- You nailed it about the “wear and tear” thing—insurance loves to use that line.
- I’ve seen folks get denied for stuff that was clearly storm damage, just because it wasn’t obvious right away.
- Binoculars are underrated, honestly. I’ve caught cracked vent boots and loose flashing that way.
- Gutters are a pain... one tiny dent and suddenly you’ve got water pooling where it shouldn’t.
- Green roofs look cool, but yeah, most people just want dry ceilings and a bill that doesn’t sting.
- Don’t get discouraged if you find more damage later—it happens to everyone after a big storm. Just take it step by step.
It really depends on the type of roof and how much of it took a hit, but even small repairs can add up fast. After a hailstorm last year, I had to replace a handful of damaged shingles and some bent flashing—came out to about $1,200, mostly labor since the materials weren’t that pricey. Insurance tried to call it “maintenance” at first, which was frustrating. If you’ve got gutters dented or torn off, that’s another few hundred, easy. For bigger jobs like partial re-roofing, I’ve seen neighbors get quoted anywhere from $5k to $15k. Location factors in too—labor rates and materials are pricier where I am (Midwest). It’s always a bit of a guessing game until you get someone up there for a real look.
For bigger jobs like partial re-roofing, I’ve seen neighbors get quoted anywhere from $5k to $15k.
I get what you’re saying about labor costs, but honestly, $1,200 for a few shingles and some flashing seems steep unless your roof’s tough to access. I did a similar patch job myself last spring—materials were under $200, just took a weekend. Insurance is always a pain though... they’ll try to dodge anything they can.
I did a similar patch job myself last spring—materials were under $200, just took a weekend.
That’s the thing—if you’re handy and your roof isn’t too steep or high, you can save a ton doing minor fixes yourself. But I’ve seen plenty of “quick patches” turn into bigger headaches when folks miss hidden water damage or don’t get the flashing right. Sometimes what looks like a few missing shingles ends up being rot under the decking, especially after a big storm.
$1,200 does sound high for basic shingle replacement, but if access is tricky (steep pitch, two-story, landscaping in the way), or there’s risk of underlying issues, pros will price in that hassle. Plus, liability insurance and permits add up—especially in areas with strict codes.
Insurance is another beast altogether. I’ve watched adjusters nitpick every little thing to avoid paying out. If you’re filing a claim, document everything—photos before and after, receipts for materials or labor. It’s not fun, but it can make the difference between getting covered or getting stuck with the bill.
End of the day, if you’re confident on a ladder and know what to look for, DIY makes sense for small stuff. Anything more complicated? Sometimes it’s worth paying extra to not gamble with leaks down the road.
if you’re confident on a ladder and know what to look for, DIY makes sense for small stuff. Anything more complicated? Sometimes it’s worth paying extra to not gamble with leaks down the road.
Couldn’t agree more—sometimes peace of mind is worth the price tag. I tried patching a leak myself last year and thought I nailed it, but missed some flashing issues and ended up with a stained ceiling after the next rain. It’s easy to underestimate what’s going on under the surface, especially after a big storm. Still, tackling the basics yourself can save a lot if you’re careful and take your time. Ever notice how much faster pros seem to spot trouble areas? Makes me wonder what I’m missing sometimes...
