Written by Tim Gaughan, Urban Edge. Published July 28, 2026.
Repair the roof when the problem is in one place and the shingles around it are still sound; replace it when wear shows on every slope or the decking underneath has gone soft. Most leaks we are called for are a single failed detail, so a repair is often the right first answer.
Signs a repair is enough
- The leak traces to one spot: a chimney, a skylight, a vent pipe boot, a wall where the roof meets siding.
- A storm took off a few shingles and the rest lie flat and still have their granules.
- The roof is under about 15 years old and was installed with new flashing.
- The decking feels solid when walked, with no sag between rafters.
Signs it is time to replace
- Curling, cracking or bald shingles on more than one slope.
- More than one leak, in different places, within a year or two.
- Soft or sagging decking, which means water has been getting under the shingles for a while.
- Two layers of shingles already. Code allows no more than two, and we tear off to the deck before a new roof so the decking can be checked.
- The roof is past 20 to 25 years and you plan to stay in the house.
The questions to ask any roofer
- Where exactly is the water getting in? A good answer points to a detail, with a photo.
- Is the decking sound? If they did not check the attic or the deck, they are guessing.
- What happens to the flashing? A repair or replacement that reuses tired flashing usually leaks again at the same place.
- What is in writing? Scope, price and warranty should be on paper before work starts.
The middle ground
Sometimes the honest answer is "repair now, replace in two or three years." That is a fair plan when the roof has a few years left and you need time to budget. We will say so plainly rather than sell you a roof you do not need yet.
When rot is part of it
If the roof edge, fascia or decking is soft, the rot repair is its own job. Our Dry Rot site explains how we find how far it goes.
Get a straight answer
Our free roof inspection ends with photos and a written recommendation: roof repair, leak repair or roof replacement, and why.
Our work is covered by a 2-year workmanship warranty, in writing.
Book a free roof inspection or call Tim, (503) 597-8520.