The roof on your house does a lot more than we give it credit for. It keeps us protected from the elements, dry when it’s raining, and warm in the chilly winter months. Roofs are incredibly durable but by no means indestructible.
Professional roofers and contractors recommend that you do not replace ½ of a roof. It will cost you just as much as replacing the entire roof when the other half of it goes bad before the new half. You can hire a professional to do patchwork on your roof, but don’t replace ½ of it because it will cost you more money later.
As a homeowner, you want to get the best bang for your buck without any compromise. Maybe your roof experienced damage from a severe thunderstorm, a fallen tree, or it’s just plain old. Whatever situation you’re facing, I want to share with you all of the details behind replacing your roof, including the cost.
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Why You Should Not Replace Half Your Roof
While you could theoretically replace only half of your roof, professionals highly advise against it. In fact, if a roofing contractor agrees to do a partial roof replacement for you, they probably aren’t the most reputable choice. Even if you submitted a storm damage claim and your insurance company is only going to pay for half of the roof replacement, a professional, reputable roofing contractor will help you fight to get a full roof replacement.
Although you may be trying to stick to a budget and might think that replacing only half of your roof is a good idea, it’s not. Here’s some of the many reasons why:
1. Aesthetics
While not all homeowners care about the way their roof looks, many do. Replacing just half of a roof can be hard when it comes to aesthetics. Let’s say you’re using the same exact color and style of shingles as the side you’re not replacing.
Due to normal wear and tear, the newer side will look noticeably different. It will likely be a richer color and clean, while the older side will be faded and worn out.
2. Logistics
Roofs are a lot more complicated than we realize. They’re not logistically designed to be split in half like you’d need to do to replace part of it. If you make your own seams when attempting to replace half your roof, you can create areas that are prone to leaks or even structural issues.
Is your house older? If it is, it could be too worn out to handle replacing half the room. This can cause a lot more damage in the long run that could end up costing you quite a bit more.
Try to think of your roof as a whole item, instead of something that can be divided. You can put on new shingles here and there without issue. But you’ll find that most roofing contractors won’t even take a job unless it’s working on the whole roof.
3. An Uneven Lifecycle
Let’s say you do end up replacing half of your room. Then, you’d have two separate lifespans, meaning you’d have to continue to only change out half of your roof from here on out. It will create an endless cycle that ends up requiring a lot more effort.
4. It Can Get Expensive
It’s safe to assume that you’d save money by putting in half a new roof at a time. Many homeowners are surprised to hear that it will end up costing you more in terms of square footage. Since you’ll have to repeat the process again twice the amount, with the other half of the roof, it will also cost you double in labor.
An uneven lifecycle on your roof will eventually cost you more in repairs as well. The increase for damage from leaks and drafts also increases. Is this hurting your wallet yet, because it’s hurting mine.
It’s understandable to only have the budget for half the roof, especially when insurance companies won’t help. A trick you can do is have your insurer speak with your contractor to lower the prices. It may or may not work, but you never know until you try.
5. No Warranty Protection
When you get a new roof, you receive two warranties: one on roofing materials and the second on your roofing contractor’s workmanship. Though, if you only replace half of your roof, you won’t receive the warranty protection you expect. Shingles come with a prorated warranty. Though, you will not qualify for the 50-year non-prorated warranty, as most shingle manufacturers only offer this when you get a full roof system.
Even if you already have the enhanced warranty on your current roof, replacing half will void this warranty. Plus, as previously mentioned, no reputable roofing contractor is going to do a partial roof replacement. So, if you find someone who will, there’s no way they will stand behind their work and give you a decent workmanship warranty to protect something that is going to come with more problems down the road.
Additionally, the two sides of your roof will be covered by two different roofing contractors. In this case, you’ll have to fight with one or the other to fix the issues. Regardless, your roof isn’t going to be protected in the way that it should be when you receive a full roof replacement.
When You Can Replace Part of Your Roof
Now that you know that it’s generally frowned upon to substitute one part of your roof and not the other, there are some situations where that’s okay. Here is the most common and acceptable situation in which you could repair or replace part of your roof.
Patch Work
Whether a storm damaged your roof or it’s in need of an update, you might have a certain area that could use a refresher. It’s important to get a roof inspection from a professional to see what they think you should do. Sometimes it may look like a small task but end up being a major headache.
If there isn’t any water damage, it should be a quick and easy repair. Again, you might be able to notice the patch job due to the new shingles, but it’s still an affordable way to get the job done.
New shingles can be installed where old ones once were, and later we’ll discuss applying new ones on top of existing shingles. If you see any that are missing, they should be replaced immediately. This reduces the chance of leaks and other damages that could be done due to missing shingles.
Roof Replacement Choices
If you’ve decided that you’d rather replace the whole roof instead of just half, there are options available to you. Here are the most common ones you can choose from.
Adding a Second Layer
This is one of the easiest methods to choose from. It involves applying a new set of shingles over the older ones. You should only do this after looking to see if there’s any structural damage to the current shingles.
Adding a second layer is often more cost-efficient than other routes you could take. Something to note about opting for this method is that it might not last as long. Applying a second layer is known to trap heat, which can cause wear and tear to happen quicker.
Tear Off
The second choice you have is what most professionals would suggest. It involved tearing off all the old shingles and replacing them with new ones. If there are any damaged flashings, underlayment, or any other parts of the roof, they’ll need to be replaced as well.
One of the main reasons people are scared to choose this option is due to the upfront cost. We’ll dive deep into that in the next section, but it can easily cost you thousands of dollars. If your insurance company doesn’t cover roof replacements, they may be able to help get the contractor to lower their price.
There are also finance options available from many companies. While the price may be steep, it will save you, in the long run, to do your entire roof at once. You’ll renew the lifespan, it will look great, and can even raise the resale value of your home.
Cost of Repairing a Roof
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a professional roof repair. This depends on a few variables, including your location and the size of our roof. These are average prices and may be higher or lower depending on specific circumstances.
| Square Footage of Roof | Average Cost |
| 1,054 | $4,000 – $5,500 |
| 1,160 | $4,200 – $6,000 |
| 1,265 | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| 1,581 | $5,500 – $8,000 |
| 1,687 | $6,000 – $8,500 |
| 1,792 | $6,500 – $9,000 |
| 1,897 | $6,700 – $9,500 |
| 2,003 | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| 2,108 | $7,400 – $10,500 |
| 2,635 | $9,000 – $13,000 |
| 3,162 | $11,200 – $16,000 |
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Related Questions
Can you replace only a few shingles?
There are a few instances where you can safely replace just the shingles. If they are cracked or torn, they can be individually replaced. If the crack or tear is rather small, you can use roofing sealant to make a strong repair without needing to buy new shingles.
How long does a re-roof last?
It all depends on the type of material being used. Roofs that are made of slate, tile, or copper can last over 50 years. If you have a wood shake roof, that will last you a few decades. Another long-lasting material is fiber cement shingles, lasting around 25 years.
The most common type of shingle is composition/ asphalt shingles. You can expect to get 20 years out of these before needing to replace them.
Is it okay to put new shingles over old?
It will save you a ton of time and effort, knowing that you can lay new roof shingles over old ones. The only exceptions are if you have a wood or slate roof. It’s important to never mix materials when replacing shingles and always be sure the old roofing is in decent condition.
It’s important to remember that putting new shingles on over existing ones should be a temporary fix. It can be hard to tell if there are leaks or structural issues under multiple layers of shingles. Consider doing this if you’re on a tight budget but have a plan to do the tear-off method in the future.
Kirstin Harrington
Kirstin is a passionate writer who loves helping people learn new things when it comes to home improvement. When she’s not behind a keyboard, she enjoys DIY projects, crafts, spending time with her pets, and making videos. She hopes that with all she writes, someone is finding a solution to their home improvement needs.
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FAQs
Can you replace just half a roof? ›
While you can replace only half a roof, it is not recommended by roofing experts. Some homeowners might look at it as a cheaper choice–or think it saves time. From an expert standpoint, half roof replacement often brings more harm (or expenses) than good.
Can you replace shingles without replacing the whole roof? ›However, in some cases you can just replace the shingles on your roof and not the entire roof itself. This is, of course, a much more preferable action as it will take less time and cost much less to replace shingles than it will cost to replace the whole roof.
Can you replace roof in sections? ›While it's not recommended to replace a roof partially, there are some situations where replacing sections and pieces of your roofing system is acceptable and necessary. Some of them include: Patch Jobs: If less than half of your roof is damaged, you may consider patching up the specific area.
How long does it take to replace half a roof? ›In general, the roof of an average residence (3,000 square feet or less) can be replaced in a day. In extreme cases, it could take three to five days. Depending on the weather, complexity, and accessibility of your home it could even take up to three weeks.
What is a half roof called? ›Half-hipped (clipped gable, jerkinhead): A combination of a gable and a hip roof (pitched roof without changes to the walls) with the hipped part at the top and the gable section lower down.
Can I replace a section of shingles? ›Replacing shingles due to wind damage or a fallen limb is a relatively easy and inexpensive. Torn or damaged shingles can be removed, and new ones can be slipped in place.
Does my insurance company have to replace my entire roof if my home has discontinued shingles nerve damage from a windstorm? ›Discontinued Shingles
Most insurance policies cover the use of “like kind” materials. If the shingles on your roof have been discontinued and are no longer available, the insurance company will have to replace all the shingles on your roof even if only one shingle was missing.
Will my roof leak if some shingles blew off? Yes. If you don't replace the shingles that are missing, there is a 100% chance that your roof will leak. You might not notice it at first, but water leaking into roof decking can warp your roof, seep into your walls and spoil your attic insulation.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a roof? ›In general, roofing repairs are going to cost less than a complete reroof project; however, if you're paying for a slew of repairs over the course of a few years, they might eventually exceed the cost of an entire roof replacement.
Is it better to repair or replace a roof? ›Any type of damage confined to a small space can usually be repaired and patched up, so there's no need to invest in a new roof. But if the damage affects more than 30 percent of your roof, it is better to replace the whole roof.
How much damage does a roof need to be replaced? ›
Damaged or Missing Shingles
If the damage is localized, such as a single missing shingle, then a simple roof repair will typically take care of the problem. However, if the damage spreads over more than 30 percent of the roof, new roof installation is the best solution.
Fall. Fall is the universal go-to season for roof replacement. With spring's mild temperatures and early summer's weather consistency, fall is commonly referred to as the best time of year to replace your roof.
How often should a roof be redone? ›In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.
How messy is a roof replacement? ›Roof replacement can be a messy job. Between the shingles being removed from the roof to the unbelievable amount of dust created during the “rip” of the old roof. There is no way around it. Roofing is messy.
What is the least expensive roof design? ›The cheapest roof design is a roof with just hips, which are the sloping part, while the gable is the triangular bit on the end of the roof. A lot of subdivisions require a roof with hips and gables (rather than just a hip roof) so that is the most common form of roof construction.
What is a roof with only one side? ›A single slope roof is called a skillion or shed roof, which is lean-to attached to a dwelling and offers additional storage to the existing structure. This type of roof is usually built on a taller wall.
What is the cheapest roofing style? ›Asphalt shingles and metal roofing are two very common cost-effective materials. Between the two, asphalt shingles are the cheaper material.
Are a few missing shingles that big of a deal? ›A few lost shingles and minor damage is not a sign that you need a new roof. But you do need to make the repairs promptly. The most responsible action you can take is to consult a licensed inspector and/or contact your insurance claims adjuster. These professionals will be able to offer an informed recommendation.
What happens if you don't replace roof shingles? ›Structural Instability and Potential Collapse
Apart from losing its function, an aging roof will also start to lose its integrity and stability, which can even lead to a potential roof collapse down the line.
Some roofers prefer forks because they don't get caught on nails, making it easier and faster to remove the shingles. Others like the tear off shovels because they pull out more nails with the shingles. Work the fork under the ridge caps, prying them loose.
What makes a roof uninsurable? ›
A roof that's 20 years old or more may be ineligible for coverage or only be covered for its actual cash value. Condition: Insurance companies are looking for roofs that are in good condition with no visible signs of wear or tear. Material: A slate roof is considered more stable and may earn you a lower rate.
How does a new roof affect home insurance? ›A new roof can lower your home insurance premium anywhere between 5% to 35% depending on building materials, location, and carrier. Most homeowners can expect to see their home insurance policy premium by 20% after replacing their roof.
Why do insurance companies ask how old your roof is? ›The age of your roof does determine whether you can get the insurance that covers your roofing system. Some insurers refuse to renew existing homeowner insurance policies on houses with roofs older than 20 years unless they pass a professional roof inspection.
Can I buy just a few shingles? ›We routinely get calls about whether it's possible to replace a handful of missing shingles. The short answer is usually yes.
How much does it cost to replace roof shingles only? ›On average, most homeowners pay between $8,000 and $9,000 to install new shingles, with low costs in the $5,000s and high costs pushing into the $12,000s and higher. These costs are for asphalt shingles, the most economical shingle you can buy.
Why does my roof leak in heavy rain? ›Roof leaks that happen during heavy rains may indicate the end of the shingles' life. Metal corrosion. Cracks in metal and corrosion around fasteners can create enough space for water to leak. Over time, expansion and contraction can loosen the seams in a metal roof.
Does homeowners insurance cover blown off shingles? ›YES! The typical Homeowners policy and most property policies include coverage for windstorm damage to your home, other structures, and personal property subject to your deductible. Loss settlement on a damaged roof presents some unique problems for the insurance company.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks? ›Homeowners insurance typically covers roof leaks if they're caused by a sudden, accidental event such as a storm or fallen tree. Your policy likely won't pay for a leak that develops because your roof is old or poorly maintained.
How do roofers find leaks in the roofs? ›- Water stains on walls or ceilings.
- Musty smells or moldy odors.
- Missing, warped, or damaged shingles.
- Bulging sections on interior walls.
- Water-damaged exterior siding.
- If you have a metal roof, look for rust.
While most homeowners typically choose to replace their gutters when they get a new roof, it doesn't mean you have to. If your gutters are fairly new or in good working condition, you don't need to replace them. If you do want your gutters replaced, they can be done at the same time as your roof.
Can you negotiate price on roof repair? ›
Ask for Discounts or Bundle Prices
Even if your contractor's estimate is fair, you could still negotiate. Check with your contractor if they could perform minor repairs and small improvements such as optional add-ons at a discount. Another option is to ask for bundle prices.
Average cost to replace a roof based on house size:
1,000 square feet: $4,000 to $5,500. 1,100 square feet: $4,200 to $6,000. 1,200 square feet: $4,500 to $6,500. 1,500 square feet: $5,500 to $8,000.
- Interior leaks in your ceilings or attic space. Does the discolored spot on your bedroom ceiling seem to be getting bigger or darker? ...
- Missing or damaged shingles. ...
- Moldy or moss-covered patches on your roof.
The transition to cooler temperatures produces a prime time for roof replacements. Fall is considered the best time to replace your roof and here's why: Comfortable temperatures (for the crew and shingles!) Mild Weather.
How long does a roof replacement last? ›A typical residential roof will last between 15 to 30 years, but this can vary greatly depending on the material. So let's find out how long a roof lasts on average by each type.
Who pays for roof damage? ›Freeholder responsibility for repairs
If you live in a flat, the freeholder is usually responsible for repairs to: the building's structure, including the roof and cladding. shared parts, such as lifts and communal stairways.
A new roof will increase your home's resale value by about $12,000 based on the national average. 2 This is better than a lot of renovation projects or even home additions, so it's worth considering.
Should you replace a 10 year old roof? ›The Age of the Roof
Most roofs last 10 to 15 years, or longer. If yours is only a few years old, it might make sense to just repair the damaged sections. However, as roofs age, they may experience wear and tear that could make them prone to further damage.
Generally, a roof repair runs around $150 to $1,500 for a minor repair and between $1,500 and $7,000 for a major repair. The national average cost is $950.
How many shingles need to be missing for insurance to replace roof? ›Most insurance policies cover the use of “like kind” materials. If the shingles on your roof have been discontinued and are no longer available, the insurance company will have to replace all the shingles on your roof even if only one shingle was missing.
What month is best to replace roof? ›
Fall (September, October, November)
The transition to cooler temperatures produces a prime time for roof replacements. Fall is considered the best time to replace your roof and here's why: Comfortable temperatures (for the crew and shingles!)
Use Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are by far the least expensive option for people installing a roof on their homes. While they don't last as long as other options, they still last up to 30 years, often more than enough for most homeowners.
In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.