covers or will assist with roof repair costs.
• Don't hesitate to get more than one quote for roof repair costs.
• If the repair isn't critical, consider waiting until later in the season when demand is lower.
• Research how the parts of your roof work together so you can make an informed decision after an inspection to make sure you only pay for the repairs you need.
• Check for government rebates that apply for repairs that make your house more energy efficient.
• If the repairs will be covered by your insurance, use a company from their approved list.
• Check local community assistance programs to see if you can have your roof repaired at a discount due to a storm that damaged many homes in your area.
• Sign up for newsletters from roofing companies. They may offer specials and discounts that aren't otherwise advertised.
• Offer an exchange of services for roof repairs if you have skills or products the roofing company needs.

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Questions to Ask About Roof Repair Cost

Since most of us aren't comfortable getting on a roof to make repairs, it's essential to hire a roofing contractor that you can trust. A reputable roofing company must have a license and insurance since roofing is a high-risk industry, so make sure to ask about that first. You'll also want to know about warranties or guarantees they offer for roof repairs. Ask a roofing contractor any of the following questions to feel confident that you're hiring the right company.

• Do you accept my homeowners insurance?
• How long have you been in the roofing business?
• Can you provide references?
• Do you have any specials or discounts?
• What happens if you or an employee falls from my roof?
• Will you send fully trained employees to repair my roof?
• How will you protect my property while you remove damaged roof materials?
• When can you repair my roof, and how long will it take?
• How much do you charge for a complete roof inspection?
• Are you proficient at handling my roofing materials?
• What if you discover more damage once you're working on the visible repair?
• What steps should I take to keep my roof in good shape?

FAQs

Don't get bogged down by the many aspects of roof repairs. In most cases, roof repairs caused by normal wear and tear are relatively simple to fix, and insurance may cover major problems. If you're still uncertain about roof repair costs, review the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Q. What's the average cost to repair a roof?

You can expect to pay an average of $949 for roof repair costs. If the repair is a small problem, it may only cost between $100 and $400, but structural repairs will push the cost over $1,000.

Q. How do you fix a leaking roof?

• Inspect the attic for visible signs of light or water stains.
• Inspect the roof for wet shingles, holes, damaged flashing, or other areas where water could penetrate the roof.
• If you can't easily identify the leak on a sunny day, check the attic during a rainstorm.
• Put caulk or sealant around any pipes, vents, or other openings that should be sealed.
• Replace any damaged or missing shingles.
• Hire a professional to repair any damaged tails, trusses, eaves, or other roofing materials.

Q. How much does it cost to patch a roof?

If you only need to patch a broken seal around a pipe or gutter, you can buy a sealant for $2 to $4. If the patch required is more extensive, a roofer can repair the damage for $100 to $1,000. The bigger the patch, the more labor and materials are needed.

Q. Are repairs for a leaking roof covered by my homeowners insurance?

It depends on the cause of the leak. Most roof repairs are not covered by insurance for everyday wear and tear caused by age or poor maintenance. Fire damage and storm damage like hail or fallen tree branches may be covered under certain conditions, so be sure to read your policy carefully. You may still be responsible for the deductible. In most cases, if you file your claim after too much time has passed, you may lose the option to have the repairs covered.

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How Much Does It Cost to Patch a Roof

Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/roof-repair-cost/

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