The Decision at a Glance
Start with the condition.
Then compare the options.
Consider repair
Damage is isolated and the surrounding roof can support a durable fix.
What a partial repair involvesDiscuss replacement
Deterioration is widespread, or repairs keep returning without solving the problem.
Compare inspection findingsA leak or the roof's age alone does not decide it. An inspection comes first.
What points toward repair or replacement?
| What the inspection finds | The next conversation |
|---|---|
| One localized defect; surrounding material is serviceable | Ask about a targeted repair and its limitations. |
| Leaks returning after several repairs | Investigate the cause and compare repair with replacement. |
| Widespread deterioration or damage across roof areas | Discuss the scope and economics of replacement. |
| Condition beneath the shingles is unknown | Clarify what can be inspected now and what remains uncertain. |
Age, extent of damage, repair history, and cost all matter. No single age or percentage is a universal replacement rule. GAF's repair-versus-replacement guidance discusses these factors.
Can you repair only part of a roof?
Sometimes. A limited repair must work with the existing roof, not simply cover the visible symptom. Ask which area is included, whether compatible materials are available, and what the roofer expects from the surrounding roof. A new repair may not look identical to weathered shingles.
A localized leak does not automatically require a full replacement. Conversely, a small visible stain does not establish that the roof problem is small. A professional assessment is needed. GAF's roof repair guide confirms that partial repairs can be appropriate in some cases.
What should the roofer show you?
- Photos of the actual defect and its location, not just a general roof photo.
- An explanation of the proposed repair and the areas it will not address.
- Any uncertainty about decking, flashing, or other concealed conditions.
- A written comparison when both repair and replacement are reasonable options.
You do not need to climb onto the roof to collect this information. Ask for inspection photos and an explanation you can understand. Our drone inspection service can help document visible conditions; concealed damage may need further investigation.
How should you compare the costs?
BFA's repair planning range is $250-$2,000, depending on scope. Our asphalt replacement base range is $325-$450 per measured roof square with standard installation, before the calculator's 15% waste allowance. These owner-supplied planning rates are not a diagnosis or a firm quote.
Compare the proposed work, not just the two totals. A repair that addresses one flashing defect is a different purchase from replacing the entire roof. Ask what remains after the repair and whether another known problem is excluded.
See repair pricing or calculate a replacement budget. Do not add another waste allowance to the calculator's displayed totals.
What does this look like on a real BFA project?
Our documented Marietta replacement used CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles in Moire Black. The scope included tear-off, underlayment, flashing and pipe boots, ventilation, and cleanup. That record shows the breadth of a replacement; it is not evidence that every leak needs the same work.
See the Marietta project photos. For your home in Canton, Marietta, Alpharetta, Milton, or Roswell, start with its condition and a written scope.