Nobody wants to pay for a whole roof when the trouble is all on one corner of the house. A tree limb came down, a few shingles blew off over the garage, one valley keeps leaking. It's a fair question, and the honest answer is sometimes yes and sometimes no. Here is how we sort it out.
When does replacing one section make sense?
Two things have to be true. First, the damage has to be in one spot. A single slope that took a beating, an area around a fallen branch, a back section over a porch that has always given you trouble. Second, the rest of the roof has to be in good shape. If the shingles everywhere else still lie flat, still have their granules, and aren't leaking, there's no reason to tear off good roof just to fix a bad patch.
When both of those line up, a section replacement is a reasonable way to fix the problem and keep your money in your pocket.
Why might new shingles not match the old ones?
This is the part people don't expect. A roof that has been up for years has been baked by summer sun and washed by every storm since it went on. The color shifts. Meanwhile, manufacturers change colors and styles, and the exact shingle on your house may not be made anymore. Put brand-new shingles next to old ones and the difference can show from the street.
On a back slope nobody sees, that may not bother you at all. On the front of the house, facing the driveway, it might bother you every day. That's a decision you should get to make with your eyes open, which is why we tell you how close a match is likely to be before any work starts.
When is a partial replacement the wrong call?
If the roof is old and the damage is just the first spot to give out, patching one section is a short-term fix. Curling shingles, bald spots where the granules have washed off, or leaks in more than one place all point to a roof that is wearing out everywhere at once. Spending money on one section of a roof like that usually means spending it again soon on the next section.
Partial replacements also get tricky where the new section meets the old. The tie-in has to be done carefully so water doesn't find its way in at the seam, and flashing has to be right wherever the new work touches a wall, chimney or valley.
What if the damage came from a storm?
If hail or wind caused the damage, your homeowner's insurance may be involved, and how your policy handles a roof that can't be matched matters. Read your policy, and get the roof inspected and the damage documented before you file. And if anyone offers to cover your deductible, walk away. Waiving a deductible is illegal in Missouri and Illinois.
How do we decide on your roof?
We get up there and look. We check the damaged area, then we check the rest of the roof the same way, because the answer depends on both. Then we tell you straight: repair it, replace the section, or replace the roof, and why. Sometimes the honest answer is the smaller job, and we'll say so. Our own crews do the work, and our limited lifetime workmanship warranty stands behind it.
What John says in the video
Transcript: Can I replace just part of my roof? Sometimes, yes. One: if the damage is in one spot. Two: if the rest of the roof is still in good shape. But new shingles may not match the old ones. We'll look and tell you straight. Call me. 1-800-JOHN-BEAL.
Frequently asked questions
Can you replace just one side of a roof?
Sometimes. If one slope took the damage and the rest of the roof is still in good shape, replacing that section can make sense. We look at the whole roof first so you are not paying to patch something that is about to fail everywhere else.
Will new shingles match my old roof?
Maybe not. Shingles fade with sun and weather, and colors and styles change over the years, so a new section can stand out next to the old one. We will tell you honestly how close a match is likely to be before you decide.
Is a partial roof replacement cheaper than a full one?
Up front, usually yes, because there is less roof to tear off and cover. Whether it is the better value depends on the age and shape of the rest of the roof.
When should I replace the whole roof instead?
When the roof is old, leaking in more than one place, or the shingles are curling or losing granules across the whole surface. At that point a section replacement just buys time.
How do I find out if a partial replacement will work on my house?
Have the roof inspected. Our inspection is free, and we will show you what we found and give you a straight answer. Call 1-800-JOHN-BEAL, answered 24/7.
More answers from John Beal
- Why Are My Shingles Curling?
- How Do I Find A Good Roofer Near Me?
- How Much Does A New Roof Cost?
- All of John’s video answers
John Beal Roofing is family-run and has been roofing Midwest homes since 1947, serving Greater St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, Lake of the Ozarks, and the Metro East and Carbondale in Illinois. Our Kansas City office is at 7440 NW River Park Drive, Parkville, MO 64152 (816-572-9500 Missouri side, 913-281-6000 Kansas side). Everywhere else, call 1-800-JOHN-BEAL. We answer 24/7.