Choose roof repair when damage is localized, your roof is under 10-12 years old, and repair costs are under 30% of replacement cost. Choose replacement when you have multiple problem areas, your roof is 15+ years old, or you're experiencing recurring issues across the roof.
This is one of the most common questions we hear from Central Ohio homeowners. As a family-owned roofing company that's been serving Columbus since 1979, we've helped thousands of homeowners make this decision. Here's the framework we use, andthe honest advice we'd give our own family.
Quick Decision Framework
Use this quick guide as a starting point:
| Factor | Lean Toward Repair | Lean Toward Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Age | Under 10-12 years | 15+ years |
| Damage Extent | One isolated area | Multiple areas affected |
| Repair Frequency | First repair needed | Recurring repairs |
| Repair Cost | Under 30% of replacement | Over 30% of replacement |
| Plans for Home | Selling soon | Staying 5+ years |
When Roof Repair Makes Sense
Repair is often the right choice in these situations:
Damage is Localized
If you have a leak or damage in one specific area (say, around a chimney, a single vent, or a small section that was hit by a fallen branch), repair usually makes financial sense. There's no reason to replace an entire roof for one problem area.
Your Roof is Relatively Young
If your roof is under 10-12 years old and was properly installed with quality materials, the rest of the roof likely has many years of life remaining. Repairing the problem area extends the roof's overall lifespan without unnecessary expense.
Storm Damage is Minor
After Central Ohio's spring thunderstorms and occasional hail, we often find damage limited to specific sections, usuallythe side of the roof that faced the storm. If only 10-15% of your shingles are affected, repair or partial replacement may be sufficient.
You're Selling Soon
If you're planning to sell your home in the next 1-2 years, a repair might make more sense than investing in a full replacement. However, be aware that savvy buyers and home inspectors will note the roof's age and condition. Get an honest assessment of what repairs are needed for the home to pass inspection.
Budget is a Major Concern
Sometimes a repair is necessary to address an immediate problem while you save for eventual replacement. A quality repair can buy you 2-5 more years in many cases, justunderstand it's a temporary solution for an aging roof.
When Roof Replacement is the Better Choice
Replacement typically makes more sense when:
Your Roof is 15+ Years Old
Once an asphalt shingle roof in Central Ohio reaches 15 years, it's often more economical to replace than to continue repairing. Our freeze-thaw cycles, humid summers, and storm exposure mean roofs age faster here than in milder climates.
At this age, fixing one problem often reveals another. You might repair a leak only to have a different section fail six months later. The cumulative cost of multiple repairs quickly approaches or exceeds the replacement cost.
You Have Multiple Problem Areas
When issues appear in several places across your roof simultaneously, it's usually a sign of system-wide failure rather than isolated problems. Common indicators include:
- Curling or buckling shingles across multiple roof sections
- Widespread granule loss (you'll see it in your gutters)
- Multiple leaks or water stains
- Extensive flashing failures
Repair Costs Exceed 30% of Replacement Cost
This is our rule of thumb: if repair estimates exceed 30% of what a full replacement would cost, replacement usually offers better value. You'll get a complete warranty, all-new materials, and 20-25+ years of protection rather than extending a roof that may have other hidden issues.
You're Experiencing Recurring Problems
If you've repaired the same area multiple times, or different problems keep emerging, your roof is telling you something. Recurring issues often indicate underlying problems that repairs can't fully address, including inadequateventilation, failed underlayment, or decking issues.
You Plan to Stay in Your Home
If you're planning to live in your home for 5+ more years, a new roof is an investment that pays off in multiple ways:
- Peace of mind knowing you're protected
- Lower energy bills with improved ventilation
- No ongoing repair costs or hassles
- Increased home value if you eventually sell
The Financial Comparison
Let's look at a realistic example for a typical Columbus-area home:
Scenario: 18-Year-Old Roof with Leak
| Option | Initial Cost | 5-Year Total Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Repair now, replace later | $800 repair | $800 + $18,000 = $18,800 |
| Replace now | $18,000 | $18,000 |
*Assumes replacement will be needed within 3-5 years regardless.
In this scenario, the repair appears cheaper initially but doesn't change the inevitable replacement need. Factor in potential additional repairs during those years, and replacement often proves more economical.
When Repair is Genuinely Cheaper
Now consider a 6-year-old roof with storm damage to one section:
| Option | Initial Cost | 10-Year Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Repair damaged section | $1,500 | 12+ more years (with original roof) |
| Replace entire roof | $18,000 | 20-25 years |
Here, repair makes clear financial sense. The $1,500 repair restores the roof to full function with many years of life remaining.
What an Honest Assessment Looks Like
Here's what we do during every roof inspection:
- Ground inspection: Check for visible damage, missing shingles, and overall condition
- Roof inspection: Walk the roof to check shingle condition, flashing, ventilation, and soft spots
- Attic inspection: Look for leaks, ventilation issues, and daylight coming through
- Age assessment: Determine roof age and expected remaining lifespan
- Honest recommendation: Tell you what we'd do if it were our own home
We don't pressure homeowners into replacements they don't need. Our reputation has been built over four generations by giving honest advice, evenwhen it means a smaller job for us.
The Bottom Line
There's no universal answer to "repair or replace." The right choice depends on your roof's age and condition, the extent of current damage, your budget, and your plans for the home.
What we can promise: we'll give you an honest assessment and clear options. We'll explain what we'd recommend for our own family member in your situation. And if repair makes sense, we'll tell you, eventhough replacement is a bigger job for us.
That's how our family has built trust in Central Ohio since 1979. Schedule a free inspection and let us help you make the right decision for your home.