Repair Roof or just Wait for a Storm?

Question

I just bought a 2016 house that has a few missing shingles. In several areas, the shingles need to be secured because they can flip up.
The repair quote was over $1,200.
Inspector said the roof should only last 5 more years or so. Not currently leaking anywhere.
I'm thinking that I just leave it as is and wait to replace it. I live in Florida - so there could be a hurricane.
Does that sound like a smart plan? Defer costly repair and wait to just replace? Otherwise, I'll get more quotes.
Thanks, Debby

Bradley Buxton · Answer

@Deborah R.

Replace the roof.  Insurance companies will likely not pay a claim from the roof or subsequent water damage because they will know the roof is already in poor condition. Especially since you already got a quote and are aware of the condition. It's amazing the lengths the insurance companies will go to to not pay a claim.  Here in the Reno Tahoe area insurance companies won't write policies for a roof over 15-20 years old even if it's in good condition. We have been writing insurance quote contingencies into offers to be sure clients can even get insurance.  As others have stated the damage could be much worse if there were a storm.

David Bennett · Answer

...and if instead of a hurricane you just got a bad storm and a lot of rain? A water claim on a personal property I had 20 years ago cost over $130K.  Even with the deductible I was still out $15-20K all in - water gets everywhere and destroys/damages everything along the way. You have shown that you know the problem exists.  If you do not address it the insurance adjustor may simply deny the claim due to willful negligence.  Get it fixed, even if it costs more than $1,200.

Jerry V. · Answer

A "few" shingles shouldn't cost $1,200 to fix/repair.  It sounds like you have the basic 20/25yr 3tab shingles, which yes are prone to "flip up" or break off, esp as they get older.

Find another local Roofer, that for sure taunts that they do Repairs, will warranty their work, and get the repairs done.  But again, even if it was a 1-2 bundles to do, shouldn't cost near that $1,200 amount.

(w/ J's Roofing  Richardson, TX )

Mohammed Rahman · Answer

Hey @Deborah R. - Only $1200 to repair the roof? Do it now.

Water damage never happens in small amounts, until its noticed and by that point it's typically a larger job than $1200.

My advice would be not to be pound foolish and penny wise, spend the money now and sleep safer.

Chris Seveney · Answer

I would get a quote to replace the roof now to see what it costs as well. Personally I would repair it as if it goes unrepaired you will not know its leaking until the damage has been done and then the cost will be a lot more to replace.

Henry T. · Answer

I'm with Jerry. A few shingles is nothing and should not cost that much. Get some other quotes from a roofer or handyman. A few shingles you're done in less than an hour.  It requires pulling our 4 nails, sliding out the damaged shingle, slide the new one in, re -nail. Repeat.

Lucas Dermal · Answer

Small roof issues can get worse over time, especially with Florida’s storms. Even if it’s not leaking now, missing or loose shingles could lead to bigger problems down the line. It might be worth getting another quote or two for repairs to protect your home.

Jorge Vazquez · Answer

Sure thing, Debby! Here’s the idea behind "Tonka thinking" (I came up with this quote): just like you wouldn’t replace a tire until you’ve got every mile out of it, the same goes for parts of your property, like the roof. It might not need a full replacement if it's still doing its job—keeping the rain out and protecting the structure. A few patches might give it those extra miles without throwing money at a major repair too early.

Think of it as using each part to its full potential before moving on to something new. However, here’s the catch with roofs: if it gets to the point where wind or water can creep in, small leaks can become big problems fast. So, keeping an eye on it and addressing minor fixes (like securing loose shingles) can be a practical middle ground. This way, you’re not going all-in on a new roof before you need to, but you’re also avoiding costly water damage that could eat into the savings.

In other words, patch it up, keep it durable, and wait to replace only when there’s no life left in it—Tonka style!

Jane Dang · Answer

In California, insurance companies are very tough now. I have never claimed anything and still they gave me a lot of challenges when it time to renew.  I imagine if I claimed the roof last year when I replaced my rental roof, they would kick me out by now.

Matthew Paul · Answer

If you wait for a storm , you will also be waiting for a roofer to do the work .  I would get a professional opinion from a qualified contractor , you may have storm damage already that could possibly be covered by your insurance

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