How much does it cost to repair a roof?

All prices include materials and labor.

To get an idea of prices in your area, get a free estimate from a nearby professional. Many factors can affect the actual price for roof repairs, and the above figures are just national averages. Read on to learn what considerations can affect the total price of roof repair.

When you hire a professional to repair your roof, you’re paying for more than just the time or labor. Roofing contractors set their prices based on many factors.

Type of repair.

Before a roofing specialist can provide a cost estimate, they need to know the scope of the repair. Smaller repairs (like replacing a few asphalt shingles) will cost less than more extensive or structural repairs. Many roofing companies will inspect the roof to assess the extent of the damage before offering a quote.

Roof type.

What type of roof do you have? Do you have tiles, slate, asphalt shingles, or wood shakes? The type of roof you have is a big factor when it comes to repair costs. Some roofing materials cost more to fix and replace than others.

Materials like wood shakes and metal roofing are popular for their resistance to high winds. However, the cost to repair these materials is often higher than more affordable materials like asphalt shingles.

For example, a slate roof is more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof. It costs about $21-$32 per square foot to replace a slate roof and roughly $5-$6 per square foot to replace an asphalt roof.

Cost of labor.

The labor costs associated with roof repair vary based on the required skills and experience and your location. The national average hourly wage for roofers in the U.S. is $24.96, while roofers in the 90th percentile earn $36.51 hourly on average.

Areas with a higher cost of living tend to also have higher labor costs for roofing professionals. Roofers in states like Florida and New Mexico have an average hourly wage of just over $20. In more expensive states like Massachusetts and California, roofers earn an average of more than $30/hr.

Minimum service fees.

To cover the cost of labor and travel to your location, some roofing contractors may charge a minimum service fee for inspections and repairs. Ask your contractor about minimum service charges before accepting any services.

Equipment costs.

Roofers use specialized equipment to perform roofing repairs safely. This equipment often includes the following:

• Fall protection equipment
• Ladders
• Hand and power tools
• Protective gear
• Scaffolding

The amount of special equipment needed to perform a repair will also impact the total cost.

Removing existing roofing materials.

Whenever sections of roofing need replacement or repair, roofers have to determine if it’s necessary to remove the existing materials. The process of roof removal is time-consuming and labor-intensive, so it will likely factor into the final cost of repair.

Depending on the size of the roof and the extent of the damage, it may be necessary to replace the entire roof. Roof replacement costs may be greater than the cost of a repair, but in some cases, a replacement can prevent further repairs and save money in the long term.

Your contractor will perform an inspection to determine if replacement is the best option. This may include a water damage roof inspection and looking for missing or damaged materials.

Here's an example of how much it costs to replace a roof:

Cost-conscious homeowners will want to find ways to save on roof repair costs. Here are some strategies you can use to get the best price:

Get more than one estimate.

When you first start consulting with roofing professionals, you should get a free quote from a few different companies. Keep in mind that some companies may charge for an inspection.

Rather than just hiring the contractor that gives you the lowest offer, you can sometimes negotiate with a contractor you’d prefer. Use quotes from other companies as leverage to see if they’ll match their competitor’s price.

Check your insurance policy.

Depending on the cause of the damage, your home insurance may cover some or all of the roof repair costs. Factors that affect whether insurance will cover the repair include:

• Age of roof. Most policies won’t cover roofs over 20 years old.
• When the damage occurred. It’s best to keep documentation of repairs and notify your provider of damages immediately.
• Cause of the damage. While insurance often covers natural disasters and severe weather, damage resulting from normal wear or neglect is usually the homeowner’s responsibility.

Coverage also varies by provider and specific policy, so check with your provider to see what they’ll cover.

Related: How to submit a claim for a roof replacement.

Government programs.

Eligible homeowners may qualify for government assistance with the cost of home repairs, including roofing projects.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development also offers special home improvement loans for qualifying residents. Check with your local government for programs in your community as well.

Preventive maintenance.

One of the best ways to save money on roof repairs is to prevent damage with routine maintenance. Preventive maintenance not only protects your roof from severe damage, but it can also extend the roof’s lifespan. This can prolong the need for roof replacement and often saves money over time.

Related: 5 signs that your roof is in need of repair ASAP.

Routine maintenance and inspection can keep your roof in good condition and prevent costly repairs. Keep these factors in mind to maintain your roof:

Design.

The shape and style of your roof will determine its maintenance requirements. For example, gable roofs are one of the most common roof designs. They have slanted panels that need to be checked for damage on the ends. And flat roofs have rafters and structural decking that you should check regularly for damage.

Material.

Different materials also require different kinds of maintenance and cleaning. Pressure washing may work well for tile roofs, for example. However, worn asphalt shingles may not be able to withstand the pressurized water.

A professional roofer will be able to advise you on the best method of cleaning your roof.

Inspections.

Perhaps one of the best ways to catch signs of damage early is with regular roof inspections. Because the roof is so often out of sight, it’s easy to forget about. However, regular inspections may reveal issues like leaks that wouldn’t otherwise be apparent.

Gutters.

Cleaning your gutters is another relatively easy way to prevent damage to your roof. As your gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, they can stop draining water effectively. This, in turn, can lead to water overflowing into your roof, where it can cause leaks, water damage, and mold.

Trim and siding.

In addition to the roof itself, you should check the exterior materials that connect to your roof. Look for signs of damage where the siding meets the roof. You may also find problems with the trim, which can expose roofing materials to the elements.

Roofs are notoriously difficult to access, so cleaning and maintaining them yourself isn’t always possible. Instead, homeowners should focus on regularly checking for damage or signs of wear. Contact a professional for an inspection if you notice cracks, leaks, or missing roof materials.

Related: 13 home exterior issues to watch for during the cold seasons.

Experienced do-it-yourself enthusiasts may find it appealing to take on roofing repairs themselves. There are pros and cons to the DIY approach as opposed to hiring a pro. Here's what you need to know:

• Potential cost savings. DIY-ing your roof repairs can cost half as much as hiring a professional. However, make sure you perform the repairs correctly. If not, you could end up paying for more repairs down the line.
• Convenience. Roofing repairs are often noisy, and you may need to work with the contractor to fit within their schedule. Rather than waiting on a contractor to finish the job, you can address the DIY repairs whenever you want.
• Safety. Roofing is extremely dangerous without the proper equipment and experience. Make sure you have everything you need before you attempt to DIY the repairs. Or, hire a roofing contractor — they know how to handle roof repairs safely.
• Quality. Without the help of a professional, there is no guarantee of the quality of a DIY repair. More complex repairs should be left to a pro.
• Accountability: You’re responsible for your DIY repairs, so the cost of fixing a mistake falls to the homeowner.
• Warranty. Many roofing companies offer a warranty for their work, which covers the cost of incorrectly installed materials.

With all the variables that affect the total cost of roof repair, it’s difficult to know exactly how much you can expect to pay. Getting a quote from a roofing contractor will give you a better idea of the repair cost.

The best way to find a contractor and get a free estimate is with Thumbtack. Download the Thumbtack app today to contact nearby roofing professionals.