A damaged or aging roof isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a high-stakes decision point. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably staring at one of two options:
Do I repair my roof… or is it time to replace it?
It’s a question that keeps Oklahoma homeowners up at night — especially after a storm, when you're juggling insurance adjusters, quotes, and a dozen opinions from friends and family.
Let’s cut through the noise.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the smartest, most cost-effective decision for your home — without sales pressure or vague advice.
At Tier-One Roofing, we’ve helped hundreds of families across Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and surrounding communities weigh this exact question. So here it is — your no-nonsense, but extremely caring roadmap to getting it right.
1. Understand the Big Picture: Repair vs. Replacement
Before diving into technicalities, let’s set the stage.
Roof Repair means fixing isolated issues — like replacing a few shingles, patching leaks, or sealing flashing.
Roof Replacement means tearing off the existing materials and installing an entirely new roofing system (decking, underlayment, shingles, vents, etc.).
Which is right for you? That depends on a mix of factors:
Roof age
Type of damage
Insurance coverage
Materials
Local code compliance
Long-term value
Not sure where your roof stands? Schedule a free inspection with Tier-One Roofing — we’ll walk your roof, not your wallet.
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2. Consider the Age of Your Roof
One of the most reliable indicators is how old your roof is.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Roof Type Average Lifespan 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles 15–20 years Architectural Shingles 20–30 years Metal Roofing 40+ years Flat Roofs 10–25 years (depends on material)If your roof is nearing or past its expected lifespan, a repair might just be a band-aid — not a real fix.
💡 Tier-One Perspective:
“We’ll repair a roof if it makes sense — but if it’s on its last leg, we’d rather be honest with you than patch it just to collect a check.”
3. Evaluate the Type and Extent of Damage
Storm damage in Oklahoma can range from minor to catastrophic.
If your damage is isolated:
A few missing shingles
One leak, located at flashing
One small soft spot in the decking
No granule loss or curling
➡️ Repair is likely okay, especially if the roof is younger and the underlayment is still intact.
If your damage is widespread:
Multiple shingle areas blown off
Hail bruising or pitting
Soft or rotted decking in multiple spots
Multiple active leaks
Shingle lifting across large sections
➡️ Replacement is usually smarter — both in cost and long-term performance.
📸 Pro Tip: Have us photograph your damage and show you exactly what we see from the roof.
Visuals tell the real story — and you’ll feel confident either way.
4. What Does Your Insurance Say?
Let’s be real: Insurance often plays a huge role in this decision.
Most homeowner claims fall under one of two policy types:
ACV (Actual Cash Value): Depreciates your roof’s value based on age
RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Pays for a full roof replacement (minus deductible)
If your roof is:
Over 10 years old
Has visible wear and tear
Wasn't installed to code
...your insurance might lean toward a repair payout — or deny it entirely.
But here’s the thing...
❗ Just because insurance offers a repair doesn’t mean that’s the right answer.
In fact, Tier-One has helped clients appeal lowball offers, provide proof of code-required upgrades, and secure full replacements when insurers tried to cut corners.
📣 Need help navigating the claims maze?
We’ll meet your adjuster, handle documentation, and fight for what’s fair.
Claim Support from Tier-One Roofing »
5. The Cost Comparison: Short-Term vs. Long-Term
It’s tempting to go for the quick fix — especially when money’s tight. But here’s what we tell every homeowner:
Repairs can add up fast if your roof keeps failing.
Let’s compare:
- Minor Repair (1 leak) Initial Cost: $400–$800 5-Year Cost: $400–$800
- Major Repairs (3+ leaks, soft decking, flashing) Initial Cost: $1,500–$3,500 5-Year Cost: $3,000–$7,000+
- Full Replacement (30-year shingle) Initial Cost: $8,000–$15,000 5-Year Cost: $8,000–$15,000Roof Repair vs Replacement in Oklahoma | Tier-One Roofing Guide
If your roof is failing in multiple spots, replacing it now may cost less over 5 years than chasing repairs that never last.
And let’s not forget resale value — a brand new roof can add $10,000–$15,000 to your home’s perceived value when selling.
💬 Tier-One Note:
“We don’t just throw quotes at you. We walk you through the financial impact of every option. No pressure — just clarity.”
6. Consider the Weather (and What’s Coming)
This is Oklahoma. We don’t get a “maybe” forecast — we get hail, 70mph winds, and straight-line rain that’ll test any roof’s limits.
If your roof is already compromised and storm season is around the corner, time is not your friend.
A small leak can:
Worsen overnight in a windstorm
Lead to mold or attic rot
Jeopardize your insurance coverage (if they say you didn’t act fast enough)
⚠️ Don't Wait:
Tier-One Roofing offers expedited service for storm-related risks. We’ll tarp your roof if needed and prioritize your project.
Request Emergency Service »
7. Is the Repair Even Up to Code?
Here’s something most homeowners don’t know:
Oklahoma building code requires that if more than 25% of your roof plane is damaged, it must be fully replaced — not patched.
So if your adjuster suggests repairing 40% of your roof? That’s not legal.
Also, if your existing roof has:
Outdated ventilation
No ice & water shield
No proper flashing or drip edge
…then even a repair job might require these upgrades to meet code — increasing the cost of that “cheap” repair.
📞 Call Tier-One Roofing for a Code-Compliant Quote.
We’ll tell you what’s legal, what’s smart, and what saves you money long-term.
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8. Your Home’s Value & Curb Appeal
If you’re planning to sell your home in the next few years, your roof matters more than you think.
An old or patched roof:
Reduces buyer confidence
Leads to failed inspections
Is a negotiation target (you’ll be forced to lower your price)
A new roof:
Increases resale value
Boosts curb appeal
Signals a well-maintained home
Buyers ask: “How old is the roof?” If your answer is “we patched it last spring” — expect them to walk.
Even if you’re not selling, your peace of mind matters. A new roof means no more emergency buckets, late-night leaks, or wind flapping sounds during storms.
9. What Materials Are Currently On Your Roof?
If you currently have:
3-tab shingles (older, less durable)
Improper slope or pitch
Outdated decking or improper layering
…it may not be worth investing another dime into temporary fixes.
Today’s architectural shingles:
Last longer (25–30+ years)
Have better wind and impact resistance
Often come with manufacturer warranties if installed by certified pros like Tier-One Roofing
Also, new roof systems can include:
Ridge venting for airflow
Synthetic underlayment (no more felt!)
Starter strips for wind resistance
Upgraded flashing to prevent leaks
We install these upgrades on every roof — not as pricey add-ons, but as the new standard.
📢 Thinking about a materials upgrade?
We’ll walk you through shingle options, colors, and impact ratings. No guesswork — just real pros, real solutions.
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10. When a Repair Makes the Most Sense
We’re not going to pretend every situation calls for a full roof replacement.
Sometimes, repairs are exactly the right move.
Here’s when:
Your roof is under 10 years old
The leak or damage is localized
You’re covered by RCV insurance, and the claim reflects full value
You’ve already replaced sections within warranty
There are no underlying code issues or decking damage
In these cases, Tier-One Roofing offers fast, honest repairs with long-lasting materials and documented workmanship — not a patch job from a pickup truck roofer.
💪 We Stand By Our Work.
Our repair jobs come with written warranties and real follow-up. If we fix it — it stays fixed.
Repair or Replace? Here’s the Bottom Line.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and anyone who gives you one over the phone is guessing.
But here’s the truth:
A well-timed replacement can save you thousands long-term.
A proper repair can give you peace of mind for years — if your roof is healthy underneath.
And either way, the right roofer should help you decide, not push you toward what makes them the most money.
At Tier-One Roofing, our process is simple:
We inspect your roof — for free.
We show you photos, explain your options, and walk through your policy if needed.
You decide — with full clarity and zero pressure.
🛠️ Need help deciding? Start with a free inspection today.
You don’t have to make this decision alone — and you don’t have to make it blind.
Book Your Roof Inspection Now »
Bonus: Quick Decision Checklist
Here’s a quick summary you can use right now:
Choose Repair If...
- Your roof is under 10–12 years old
- The damage is isolated
- Your insurance covers the cost fully
- There’s no hidden or widespread rot
- You’re planning to sell very soon and just need it to pass inspection
Choose Replacement If...
- Your roof is 15+ years old
- Hail or wind caused widespread shingle loss
- You’ve had multiple repairs in recent years
- Code requires full replacement
- You want a longer-term warranty and peace of mind
Still unsure?
Let Tier-One Roofing give you the honest, experienced guidance you deserve — with the same care we’d show our own families.
📞 Let’s Talk Roofing.
Call us now or fill out our contact form. Either way, we’ll get your answers fast.
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