Repair it or replace it?

A leak does not tell you, by itself, that you need a new roof. It also does not tell you that a small patch will solve the problem. The useful question is what caused it and how much of the roof is affected.

GAF’s repair-or-replace guidance considers condition, age, damage, and repair history. Those are discussion points for an assessment, not a diagnosis you can make from a calendar or a single photograph.

Ask what the inspection actually found

Have the contractor show you photos and identify the affected areas. Ask which observations are confirmed, which are suspected, and whether anything remains inaccessible.

• What is the likely source of the problem?
• Is the damage confined to one area, or does it appear elsewhere?
• What is the condition of the surrounding material?
• Does the recommendation depend on damage that is not yet visible?

You should be able to understand the recommendation without getting onto the roof yourself.

If a repair is proposed

Ask what will be removed, repaired, or replaced. Have the estimate identify the area, materials, and any limits on appearance or warranty. Ask how the contractor will confirm that the original concern has been addressed.

A repair conversation should also explain what remains outside the scope. If another part of the roof needs attention soon, you want to know that before spending money on the immediate fix.

Read more about requesting roof repair.

If replacement is proposed

Ask why a localized repair is unsuitable for this roof. Request the observations behind that conclusion and a complete replacement scope, including removal, flashing, ventilation, cleanup, and the process for concealed damage.

If the explanation is unclear, ask more questions or seek another assessment. Comparing two fully explained scopes is more useful than comparing two unexplained prices.

Read more about planning a roof replacement and what affects the price.

Bring the history you already have

An approximate installation date, previous repair invoices, warranty documents, and a simple timeline of leaks can help the contractor understand the situation. “It happens when snow melts” is more useful than “the roof is bad.” If you do not know the roof’s age or material, say so.

Take any photos safely from inside the home or from the ground. You do not need to climb onto a damaged roof to fill out our form.

When the issue is active

This request form does not dispatch emergency help or guarantee a response time. If there is an immediate safety concern, use the appropriate emergency service. For active property damage, contact an available professional directly rather than waiting on a website request.