Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

Brandon Schwartz • April 7, 2025

Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

A Practical Breakdown for Colorado Homeowners

Let’s Talk Real-World Roofing

When your roof shows signs of wear — from hail hits to sneaky leaks — the big question is:

Should I patch it, or replace the whole thing?

It’s not just about cost. It’s about what makes sense for your home, your location, and your long-term plans.

At Colorado Contracting, we’ve handled hundreds of these decisions across mountain towns like Evergreen, Idaho Springs, and Conifer, plus high-exposure spots like Colorado Springs.

Here’s a practical way to think through it.

1. How Old Is Your Roof — And What Does That Really Mean?

Roof age isn’t just a number. It sets the stage for how much life your materials really have left.

QUICK CHECK:

Asphalt Shingle Roof: Over 15 years old? You’re likely near the end of its useful life.
“30-Year” Shingles in Colorado? Expect 15–20 years max.
Been through a hailstorm? That age just dropped further.

Pro Tip:

A roof that’s “not leaking yet” isn’t necessarily a good roof.
Once issues begin, small fixes often lead to larger ones. Aging roofs don’t absorb spot roof repairs very well.

Don’t Forget Metal Roofing

Yes, it lasts longer — but it’s not indestructible.
Fasteners, seams, and flashing still require occasional metal roof repair or resealing, especially with Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles.

2. What Kind of Damage Are You Dealing With?

LOCAL INSIGHT:

Colorado weather does more than dent your car — hail, snowpack, and high winds weaken your roof over time, even if the damage isn’t immediately visible.

5 Signs a Simple Patch Isn’t Enough:

Leaks show up in multiple spots.
Storm damage affected large areas, not just one corner.
You’ve already patched it once in the last year or two.
Shingles are brittle, curling, or shedding granules.
Your decking may be soft or sagging underneath.

COMMON MISUNDERSTANDING:

“Fixing the visible problem solves the whole issue.”
Water moves under the surface — by the time it hits your drywall, the rot might already be widespread.

3. What Are Your Long-Term Plans?

Planning to Stay?

A full replacement with impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing gives you:

A clean slate
Stronger warranties
Better insulation
Higher resale value

Selling Soon?

A new roof can increase curb appeal and buyer confidence — even in a fast-moving market like Colorado Springs.
Many buyers walk away when they see old shingles or signs of roof repair.

Option	Avg. Cost	Lifespan	Maintenance	Overall Value
Roof Repair & Patch	$500–$3,000/repair	Short-term	Recurring	Lower long-term
Full Replacement	$12,000–$25,000	20–50 years	Minimal	Higher ROI

Real value is in long-term protection. If you’re paying for 3+ roof repairs in 5 years, replacement is usually the better financial move.

Final Thoughts from Colorado Contracting Unlimited

Written by Brandon, owner of Colorado Contracting Unlimited
With over 9 years of hands-on roofing experience, Brandon has helped homeowners across Colorado's mountain towns and Front Range communities navigate everything from minor roof repairs to full-scale replacements.
His focus is always on honesty, craftsmanship, and delivering a solution that actually fits the client's needs.

You don’t need to guess.
You just need clear, honest input from someone who knows Colorado roofing inside and out.

We’re not here to upsell you.
If a roof repair makes sense, we’ll do it. If it doesn’t, we’ll tell you why — and back it up with what we see.