Repair or replace?
Roof Repair or Replacement: How to Tell Which You Need
You can tell whether to repair or replace a roof by checking three things: the deck, how widespread the damage is, and how much of the roof would need new shingles.
This page walks through each one, including the Los Angeles County rule that decides it for you once repairs pass 25 percent.
- 43years in business
- 1983restoring roofs since
- 20,000+roofs
- 435836California license
- Freeroof inspection
- 6-Yearwarranty from Dura-Foam
What Is the Difference Between Roof Repair and Replacement?
The difference between roof repair and replacement is that repair fixes the damaged parts and keeps the rest of the roof, while replacement tears off every shingle and installs a new roof.
Between the two sits the roof tune-up: repairs across the whole roof, then a protective coating.
| Spot Repair | Roof Tune-Up | Replacement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative cost | Lowest | Fraction of replacement | Highest |
| Years gained | Fixes one problem | Six-year warranty, often more | 20 to 30 years for a new architectural roof |
| Disruption | Minimal | Two to three hours | Several days, debris and dumpster |
| Warranty | Varies | Six years from Dura-Foam | New roof warranty |
| When it is right | One isolated failure | Worn but sound roof | Failed deck or widespread damage, or over 25 percent |
What Is the Los Angeles County 25 Percent Roof Rule?
The Los Angeles County 25 percent rule means that once more than 25 percent of a roof has to be replaced, the job legally becomes a full replacement and the whole roof, 100 percent of it, must meet current code.
This is the most useful fact to know before anyone quotes you. If a roof needs new shingles on more than a quarter of its area, repair is no longer an option.
It is also why catching damage early matters. A tune-up replaces damaged shingles while they are still a small share of the roof.
- Repair limit: Up to 25 percent
- Full replacement: Over 25 percent means the whole roof
Can a Roof Be Repaired Instead of Replaced?
A roof can be repaired instead of replaced when the deck is solid, the damage is in patches, and the shingles that need replacing are well under 25 percent of the roof.
- Solid deck with no soft spots
- Damage limited to specific areas
- Leaks at flashings or skylights that can be sealed
- Damaged shingles well under a quarter of the roof
When Should You Replace Your Roof Instead of Repairing It?
You should replace your roof instead of repairing it when the deck is soft or rotted, when shingles are failing across every slope, or when more than 25 percent needs new shingles.
- Soft or sagging deck
- Rot or water damage under the shingles
- Failure across every slope
- More than 25 percent of shingles need replacing
How Does Roof Repair vs Replacement Cost Compare?
Roof repair and tune-ups cost a fraction of replacement, because they keep the deck and good shingles in place and take hours instead of days.
We publish no prices. Every tune-up is quoted after a free inspection. See what drives the cost of roof rejuvenation.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?
You should repair or tune up your roof if it is sound and the damage is limited, and replace it if the deck has failed or the damage passes 25 percent.
A free inspection gives you the answer with photos from your own roof.
Book your free roof inspection to find out which side of the line your roof is on.
Roof Repair vs Replacement FAQs
Is it better to repair or replace a roof?
It is better to repair a roof that is sound with limited damage, and to replace one with a failed deck or damage over 25 percent.
What is the 25 percent rule for roofs?
In Los Angeles County, once more than 25 percent of a roof has to be replaced, it legally becomes a full replacement.
Can a roof be repaired instead of replaced?
A roof can be repaired when the deck is solid and the damage is in patches.
How long does a repair last?
A spot repair fixes one problem. A tune-up covers the whole roof and comes with a six-year warranty from Dura-Foam.
How long does a new asphalt roof last?
A new architectural asphalt shingle roof typically lasts 20 to 30 years. See how long an asphalt shingle roof lasts.
Should I repair or replace my roof before selling?
If the roof is sound, a tune-up with a written warranty is often enough. If it has failed, replacement is the honest answer.
Does a leak mean I need a new roof?
A leak does not automatically mean a new roof. Most leaks start at flashings, skylights or damaged shingles that can be repaired.
How do I know if my deck is bad?
A bad deck feels soft or spongy underfoot and may sag. We check it during the free inspection.
What is a roof tune-up?
A roof tune-up repairs flashings, skylights and damaged shingles, then coats the whole asphalt roof.
Is the inspection free?
The inspection is free, with no obligation.
Do you do full replacements?
Our service is the tune-up for sound asphalt roofs. If yours needs replacing, we will tell you plainly.
Find out if your roof can be repaired. The inspection is free.