// Homeowner Guide
Roof Repair vs Roof Replacement: How to Choose
Most roofing decisions come down to five factors: age of the roof, extent of damage, cost delta, warranty status, and how long you plan to stay in the home. Here's how licensed roofers actually make the call — and how to get an unbiased second opinion.
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When Repair Makes Sense
- • Roof is under 15 years old and generally sound
- • Damage is localized (a single leak, a few missing shingles, flashing failure)
- • Manufacturer warranty is still active
- • Deck and underlayment are dry and intact
- • You plan to sell within 2–3 years and want to preserve appraisal value
When Replacement Wins
- • Roof is 20+ years old on a 25–30 year shingle
- • Multiple leaks or widespread granule loss
- • Sagging deck, rot, or repeated insurance claims
- • You've had 2+ repairs in the last 3 years
- • You're planning to stay 7+ years (full ROI window)
The 50% Rule
Most reputable roofers apply a version of the 50% rule: if repair costs exceed roughly half the price of full replacement — or if more than 30% of the roof is damaged — replacement is almost always the better long-term investment. Always get itemized estimates so you can compare apples to apples.
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