Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

You’re standing in the yard looking up at your roof after another long Tacoma rain, wondering if this is the year you finally need to replace it. Maybe there’s a small leak near the chimney, or a few shingles blew off in the last windstorm. It’s tempting to just patch it again and move on. But how do you really know when a repair isn’t enough anymore? At Robb’s Roofing, we get this question every week.

When a Repair Still Makes Sense

If your roof is in good shape overall — maybe just a few damaged shingles or minor flashing issues — a repair might be all you need. Tacoma’s weather is tough on roofs, but one localized fix can often buy you several more years.

Here’s when repair is the smarter move:

• Your roof is under 15 years old. Materials still have plenty of life left.
• Damage is limited. A small leak, a missing shingle, or loose flashing.
• You haven’t had frequent issues. One-off problems are normal; repeated ones aren’t.

A good repair job costs far less than a replacement, typically $500–$2,000, depending on what’s involved.

When It’s Time to Replace

If the same leaks keep coming back or the roof’s pushing past 20 years, that’s usually a sign to start fresh. Asphalt shingles don’t last forever, and Tacoma’s constant rain and temperature swings wear them down faster than you’d think.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Multiple leaks or soft spots. That means the underlayment’s breaking down.
• Curling, cracking, or missing shingles. Water’s getting underneath.
• Moss or algae that keeps returning. It’s holding moisture deep in the layers.
• Three or more repairs in the last few years. Costs start adding up fast.

Quick Guide

Quick answer: If your roof’s over 20 years old or damage is widespread, replacement is the better long-term fix.

Try this: Add up repair costs from the past 5 years and compare them to a replacement quote.

Stop signs: More than one active leak or repeated repair visits.

Typical cost: Full replacement runs $9,000–$20,000+, depending on roof size and materials.

Why Tacoma Roofs Wear Out So Fast

Our mix of rain, moss, and chilly nights doesn’t give roofs much of a break. The moisture gets under the shingles, freezes, and expands. Add a few windstorms and you’ve got lifted shingles, cracked flashing, and slow leaks that only show up after months of rain.

That’s why replacing sooner — instead of patching again and again — often saves money in the long run.

How Robb’s Roofing Helps You Decide

When we inspect a roof, we don’t push for replacement unless it’s truly needed. We look at the structure, the ventilation, and how much life the shingles have left. Then we give you an honest breakdown — what a repair would cost, what a replacement would cost, and what makes sense for your home.

Call Robb’s Roofing at (253) 820-2163 for a full roof inspection. We’ll give you straight answers, real numbers, and a plan that fits your home and budget — no pressure, no guesswork.