How Georgia Homeowners Can Decide

Facing roof damage? Here's how to determine whether a repair will solve the problem or if it's time for a full replacement.

When you discover a roof problem, your first question is usually: "Do I need to replace the whole thing, or can this be fixed?" It's a fair question. A full roof replacement is a major investment, while repairs can extend your roof's life at a fraction of the cost.

The right answer depends on several factors specific to your situation. This guide walks you through the key considerations so you can make a confident decision.

Start Here: The Age of Your Roof

Your roof's age is the single most important factor in this decision.

Asphalt shingle roofs in Georgia typically last 15 to 25 years, depending on quality, installation, and maintenance. Our hot summers, high humidity, and severe storms tend to shorten roof lifespans compared to milder climates.

Here's a general framework:

Roof Age

Typical Recommendation

Under 10 years

Repair makes sense for most issues

10-15 years

Evaluate damage extent carefully

15-20 years

Replacement often more cost-effective

20+ years

Replacement usually recommended

If your roof is within its first decade and the damage is isolated, repairs are almost always the right call. If your roof is past 15 years and showing multiple problems, putting money into repairs may just delay the inevitable.

When Repair Is the Right Choice

Roof repairs make financial sense when the problem is limited and your roof has significant life remaining.

Good candidates for repair include:

Localized damage from a specific event. A tree limb falls and damages a small section. A few shingles blow off in a storm. These isolated issues can typically be fixed without addressing the entire roof.

Minor leaks with an identifiable source. A leak around a vent pipe, chimney flashing, or skylight can often be resolved by repairing or replacing the flashing and surrounding materials.

Missing or damaged shingles in one area. If granule loss, cracking, or missing shingles are confined to one section (often a south-facing slope that gets more sun exposure), targeted repairs can buy you several more years.

Your roof is relatively new. If you're dealing with storm damage on a roof that's only 5 to 8 years old, repair is almost always the better investment.

Typical repair costs: Most roof repairs range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the extent of damage and accessibility. More extensive repairs can reach $3,000 or more.

When Replacement Makes More Sense

Sometimes repairs are a Band-Aid on a larger problem. Here's when replacement is typically the smarter investment:

Your roof is nearing or past its expected lifespan. If your asphalt shingle roof is approaching 20 years in Georgia, repairs may only postpone problems by a year or two. At that point, you're often better off replacing rather than continuing to invest in an aging system.

Damage is widespread. Industry professionals generally recommend replacement when damage affects more than 25 to 30 percent of the roof's surface. At that point, repair costs approach replacement costs, and you still have an old roof.

You're seeing multiple warning signs. When your roof shows several issues at once (granule loss, curling shingles, multiple leaks, sagging areas), that's your roof telling you it's reached the end of its functional life.

Repairs have become frequent. If you've called a roofer two or three times in the past few years for different problems, those repair costs are adding up. A new roof resets the clock and eliminates ongoing repair expenses.

You're planning to sell your home. A new roof is a significant selling point. Buyers and home inspectors pay close attention to roof condition. If your roof is questionable, it can complicate your sale or reduce your home's value.

Typical replacement costs: Full roof replacement in Georgia generally ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 for most homes, depending on size, pitch, material, and complexity.

The Hidden Cost of "Just Repairing"

One common mistake homeowners make is repeatedly repairing an aging roof to avoid replacement costs. This approach can backfire in several ways:

Cumulative repair costs. Three or four repairs over a few years can add up to half the cost of a new roof, and you still have an old roof at the end.

Water damage between repairs. Each time a roof fails, there's potential for water to reach your decking, insulation, or interior. Damage you can't see may be accumulating.

Emergency situations. Aging roofs tend to fail at the worst times. A roof that limps along for years may finally give out during a major storm, forcing you into an emergency replacement at premium prices.

Patch appearance. New shingles rarely match weathered ones perfectly. Multiple repairs can leave your roof looking patchwork, affecting curb appeal.

What About Replacing Just Part of the Roof?

Partial replacement (replacing one slope or section) is sometimes an option, but it comes with trade-offs:

When it can work:

• Damage is truly isolated to one section
• The rest of the roof is in good condition and relatively new
• The damaged section is easily separable (like one side of a gable roof)

Why it's often problematic:

• The new and old sections will age at different rates, meaning you'll likely need to replace the other half in a few years
• Matching shingles is difficult because existing shingles fade over time
• Many contractors won't warranty partial work the same way they warranty full replacements
• You may end up spending more over time than if you'd replaced everything at once

For most homeowners, partial replacement creates more complications than it solves. Get a professional assessment before going this route.

Georgia-Specific Considerations

Our climate creates some unique factors to consider:

Storm damage and insurance. Georgia sees its share of severe weather. If your roof damage resulted from a storm, your homeowner's insurance may cover part or all of a replacement. Document damage thoroughly and work with a contractor experienced in insurance claims before making decisions.

Heat and UV exposure. South-facing roof slopes in Georgia take a beating from the sun. It's common for one side of a roof to show more wear than the other. If your south-facing slope is failing but the north side looks fine, discuss your options with a professional.

Humidity and ventilation. Poor attic ventilation accelerates roof deterioration in our humid climate. If your roof is failing prematurely, address ventilation issues during any repair or replacement.

A Simple Decision Framework

Still not sure which direction to go? Work through these questions:

1. How old is your roof?

• Under 10 years → Lean toward repair
• 10-15 years → Evaluate carefully
• Over 15 years → Lean toward replacement

2. How extensive is the damage?

• Isolated to one small area → Repair likely sufficient
• Affecting multiple areas or 25%+ of the roof → Replacement probably smarter

3. How many repairs have you done recently?

• First issue in years → Repair makes sense
• Third repair in two years → Consider replacement

4. What are your plans for the home?

• Staying long-term → Investment in replacement pays off
• Selling soon → Weigh repair cost vs. impact on sale price

5. What does a professional inspection reveal?

• Surface issues only → Repair may work
• Underlying problems (decking damage, ventilation issues) → Replacement likely needed

Get a Professional Assessment

The best way to make this decision is with accurate information about your roof's current condition. A thorough inspection can reveal issues that aren't visible from the ground and give you a clear picture of what you're dealing with.

At Right Hand Roofing & Gutters, we provide honest assessments and straightforward recommendations. We've served Georgia and Alabama homeowners since 2005, and we'll tell you what we'd do if it were our own home. If a repair will solve your problem, we'll say so. If replacement is the smarter investment, we'll explain why.

Request your free roof report today. We'll inspect your roof, document any issues with photos, and walk you through your options so you can make an informed decision.

Call 678-840-2255 or schedule your inspection online.