Fixing a leaky roof isn’t just about slapping on some tar and calling it done. If you’ve noticed water stains on your ceiling or missing shingles after a storm, you’re probably wondering how much it’ll cost to fix it - and whether you can even do it yourself. The truth is, most roof repairs are doable without hiring a contractor, but only if you know what you’re looking for and how to measure it right. A bad estimate can leave you overpaying, underprepared, or worse - stuck with a roof that fails again next winter.
Start by identifying the type of damage
Not all roof problems are the same. You can’t estimate a repair if you don’t know what you’re fixing. The most common issues are:- Missing or cracked shingles
- Flashing damage around chimneys, vents, or skylights
- Granule loss on asphalt shingles
- Rotting roof decking or sheathing
- Ice dam damage in colder climates
Look at your roof from the ground first. Use binoculars if you have them. If you see more than five damaged shingles in one area, that’s a red flag. A single missing shingle might be a $50 fix. Ten shingles plus damaged flashing? That’s closer to $500. If you see soft spots on your attic floor or water pooling near rafters, you’ve got deeper damage - maybe even structural. That changes everything.
Measure the affected area
Roofing materials are sold by the square - one square equals 100 square feet. You don’t need to measure your whole roof. Just the damaged part. Here’s how:- Find the damaged section. Mark its edges with chalk or tape from inside the attic if you can safely access it.
- Use a tape measure to get the length and width of the area. Multiply them to get square footage.
- Divide that number by 100 to get squares.
Example: A 10-foot by 12-foot area of missing shingles = 120 sq ft = 1.2 squares. You’ll need to buy at least 1.5 squares to account for waste and trimming. Roofing contractors always add 10-15% extra for cuts and overlaps. Do the same.
Know your roofing material
Asphalt shingles are the most common in North America - and the cheapest to repair. But if you have metal, tile, or wood shake, prices jump. Here’s what you’re likely dealing with:| Material | Repair Cost per Square | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt 3-tab shingles | $80-$120 | Most common; easy to match |
| Asphalt architectural shingles | $120-$180 | Thicker, more durable; harder to match |
| Metal roofing | $200-$400 | Requires special tools and sealants |
| Clay or concrete tile | $300-$600 | Heavy; risk of breaking during removal |
| Wood shake | $250-$500 | Hard to find matching wood; needs treatment |
If you’re replacing just a few shingles, you can often match them by taking one to a local roofing supply store. But if your roof is older than 10 years, finding an exact match is tough. That’s when you might need to replace a whole section - or consider a full replacement down the line.
Factor in underlayment and flashing
Most people forget about the hidden layers. The shingles you see are just the top. Beneath them is underlayment - a waterproof barrier - and flashing - metal strips that seal joints. If water got through, chances are the underlayment is damaged too. Replacing it adds $50-$100 per square. Flashing around chimneys and vents? That’s another $75-$150 per section.Here’s a real example from a home in Burlington: A homeowner noticed a leak near the chimney after heavy snow. They thought it was just a few shingles. But when they pulled them up, the felt underlayment was soggy and torn. The flashing was rusted through. They ended up replacing 1.5 squares of shingles, 2 squares of underlayment, and 6 feet of new copper flashing. Total material cost: $410. Labor would’ve been $800+. They did it themselves over a weekend.
Don’t forget safety and tools
Roofing isn’t just about materials. You need the right gear. A basic repair kit includes:- Roofing nails (1.5-inch galvanized)
- Roofing cement or sealant (for flashing)
- Utility knife
- Hammer or nail gun
- Chalk line
- Sturdy ladder with stabilizers
- Non-slip roofing shoes
- Safety harness (if working on steep slopes)
If you’re not comfortable climbing on your roof, hire someone. Falling off a roof isn’t a DIY mistake you recover from. Most insurance claims for roof damage come from people who tried to fix it themselves and got hurt.
Compare quotes - even if you plan to DIY
Even if you’re going to do the work yourself, call three local roofing companies for free estimates. Ask them to break down their quote: materials, labor, disposal, permits. You’ll learn what materials cost in your area. You’ll see what’s considered standard. And you’ll spot red flags - like a quote that includes replacing your entire roof when only three shingles are missing.In Ontario, most roof repairs don’t require a permit unless you’re changing the structure or covering more than 25% of the roof. But if you’re in a heritage district like Burlington’s Old Town, check with the city. Some neighborhoods have rules about shingle color or material.
When to call a pro
You can fix most small repairs alone. But walk away if you see any of these:- More than 25% of your roof is damaged
- Rotting wood under the shingles
- Water damage in your attic or ceiling
- Multiple leaks in different areas
- Your roof is over 15 years old
At that point, it’s not a repair - it’s a replacement waiting to happen. A full roof replacement in Ontario averages $8,000-$15,000 depending on size and material. But if you wait too long, water damage to your walls, insulation, or framing can cost $20,000+ to fix.
Keep a repair log
After you fix it, take photos and write down what you did: date, materials used, how much you spent, and what you replaced. Keep this in a folder. If you sell your home, this log proves you maintained the roof. Buyers and inspectors love it. It also helps if you need to file an insurance claim later.Roof repairs are one of the few home projects where doing it right the first time saves you thousands. A $100 fix today prevents a $5,000 mess tomorrow. Don’t guess. Measure. Match. Document. And if in doubt - get a second opinion before you climb up there.
