Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

Decision Guide

The short answer

If your roof is under ~15 years old and the damage is in one spot, repair is almost always the smart move. If it's past 20 years, or you've patched leaks more than once, replacement usually costs less over the life of the roof. In the 15–20 year gray zone, a roof inspection makes the call. Not sure how old your roof is? Call (302) 618-1471 and we'll come look.

When repair is the right call

• The roof is young. Under ~15 years with plenty of life left.
• The damage is localized. A few missing shingles, one leak, or a failed flashing at a chimney or pipe boot — fixable at the source.
• The decking is sound. No widespread rot or sagging underneath.

When replacement wins

• Age. Past 20 years, shingles get brittle and fail in more places — chasing leaks gets expensive.
• Repeat leaks. If you've patched the same roof more than once, you're renting time, not fixing the problem.
• Storm damage across the roof. Widespread hail or wind damage after a Wilmington nor'easter often means a full storm-damage replacement, frequently covered by insurance.

The rule of thumb

Take the cost of the repair and divide it by the years it buys you. Compare that to a new roof divided by ~25 years. If the repair's cost-per-year is close to a new roof's, replace. It's the same math a good roofer runs in their head — and we'll show you ours in writing. See our roof replacement cost guide for real local numbers.

Related Guides & Services

• Roof Repair Service
• Roof Replacement
• Roof Inspection

Or just call (302) 618-1471 — happy to answer questions before you commit.