How Much Does Shingle Roof Repair Cost?

Average Asphalt Shingles Repair Cost

On average, it costs between $350 and $1,630 to repair an asphalt shingle roof. Replacement materials for an entire 10-by-10-foot square, or 100 square feet, range between $100 and $150. If you hire someone to complete these repairs instead of doing them yourself, it will typically cost $45 to $65 per hour.

Common Asphalt Roof Repair Costs by Problem

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for many homeowners because they’re durable and relatively inexpensive. However, like any type of roofing, they can suffer from various problems that require repairs. Depending on the type and severity of the problem, repair costs can range from a few hundred to more than a thousand dollars. 

Damaged Shingles

Manufacturers and price usually price shingles by the bundle, which can run between $30 and $50 for around 33.33 square feet of shingles. Three bundles make up one full square, equal to 100 square feet. The best asphalt roof shingles go for as much as $1,000 per square. If you’re looking for more affordable roofing shingles, you can find 3-tab asphalt shingles for about $100 to $150 per square.

Hiring someone to complete these repairs costs between $45 and $65 per hour.

Curling or Mildly Damaged Shingles

Repairing a curling or mildly damaged shingle can be a three-step DIY project. 

1. Spread asphalt roofing cement (which costs between $15 and $20) beneath the curling or broken part of the shingle with a putty knife

2. Nail the edges into place with a roofing nail or two if sealing a tear.

3. Seal over the top of the nail holes and any other open areas with roofing cement.

You can also use roofing sealant, which costs about $4 per tube, to repair curling shingles.  

If a piece of shingle is broken or rotten, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. Again, you’ll need to buy shingles by the bundle at an average cost of $30 to $50 per bundle. But you can store the remaining pieces for future use.

Ponding Water

Ponding water, also called standing water, typically occurs on flat roofs or low-sloping roofs and can cause damage in as little as 48 hours. Standing water increases the risk of leakage, increases deflection in your roof framing, promotes the growth of algae, mosses, and other plant life on your roof, and can serve as a breeding ground for insects such as mosquitoes. Freezing and thawing of standing water can also harm your roof surface and reduce its lifespan.

Minor damage to your roof from standing water is usually repairable with either caulk (which costs between $5 and $6 per tube) or bitumen (between $10 and $35 per bucket). However, this will usually only temporarily solve an ongoing issue.

Having an expert roofer address the problem may cost $200 to $400 or more but will ensure a longer-term fix. A local roofing contractor can remove the water, determine its source or cause, and recommend corrective action to avoid future damage.

For example:

• If your roof developed low points due to improper installation, misuse, or damage, the expert can install a roof cricket to divert water away from the low points. Alternatively, they can use a flat roof leveling compound to fill the low points.

• If the cause of the issue is an improper drainage system, possible solutions include changing the drainage system to one that can accommodate more water or installing a drain screen to prevent clogging.

• If the reason for the water ponding issue is an improperly sloped roof, you might need to budget for complete roof replacement costs. 

However, you might not have to pay for an inspection. "Some roofing contractors offer free inspections to diagnose issues and identify necessary repairs," says Eric Gonzalez, Expert Review Board member and president of Regions Commercial Roofing, with locations in five states.

Flashing Damage

Roof flashing repair costs between $200 and $500, on average. Replacing the entire flashing is pricier, running between $300 and $1,500. This price includes the cost of removing the shingles around the flashing, fixing or replacing the flashing, and then putting back the shingles. The number of shingles needing removal and reinstalling can affect the final cost.

Flashing is a thin metal strip that prevents water from leaking between the joints of a roof. A damaged flashing increases the risk of leaks, which can damage not just your roof but other parts of your home. 

A leak, for example, can lead to moisture buildup that eventually seeps into your home’s wooden framework, causing it to weaken or rot. A leak that drips into your flooring could cause damage (carpet floors are especially vulnerable). Both types of damage can be costly to repair, so ensure that you fix flashing damage as soon as you notice it.

Shingle Roof Repair Cost Factors

The cost of repairing a shingle roof might vary depending on several other variables. The size and design of your roof, roof pitch, and the time of year you do the repairs can all affect roof repair costs.

Size and Design

Naturally, the simpler the design and the easier it is to access your roof, the less labor and perhaps material you’ll need to fix it. Some roof design elements, like dormers, skylights, and roof valleys, require more labor, which raises the cost of roof repairs.

A professional roofing contractor can assess your roof’s size and design and give you an accurate price quote for repairs.

Roof Pitch

Roof pitch is the ratio of the vertical rise of your roof to its horizontal run. Typically, the higher the pitch of your roof, the higher the repair costs. A steep pitch means that the roof is not easily walkable. The roofer will need extra caution when moving about and repairing your roof, increasing the project duration. The roofer might also have to install additional safety equipment, which takes time. Since roofing experts typically charge by the hour, both these elements will increase your budget.

Time of Year

Costs can also vary by season. During winter, for instance, cold causes shingles to be brittle and hence susceptible to cracking. To repair curling shingles during winter, you’ll need to soften them first before straightening them. This can increase the project's total time and add to your total costs.

Working on icy and snowy roofs is also trickier, which will reflect in the price quote you get from a roofing specialist.

Other Repairs

When repairing your roof, odds are your pool may be due for some other repairs. For example, your fascia, gutters, or chimney might all need some work.

• Repairing or replacing fascia boards and soffits costs $10 per linear foot.

• The cost of repairing gutters ranges between $180 and $570.

• Chimney repair costs between $160 and $750.

While these other extra repairs will raise the total price of your project, they can increase your roof’s lifespan and eliminate small issues before they develop into major problems.

You could also get a discount on these extra repairs by combining them with the shingle repair project rather than doing them separately with different contractors.

Roof Shingle Repair Cost vs. Replacement

The average cost to install new asphalt shingles is around $9,000. Labor will make up about 70% of the total project price. Costs will vary depending on the size of your roof and the materials used.

You may be able to replace individual shingles for between $80 and $550 per square, including installation. Still, this might only serve as a temporary solution; most homeowners will discover that it comes up one or more times during their homeownership. The best way to avoid costly replacement jobs is by keeping up with repairs and having your roof regularly checked by a roof inspector near you or a reputable roofing contractor.

DIY Shingle Roof Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

Since labor accounts for the majority of shingle repair costs, you could save a significant amount of cash by taking the DIY approach. Handy DIY-ers can easily complete tasks like repairing a curling, loose, or mildly damaged shingle or patching up small leaks.

That said, working on roofs is a dangerous task in general. It’s safer to leave the work to experienced pros who have experience working at heights. If you're inexperienced, you could end up making mistakes that will be costly to fix. Hiring a local roof repair contractor can help ensure that the project is done right the first time round.  A professional will also let you know if there are deeper issues with your roof that could cause a problem in the future and fix them.