Should I repair my leaking roof or replace it?
A repair usually makes sense when the leak is in one spot on a roof that is in good condition, such as a cracked pipe boot, damaged flashing or a few missing shingles. A replacement may be the better choice when the roof is older and has leaks in several places, is losing granules across whole slopes, or has storm damage that may be covered by insurance. A roof inspection will show which one your roof needs.
Where the leak is
Most roof leaks start at a detail such as a pipe boot, flashing, a valley or a skylight. These can usually be repaired. A leak in the middle of a slope can mean the shingles themselves are failing, which may call for a replacement.
How old the roof is
In the Texas heat, a three-tab shingle roof often lasts around fifteen years and an architectural shingle roof around twenty to twenty-five years, and hail can shorten both. A repair on a newer roof usually makes sense. On an older roof with ongoing problems, repeated repairs can cost more over time than a replacement.
How many leaks there are
One leak is usually a repair. Several leaks in different areas, curling shingles or heavy granule loss can mean the roof is near the end of its life.
Whether a storm caused the damage
If a leak started after a hail or wind storm, the damage may be covered by your homeowners insurance. Have the roof inspected before you pay for a repair, so you know whether the damage is worth claiming.
Start with an inspection
NTX Roofing Solutions offers free, no-obligation roof inspections. We will explain what we found and whether a repair or a replacement is the better option for your roof.
Related questions
How much does a roof repair cost?
It depends on what needs to be repaired. Call us for a free inspection and estimate.
Can a roof be partially replaced?
Sometimes a single slope can be replaced, for example after wind damage on one side of the roof. New shingles may look slightly different from the older ones at first.
Should I wait and see if it leaks again?
No. Water that gets into the roof decking can cause rot and interior damage, so it is best to have the roof looked at soon.
