How much does it cost to have roofing repairs done?

Apart from a total roof replacement, what are the most common roof repairs? Generally, these would include new shingles over an existing installation (though some areas have regulations or limits on the number of times this is allowed), "patch" work which replaces the plywood and shingles in a small area of the total roof, and resealing seams with cement. There may also be the need for replacing metal "flashing", seals around skylights or chimneys, and even some work where gutters are concerned.

For the purpose of this discussion we will consider the most common of all roof repairs - the replacing of plywood, shingles and flashing when a leak has developed. The average amount of work required usually covers a 10'x10' area. While some homeowners try to make a temporary patch over a leak by using roofing cement, this isn't the most effective approach.

Cost breakdown

The average materials and prices for this project would include:

• Materials: the average sheet of roofing quality plywood ¹ that measures 5/8" thickness is roughly $20. For the project in question, there would be the need for four sheets at a total of approximately $80. A standard square of shingles ², which is all that is needed for 100 square feet of roof repair averages at $100 each. There is also the need for roofing nails, which are usually fired from an air-powered nail gun. The standard roll of 1 1/4" galvanized nails costs $65. Lastly, there is the need for roof cement, which is going to cost approximately $22 per gallon.
• Labor: although a roof repair project requires only basic tools, there is more than just basic carpentry for many jobs. For example, if a roof leak has developed because of a structural issue, the average homeowner may not realize this underlying problem. Additionally, if there happens to be chimneys, flashing ³, skylights or valleys involved in the project, the work is much more complex. This is the reason that most homeowners will hire a carpenter or roofing professional for the work. This will tend to cost between $45 and $75 per hour, depending on the work and the location. Most repair jobs can take two full business days to complete.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Running all new shingles ²: mentioned a bit earlier in the discussion, many homeowners opt to run a second or even third course of shingles ² over existing shingles ² to manage leaks. According to HomeInspectorLocator.com the cost to install standard asphalt ⁴ shingles ² over existing shingles ² or shakes ⁵ is going to be around $1.25 to $2 per square foot.
• Skylights: when a skylight develops a leak, it is a bit more costly to tackle the roofing repair. This is because the entire surface area surrounding the light has to be cleared of shingles ², a new flashing ³ has to be installed surrounding the fixture, and then the new shingles ² are installed. Most roofing experts put a price of around $450 for materials and labor on this relatively small area.
• Roof sealant: applying sealant is a great option for preventing future leaks. This typically costs $850-$1000 for a standard roof.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Plywood: An engineered construction material manufactured from thin slices of wood glued together in alternating grain patterns for strength

² Shingles: A smooth, uniform, flat piece of construction material, available in a wide variety of materials and laid in a series of overlapping rows, used to cover the outside of roofs or walls to protect against weather damage and leaks.

³ Flashing: Pieces of sheet metal used on roofs to cover joints, such as where the roof meets the wall, or around a chimney or skylight, to protect them and prevent water leaking through

⁴ Asphalt: A viscous, black mixture of hydrocarbons often used for roofing and waterproofing. It is also used in asphalt for paving roads

⁵ Shakes: A rugged flat piece of wooden construction material with at least one grain-split face, generally made of either redwood or cedar, laid in a series of overlapping rows and used to cover the outside of roofs and walls to protect against weather damage and leaks