It's the question we get on almost every inspection: do I really need a new roof, or can we just fix what's wrong? The honest answer is that it depends on three things — the age of the roof, the extent of the damage, and how long you plan to stay in the house.
When repair is the right call
Repairs make sense when the damage is localized and the rest of the roof has meaningful life left. Specifically: the roof is under 15 years old, the damaged area is less than 30% of the total roof, the leak is from a clear point source (a single torn shingle, failed flashing, a popped nail), and there's no widespread granule loss or shingle curling.
A typical repair runs $300 to $1,500 depending on access and materials. We always tell homeowners: if a repair will get you another 5–10 years out of an otherwise sound roof, that's the right move every time.
When replacement is the right call
Replacement makes sense when the underlying roof is at or near the end of its service life. Signs to watch for: shingles are curling, cracking, or losing granules across most of the roof, the roof is approaching 20 years old (15 for builder-grade shingles), there have been multiple leaks in different areas, or your insurance adjuster has approved a hail claim.
A typical residential replacement in the Memphis area runs $9,000 to $25,000 depending on size, pitch, and material. With Tamko architectural shingles, you're getting another 25–30 years.
When insurance changes the math
If hail or wind damage qualifies for an insurance claim, replacement is almost always the right answer — even on a relatively young roof. Insurance pays for the new roof minus your deductible, and you get a brand-new system instead of patching damaged areas.
We handle insurance claims at no extra cost. We document the damage, meet your adjuster on-site, and make sure you get a fair settlement.
When you're selling soon
If you're listing the house in the next 6 months and the roof has visible issues, replacement almost always pays for itself in the sale price. Memphis-area buyers (and their inspectors) walk away from roofs that look worn out, and a new roof is one of the strongest selling points you can offer.
How we help you decide
On every free inspection, we tell you our honest recommendation — repair or replace — along with the reasoning. We'll quote both if both are reasonable, and let you decide. No high-pressure sales, no scare tactics, no upsells.
Call (901) 493-1219 or request an inspection through our contact form. We'll come out, climb the roof, and tell you exactly what we'd do if it were our house.
Need a roof inspected?
Free, no-pressure, written estimate. Serving Memphis, Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville and the wider Mid-South.