How much does it cost to replace missing shingles in Virginia?

What moves the price

How much is damaged. Two missing tabs and a storm-torn section are different jobs. A roofer also has to look at the shingles around the damage, and any that are cracked or loose get replaced too.

Roof pitch and height. A low single-storey roof is quicker and safer to work on than a steep or two-storey one. Steep roofs usually need extra safety equipment and time.

Shingle type and availability. Three-tab, architectural and designer shingles cost different amounts, and an older or discontinued style may be hard to match. The U.S. Forest Service's roofing guide describes a 3-tab fiberglass shingle and a heavier laminated architectural shingle as separate products with different expected lifespans.^[1]

What is underneath. Wet underlayment or soft decking turns a shingle repair into a decking repair. The building code treats the two separately: it lists replacement of 100 square feet or less of roof covering as an ordinary repair, and replacement of 256 square feet or less of roof decking in Groups R-3, R-4 and R-5 in the same category.^[2] A quote that says nothing about hidden damage is leaving a gap you will pay for later.

Flashing and vents nearby. Many apparent roof leaks are really flashing leaks, and the Forest Service guide advises checking flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall and roof junctions.^[1] A good roofer looks at them while they are up there, and any work on them is a separate line on the quote.

Minimum charges. Many roofers have a minimum for a small repair visit, which covers travel, setup and safety. A one-shingle job often costs about as much as a small group of them, so it is worth fixing every known problem in one visit.

Timing. After a big storm, roofers get busy. Ask for a firm quote and a start date, and do not accept a vague "we will see once we are up there" for anything over a small repair.

Getting a quote you can compare

Virginia's Board for Contractors rules require a residential contractor to use a legible written contract that includes a listing of specified materials and work to be performed,^[3] a statement of the total cost of the project,^[3] and the amounts and schedule for progress payments, including a specific statement on the amount of the down payment.^[3] The rules also say any modification that changes the cost, materials, work to be performed, or estimated completion date must be in writing and signed by all parties.^[3]

When you compare two quotes, check that they cover the same things:

• how many shingles or square feet, and what happens if more damage turns up
• the shingle brand, type and colour, and the underlayment and flashing used
• whether decking repair is included, and how it is priced if it is needed
• cleanup, disposal and the start and finish dates
• the roofer's licence number and class, and the warranty on the work

DPOR's rule of thumb on deposits is to pay 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever amount is less, not to let payments get ahead of the work, and not to pay 100% of the bill until the work is 100% complete and you are satisfied.^[4]

Permits and warranty can change the bill

A small repair seldom needs a permit. Virginia's building code lists replacement of 100 square feet or less of roof covering in all groups and all wind zones as an ordinary repair,^[2] though the building official may require an application for roofing work in a locally designated historic district.^[2]

If the roof is under a manufacturer's warranty, who does the repair can matter. Owens Corning's warranty, for example, stays unaffected after a repair only if it is done by an Owens Corning Roofing Platinum or Preferred Contractor and Owens Corning products are used.^[5] Ask before you pick the cheapest quote.

Beware of storm-chaser pricing

Missing shingles often follow a storm, and so do door-to-door offers. DPOR says to be wary of door-to-door solicitations promising repairs at a discounted price, to insist on a written contract, not to pay in cash, and never to pay for the entire job upfront.^[4]

When to call a licensed pro

For the whole job; do not price it by climbing up to look. DPOR says that if the work you are considering is valued at $1,000 or more, a valid Virginia Contractor’s License is required for the license category in which the contractor is to work.^[6] A Class C licence covers a single contract over $1,000 but less than $30,000.^[7] Roofing contracting is the licensed service that provides for the installation, repair, removal, or improvement of materials common to the industry that form a watertight, weather resistant surface for roofs and decks.^[8] Check the licence before you pay a deposit.

Related reading: can a few missing shingles be replaced without a new roof and should you replace missing shingles or the whole roof. Browse roofing repair answers or roofing services. To get prices for your own roof, describe the job once and licensed local roofers quote it.