How much does roof restoration cost, and is it worth it?
Short answer. Roof restoration usually means repairs plus a cleaning, coating or rejuvenating treatment meant to extend an existing roof's life, and its cost depends on roof type, size, condition and the product used; it typically costs a fraction of a replacement. It makes sense for a sound roof with years left, not for a roof with hail damage, widespread cracking, curling or soft decking, where the money is better put toward replacement.
What restoration means by roof type
- Asphalt shingles. Usually repairs to flashing, pipe boots and loose shingles, a low-pressure cleaning, and sometimes a spray-on rejuvenating treatment. Independent long-term evidence for shingle rejuvenators is limited, so check your shingle manufacturer's position before applying anything.
- Metal. Replacing fasteners, sealing laps and flashing, treating rust, and often an elastomeric or silicone coating. This is a well-established way to extend a metal roof's life.
- Low-slope roofs. Coatings over a sound membrane are common on porches and flat sections.
What drives the cost
- Roof size, pitch and height.
- How much repair is needed before any treatment.
- The product and number of coats.
- Whether a written warranty is included.
When it works
A roof that is structurally sound, without hail bruising, missing granules across large areas, or soft decking, and that you want to stretch a few more years.
When it is not worth it
- Storm damage, which may be an insurance claim instead.
- Curling, cracking or widespread granule loss on shingles near the end of their life.
- Leaks from rotted decking.
Questions to ask
What exactly will be repaired, what product is used, how long the treatment is warranted, and how it affects the shingle warranty. See signs you need a new roof, how long a roof lasts in Georgia and black streaks and algae on the roof.