Roof repair or total replacement?

Ismael Diaz
by Ismael Diaz
i have a small section in my bed room thats leaking when it rains in a certain direction, having an idea where its leaking is it worth it to replace the hole roof (shingles where replaced 12 years ago)or the section that is bad

  8 answers
  • Ken Ken on Jul 27, 2017

    Chances are that unless there was specific cause for the leak, like a meteor crashing into your roof, the rest of the roof is not far behind. Although a well installed roof should last longer than 12 years, many things could have been done incorrectly, shortening life of the roof. Insufficient ventilation is a big one. Could also have installed new shingles over an inadequately prepared roof. You have any trees overhanging the roof? Depending on those and other potential conditions you may have been lucky to get 12 years out of the roof. Don't wait to fix it. Damages and repair costs add up exponentially with time as water leaks into your home. Voice of experience here.

  • Dianacirce70 Dianacirce70 on Jul 27, 2017

    Having a professional come give you an estimate would be the best way to determine that. They can tell you if the damage extends beyond what is visible, or if they can just replace/repair that area. Get more than one, if for no other reason than to back up what the first company told you. Aesthetics might also play into it, after 12 years that type/color shingle might not be available and it would really stick out to just fix that single area.

  • Great advice here! I would obtain at least 3 estimates from licensed professionals. A roof should last more than 12 years but there are so many factors that need to be considered. How many layers are on the roof now? There is a limit of how many layers of shingles that can be applied before everything needs to be taken down to the subroof or rafters. Just to satisfy yoursel, go on line and find out what the building codes are for a roof in your area. Can be found on city, county or state websites. Good luck!

  • Gail Sugalski Gail Sugalski on Jul 27, 2017

    maybe no...call the original contractor and ask him what to do...if he can replace shingles if needed. A roof should last about 25 years.....Usually a warrantee comes with a new roof.

  • William William on Jul 27, 2017

    Roof should last 25 to 35 years. Call the original roofer and have him come out. Roofing material is under warranty. Labor may not. But it could be something the roofer missed or did wrong. Should cost a lot to fix a leak.

  • Carol Carol on Jul 27, 2017

    We had a neighbor who patched his roof many times over a period of 20 years, never did put on a new roof. He was a builder of houses! He'd find the leak, patch where needed.

  • Peg Peg on Jul 27, 2017

    If you don't contact a roofing professional on this more severe damage can take place in your home that would be more than just roofing.

  • Jennifer Jennifer on Nov 02, 2023

    I advise you not to choose a replacement, as it is a very time consuming and expensive process. Just repair it with a durable, long lasting and cost-effective sealant like DIY Liquid EPDM that will give you a new roof for a fraction of the cost of a new roof. It is a solvent based, one coat waterproof and long lasting sealant that provides an airtight, highly insulated coating to protect your roof from extreme weather fluctuations. It is an ASTM certified product that gives long lasting benefits offering a10-year manufacturer’s warranty to its customers.