
Can you patch a roof instead of replacing it?
As the springtime weather arrives in North Texas, we batten down the hatches. When you live here, you know springtime mean bad weather ahead, and home roof repair is as commonplace for us as putting on snow chains is in the Northern states.
Of course the first thing asked is “Will insurance cover leaking roof?”, and that answer is never what people want to hear. Maybe. Maybe not. Roof repair insurance is a confusing thing in these parts, because the insurance company will determine if your home roof repair is strictly weather related or was homeowner neglect responsible for it be susceptible to the high winds and hailstones?
Before we answer that question, if patching will take care of your home roof repair, it isn’t going to have an aesthetic appeal any longer. The patched are will like show up like a spotlight, and depending on how old the current roof is, you may not be able to match the shingle color either.
It is understandable though that when the insurance isn’t going to pay for your home roof repair, or not as much as you thought they would, you need to do the cheapest thing possible. A repair roof without replacing is the cheapest way when it’s coming out of your pocket. Is it that best choice though?
Before you make that decision on your own though, you should have your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor. With a thorough inspection, they can advise you if a patch job is sufficient or if you need a full home roof repair or replacement.
Depending on how long that spot has been bare of shingles, a lot of damage could have happened under the shingles to the decking and further into your attic. This is what we can’t see from the ground, or even if you get up on the roof, an untrained eye won’t see everything a professional would.
Other than the sticker shock of a new roof, what is the benefit of a home roof repair vs roof replacement? To determine if a home roof repair is okay or if a roof replacement is the better choice, consider these factors:
- Roof Age: How old is your current roof? With low-end quality asphalt shingles, if the roof is 15 years old, replacement is the better option. With architectural shingles, you can go 30 years before replacement is recommended.
- Your Long-term Plans: Is this the place you plan to live forever? Then replace the roof, it’s an investment in your investment. If you’re just passing through or the last kid is about to go off to college and you’re downsizing, patch the roof. However, if you’re putting the house on the market, there will be inspections by potential buyers and if it doesn’t pass, you’ll have to replace the roof or come off your asking price. A new roof will make is easier to sell faster than a home roof repair patch job.
- Your Budget: Maye you don’t have the budget for a roof replacement, and that’s understandable. Do a patch job for now and start a roof fund. You know you’re going to need that new roof sooner or later, may as well get prepared.

Can I replace my roof in sections?
If only one section of your roof is damaged, then a section re-roof for your home roof repair will be sufficient. It certainly won’t cost as much as a whole new roof and take care of the problem area too. Even if there is minor color difference between the existing shingles and the new shingles, it won’t show as bad.
However, your insurance company may have an issue with this, and you’re really going to pay more by doing a section at a time. The roofing contractor has to do the same amount of preparation with ladders, scaffolding, waste disposal, so he’ll pass that cost on to you. The only thing you’re really saving money on is the roof repair materials.
Keep in mind that with a completely new roof, the entire roof is inspected for damage. Andy problems with the decking won’t be visible if you’re only having part of the roof replaced. It is important to catch problems as soon as possible and have them taken care of before they get worse.
Okay, we discussed patching and partial replacing and total replacing the roof, but what if you just have a leak right now. How do you fix a leaking roof? Fortunately, unless it is a major leak or part of the roof is gone, there are some things you can do to help diminish the damage and minimize the expense.
- CONFINE THE WATER DAMAGE: Once you notice a roof leak, you need to stop the water damage. Cover everything including electronics and furniture with a plastic tarp.
- CONFINE THE WATER: Place a towel or tarp on the floor and a bucket or some type of container on top of that directly under the leak so it can catch the water. Put a nail in the area of the hole and tie a string from it, letting it land in the bucket. The water will follow that string down to the bucket. If there is bubbling on the ceiling, that is water pool up there. Poke a hole in that bubble and let that water pour into the budget.
- CALL A ROOFING CONTRACTOR: No, you don’t call the insurance company first. You need to call the person that is going to fix the leak first. Request a written estimate in detail and a picture of the damage. You’re going to need this for filing your insurance claim and home roof repair or replacement.
- DRY THE FURNITURE AND FLOORING: With the leaking water under control, dry all the carpeting and rugs, furniture, and any woodwork as thoroughly as you can. This will hopefully stop it from staining, mildewing, and growing mold. For a drenched carpet, you’re going to have to pull it up and let padding dry out, placing fans on it will help it dry faster. If everything is soaked through, your best option is to call a water extraction company.
- NOW CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY: With the water contained, things drying out, and a roofer repairing and estimating the damage, you can call the insurance company to file your claim. Have notes of the date and time of the weather event, take pictures of the damage, even a video if you can. Your insurance my not pay for a full new roof, they may not pay partial either, but they will pay for damage to your personal effects and maybe enough for a home roof repair job.
Need roof repair or replacement in Plano, TX? JPAUL ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION is always here to help. Call 460-562-1990 today.