Average Asphalt Shingles Repair Cost

On average, the cost to repair a roof ranges between $375 and $1,600. Replacement materials for an entire 10-foot by 10-foot square, or 100 square feet, generally range between $100 and $150. If you choose to hire someone to complete these repairs instead of doing it yourself, it will typically cost $45 to $65 per hour.

Common Asphalt Roof Repair Cost Factors

Roof repairs are often at the top of a homeowner’s “must do” list when it comes to repairing a home. Here’s the good news: most of the time, repairing asphalt shingles is relatively inexpensive.

To give you a better cost estimate of how much to fix shingles on a roof, consider some of these common damages to asphalt shingles and their fixes.

Damaged Shingles

Shingles are usually priced by the bundle, which can run between $30 and $50 for around 33.33 square feet of shingles. You can replace several shingles on your roof with ease, but you will often have to purchase an entire bundle or square to do it.

The best asphalt roof shingles go for as much as $1,000 per square. If you’re looking for cheap roofing shingles, you can find 3-tab asphalt shingles for about $100 to $150 per square.

Hiring someone to complete these repairs will typically cost between $45 and $65 per hour. 

Curling or Mildly Damaged Shingles

Repairing a curling or mildly damaged shingle can also be a DIY project. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have your roof restored in no time.

1. Spread asphalt roofing cement (between $15 and $20) beneath the curling or broken part of the shingle with a putty knife (between $10 and $15).
2. Nail the edges into place with a roofing nail, or two if you’re sealing a tear.
3. Seal over the top of the nail holes and any other open areas with roofing cement.

Roofing sealant, which costs about $4 per tube, can also repair curling and mildly damaged shingles.

Ponding Water

Ponding water, also known as standing water, typically occurs on flat roofs and can cause damage within 48 hours. Minor damage is usually repairable with either caulk (between $5 and $6 per tube) or bitumen (between $10 and $35 per bucket). However, this will usually only be a temporary solution to an ongoing issue.

Having an expert roofer address the problem may cost between $200 and $400, but you’ll also ensure a longer-term fix.

Ponding water can leak in through seams and flashing, causing serious problems. It’s often the best idea to have a local roofing contractor remove the water and determine its source to avoid future damage.

Flashing Damage

Flashing is a thin metal strip that prevents water from leaking between the joints of a roof. Fixing a leak caused by flashing damage is a more complicated process to handle on a permanent basis. This requires:

• Replacement of the plywood ($20 each; typically requires four pieces of plywood)
• A square of shingles
• Roofing cement
• Nails

The labor cost for replacing a square of asphalt shingles generally runs around $45 to $75 per hour. It’s not a fast process: in some cases, it can require one to two days of labor, leaving the total cost to repair a leak at as much as $1,500. Smaller repairs cost between $600 and $800, as they take less effort. 

If you choose to DIY, fixing a leak caused by flashing damage is a more complicated process. This is especially true if you don’t have experience with roofing. For guaranteed results, hiring a roofer is highly recommended.

Roof Shingle Repair Cost vs. Replacement

The average cost to install new asphalt shingles is around $8,300. 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.

Replacing a roof is a costly home repair project. Unfortunately, most homeowners will discover that it comes up during the lifespan of their homes. 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.

FAQs

How long do asphalt roof shingles last?

Your asphalt shingles have a life expectancy of between 20 and 50 years. The longevity depends on these factors:

• The climate in your area
• Your attic’s ventilation
• Quality of materials used
• Proper installation
• Keeping up with maintenance

Is it worth repairing asphalt shingles?

Deciding to repair or replace your roof is an expensive proposition. Waiting too long to handle roof problems, however, can lead to even costlier damage to ceilings and walls.

In some cases, repairs will only postpone the inevitable. If your roof has any of these signs, you’re better off choosing a full roof replacement:

• Your shingles are all very brittle and break rather than bending
• You have extensive roof damage that is beyond a simple patch-and-repair process
• Your asphalt shingles are more than 20 years old
• You have wet insulation under your roof which you cannot replace without removing and replacing the existing roof
• There are multiple leaks across the surface of the roof

To determine the best solution, check for signs of wear across the roof. If you’re noticing collections of mineral granules in common drainage areas, this is a sign that the protective coating of the roof has worn away. If this is the case, then repairing roof shingles individually probably won’t equate to a long-term solution.

What questions should I ask my roofer?

To find the best roofing contractor near you, there are a number of questions you should ask. Below are some of the most important ones to address.

• Are your workers licensed?
• Can you provide proof of liability and worker’s comp insurance? 
• What permits are necessary and are these included in the estimate?
• What is the quality guarantee for work done on the roof? 
• What types of damage are outside that guarantee?
• If the roof requires replacement, does removing the old roof factor into the cost estimate?
• What will you do with the leftover debris?
• Do you use ladder stabilizers or standoffs to protect the gutters?
• How will you protect my landscaping while you’re working on the roof?
• What are the plans to clean up the property after the repairs are complete?
• What will you do if there’s bad weather during my repair project?
• Is your company doing the project, or will you work with a subcontractor?

If you’re hiring someone to repair or replace the roof on your house, you want to ensure they will do exactly what you need at a reasonable cost. On top of that, all costs should factor into your initial estimate with no hidden fees. You should also make sure they will be respectful of your landscaping, gutters and all other parts of your property.