Roof Repair Guide

Identify common roof problems, understand repair options, and know when to DIY versus call a professional for your Denver home.

Safety First

Roof work is dangerous. Never work on a wet or icy roof. Use proper safety equipment including harnesses on steep roofs. If you're uncomfortable with heights or the repair seems complex, hire a professional. Falls from roofs cause thousands of injuries yearly.

Common Roof Repairs

Missing or Damaged Shingles

Cause: Wind, hail, age, or improper installation

DIY PossibleEasy

Individual shingles can be replaced without affecting the rest of the roof. Match shingle type and color for best results.

Typical Cost: $100 - $300

Repair Steps

  1. 1Lift edges of surrounding shingles
  2. 2Remove nails from damaged shingle
  3. 3Slide out old shingle
  4. 4Slide in new shingle
  5. 5Nail in place and seal

Roof Leaks

Cause: Damaged flashing, cracked shingles, or failed sealant

Professional RecommendedModerate to Hard

Leaks require identifying the source, which is often not directly above the water stain. Professional diagnosis recommended.

Typical Cost: $300 - $1,500

Repair Steps

  1. 1Locate leak source in attic
  2. 2Check flashing and vents
  3. 3Inspect shingles above leak
  4. 4Repair or replace damaged materials
  5. 5Test repair with water

Damaged Flashing

Cause: Age, improper installation, or storm damage

Professional RecommendedModerate

Flashing seals joints around chimneys, vents, and walls. Damaged flashing is a common leak source.

Typical Cost: $200 - $600

Repair Steps

  1. 1Remove old flashing carefully
  2. 2Clean and prepare surface
  3. 3Install new flashing with proper overlap
  4. 4Seal all edges
  5. 5Apply roofing cement

Clogged or Damaged Gutters

Cause: Debris, ice dams, or age

DIY PossibleEasy

Gutters direct water away from your home. Damage leads to water backup and potential roof/fascia damage.

Typical Cost: $100 - $400

Repair Steps

  1. 1Clear all debris from gutters
  2. 2Flush with water to check flow
  3. 3Repair holes with sealant
  4. 4Replace damaged sections
  5. 5Ensure proper slope toward downspouts

Ice Dam Damage

Cause: Poor attic insulation/ventilation causing snow melt and refreeze

Professional RecommendedHard

Ice dams cause water to back up under shingles. Fixing requires addressing the underlying ventilation issues.

Typical Cost: $500 - $2,000

Repair Steps

  1. 1Remove ice carefully (don't chop)
  2. 2Identify insulation/ventilation issues
  3. 3Improve attic insulation
  4. 4Add proper ventilation
  5. 5Consider ice and water shield

Sagging Roof Deck

Cause: Water damage, structural issues, or overloading

Professional RecommendedProfessional Only

Sagging indicates serious structural problems. Requires immediate professional assessment.

Typical Cost: $1,000 - $5,000+

Repair Steps

  1. 1Evacuate if severe
  2. 2Call roofing professional immediately
  3. 3Support structure if needed
  4. 4Replace damaged decking
  5. 5Address cause of damage

Hail Damage

Cause: Hail storms (common in Denver spring/summer)

Professional RecommendedModerate

Hail creates dents, cracks, and granule loss. Document damage thoroughly for insurance claims.

Typical Cost: $500 - $15,000+ (often covered by insurance)

Repair Steps

  1. 1Document all damage with photos
  2. 2Contact insurance company
  3. 3Get professional inspection
  4. 4File claim promptly
  5. 5Schedule repairs with approved contractor

Vent Boot Leaks

Cause: Cracked rubber boots around plumbing vents

DIY PossibleEasy to Moderate

Rubber boots around pipe penetrations crack over time. Replacement is straightforward.

Typical Cost: $50 - $200

Repair Steps

  1. 1Remove shingles around vent
  2. 2Remove old boot
  3. 3Clean pipe surface
  4. 4Install new boot
  5. 5Replace shingles and seal

DIY-Friendly Repairs

  • Replacing a few missing shingles
  • Cleaning gutters and downspouts
  • Applying roof sealant to small cracks
  • Replacing vent boots
  • Minor gutter repairs
  • Removing debris from roof

Hire a Professional For

  • Any repair requiring roof access on steep slopes
  • Flashing repairs around chimneys
  • Structural repairs or sagging
  • Large areas of damage
  • Ice dam remediation
  • Any repair if you're uncomfortable with heights
  • Insurance claim documentation
  • Anything involving electrical (solar panels, etc.)

Denver Hail Damage: Insurance Claims

Steps to File a Claim

  1. 1Document damage with photos and video immediately after storm
  2. 2Contact your insurance company within 24-48 hours
  3. 3Get a professional inspection and written estimate
  4. 4Meet with insurance adjuster for their assessment
  5. 5Review and negotiate settlement if needed

Important Tips

  • • Don't sign contracts with storm chasers who appear after hail
  • • Get multiple estimates from reputable local contractors
  • • Understand your deductible and depreciation
  • • Keep all documentation and correspondence
  • • You have the right to choose your own contractor
  • • Consider upgrading to impact-rated shingles (Class 4)

Prevention is Key

Regular maintenance prevents most repairs. Learn how to care for your roof.

Maintenance GuideCost Guide