Here's how to decide what makes sense for your home and your budget.
You've got a problem with your roof. Maybe it's leaking. Maybe shingles are missing. Maybe your neighbor mentioned it looks worn out.
Now you're trying to figure out: can I just repair this, or do I need a whole new roof?
It's a fair question. Repairs are cheaper and faster. But sometimes they're just a band-aid on a bigger problem. Let's walk through how to decide what makes sense for your Boise home.
Roof repair is a good option when the damage is localized and your roof still has plenty of life left. Here's when it makes sense:
Your roof is less than 15 years old. If your roof is relatively new and the damage is minor—a few missing shingles, a small leak, damaged flashing—a repair is usually the smart move.
The damage is in one area. Maybe a tree branch fell and damaged part of your roof, or a section got hit by hail. If the rest of the roof is in good shape, there's no reason to replace the whole thing.
You're planning to sell soon. If you're selling your house in the next year or two, a repair can get you through. Just make sure it's done right so you don't have issues during the inspection.
Your budget is tight right now. A repair buys you time. It won't last forever, but it can keep water out while you save up for a replacement down the road.
Sometimes repair isn't worth it. Here's when you should think seriously about replacing the whole roof:
Your roof is 20+ years old. Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20-25 years. Once yours hits that age, it's nearing the end of its lifespan. Even if it's not leaking yet, it probably will soon.
The damage is widespread. If you're seeing problems all over—missing shingles in multiple spots, widespread granule loss, curling edges—that's a sign the whole roof is failing.
You've already done multiple repairs. If you're calling a roofer every year to patch something new, that's a red flag. You're throwing money at a dying roof. At some point, replacement is cheaper.
There's structural damage. If the roof deck is rotted, or if you're seeing sagging or soft spots, repair won't cut it. You need to replace the damaged structure and put a new roof on top.
You're planning to stay in the house. If this is your long-term home, replacement makes sense. You'll get decades of protection and peace of mind.
Here's the deal: repair is cheaper upfront, but it might not save you money in the long run.
A typical roof repair in Boise might cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500, depending on what needs fixing. That's a lot easier to swallow than a full replacement.
A full roof replacement, on the other hand, can run anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the size of your house, the materials you choose, and how complex the roof is.
But here's the thing: if your roof is old and failing, repairs are just delaying the inevitable. You might spend $1,000 fixing a leak this year, then another $1,500 next year when something else breaks. At some point, you've spent so much on repairs that you should've just replaced it.
That's why it's important to think long-term. A new roof is a big expense, but it gives you 20-25 years of protection. Repairs buy you time, but they don't solve the underlying problem.
So how do you actually decide? Here's a simple framework:
Get a professional inspection. A good roofer will look at your roof, check the damage, assess the condition of the shingles and structure, and give you an honest recommendation.
Ask about the "two-thirds rule." If more than one-third of your roof needs repair, or if your roof is past two-thirds of its expected lifespan, replacement usually makes more sense.
Consider how long you'll stay in the house. If you're moving in a year, a repair is fine. If you're staying for 10 years, replacement is probably the better investment.
Think about what else needs work. If your gutters are shot, your siding needs replacing, or you want to add skylights, it might make sense to do it all at once when you replace the roof.
And here's the most important thing: get multiple opinions. If one roofer says you need a full replacement and another says a repair will do, ask why. A good contractor will explain their reasoning and show you the evidence.
Look, we're not going to push you toward replacement if a repair will solve your problem. And we're not going to tell you a repair is fine if your roof is clearly at the end of its life.
We'll come out, inspect your roof, and tell you what's actually going on. If repair makes sense, we'll do it. If replacement is the smarter move, we'll explain why.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. Sometimes repair is smart. Sometimes replacement is the only real option. It depends on your roof's age, the extent of the damage, and your long-term plans.
The key is to make an informed decision. Get a professional inspection, ask the right questions, and don't let anyone pressure you into a choice you're not comfortable with.
Your roof is a big investment. Take the time to get it right.
We'll inspect it for free and give you a straight answer.
Call (208) 505-9352