Like most aspects of your home, as long as your roof is doing its job, you probably give it little thought. But when leaks spring up, it may leave you fearful of how much you’ll have to spend to get it fixed.
But how much does it cost to repair a roof? That depends on many different factors. While each home is unique, there are some general rules to consider.
Roof damage is not something you will want to leave unchecked. If you are missing or see damaged shingles, these should be replaced. Also, once your roof is 15 years old, even if it’s showing little signs of aging, you should consider an inspection to make sure it is intact.Â
With the information below you will be able to get a ballpark of how much you can expect your repair to cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Roof
If you ask Home Advisor, “How much does it cost to repair a roof?” their answer is between $150 and many thousands of dollars. That is a very wide range. But they also estimate that the average cost of roof repair nationwide is about $900.
Extent of Damage
How much your roof repair costs depends on many factors. The first thing to consider is the severity of wear or damage.
For instance, sealing a simple leak is very inexpensive. If materials cost $50 and labor runs $75 an hour, you could be looking at $125 to $200 for the repair. Replacing major sections of your roof would cost more in materials as well as labor.
Type of Roof
The type of roof on your home will have a lot to do with how much it costs to repair it. Metal and tile roofs will cost more than asphalt or composite shingles.
The layout of your roof may impact cost as well. If it has many gables or dormers to work around, the process could take longer and incur greater labor costs. Likewise, replacing flashing or underlayments of the roof is more meticulous than caulking around a chimney.
Plan for the Unexpected
Even with a sound grasp of repair costs, there could still be surprises. If the workers find things like water damage underneath dilapidated shingles, they will need to repair the structure before replacing the outer roofing.
If you have homeowner’s insurance, it may cover the cost of your roof repairs. Normal wear and tear is most likely not covered, but things like severe weather, like strong winds or hail, may be. It is worth checking your policy to find out.
Some companies, like the one below, offer comprehensive inspection and repair packages. They’ll let you know everything that needs to be fixed on your roof, so you can knock it out with one fell swoop.Â
Keep in mind that, if repair costs start to reach thousands of dollars, it may be worth considering a whole roof replacement.
Don’t Wait on Roof Repair
Considering Americans cumulatively fork over about $450 billion a year in home repairs, it is surprising that many don’t budget for such expenses. Even if your roof is fully functional at the moment, one of the best things you can do is plan for repairs at some point in the future.
Now that you have a better sense of the factors that can influence roof repair, don’t delay in getting yours inspected today. Most reputable roofing companies will give you a free estimate on repairs. So, you have nothing to lose by seeing how much it will cost.
Remember that acting quickly could save you a lot of money down the road, by avoiding things like serious water damage to your home.
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