A stain on the ceiling or a few shingles in the yard leads to one question: does the roof need a repair or a whole new roof? Roofers make that call the same way every time. Here is how they decide, how to choose a roofer, and what to expect on the day the work happens.
1. Count the problems, not the shingles
A roof with one leak in one spot, a few missing shingles after a storm, or a cracked vent boot is usually a repair. The rest of the roof is doing its job. Replacement comes into the conversation when the problems are many and spread out.
2. Look at the whole roof
Step back and look at every side of the roof, not just the spot that leaks:
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| A few missing or lifted shingles | Repair |
| One leak around a vent, chimney or skylight | Repair the flashing |
| Curling or cracked shingles on every side | Near the end of its life |
| Bald spots and granules in the gutters | Worn shingles; compare repair and replacement |
| Soft or sagging areas, daylight in the attic | Deck damage; usually replacement |
3. Ask every roofer for photos from up there
You should not have to climb a ladder to understand your roof. A good roofer takes photos of what they found and walks you through them: the damaged areas, the flashing, the vents, the condition of the shingles overall. Then compare bids on the same scope:
- Repair or replacement, and why
- The underlayment, flashing and ventilation, named
- How damaged deck boards are handled if found
- Who pulls the permit
- The workmanship warranty, in writing
- Cleanup, including the magnet sweep for nails
4. What to expect on replacement day
- Tear-off: the old roofing comes off, down to the wood deck.
- Deck check: soft or damaged boards are replaced.
- Underlayment: a water-resistant layer goes over the deck, with extra protection at edges and valleys where codes require it.
- Flashing: metal at walls, chimneys, vents and valleys.
- Roofing: shingles or other roofing, then the ridge and vents.
- Cleanup: debris hauled away and a magnet sweep of the yard and driveway for nails.
Expect noise most of the day. Move cars out of the driveway, cover things stored in the attic, and keep kids and pets away from the work area.
What to put in your post
- Where it leaks and since when, with photos inside and out
- The type of roof, if you know it, and its rough age
- Whether you want a repair, a replacement, or a pro's opinion on both
- Storm damage? Say so, and mention any insurance claim
Get roof bids on BidHandyman
Post your roof once and local roofers send you bids. Only pros approved by BidHandyman can bid. Ask each for photos, compare repair and replacement side by side, message the pros and hire the one you trust, with no obligation. Request roofing bids, or read roof repair bids and roof replacement.