Roof Repair vs Replacement: What’s Covered by Insurance?

Roof Repair vs Replacement: What’s Covered by Insurance?

When your home sustains roof damage after a storm, one of the first questions to answer is whether your roof needs a repair or a full replacement — and what your insurance will actually cover. Insurance companies make this distinction carefully, and the outcome can significantly affect both the scope of the work and your out-of-pocket cost.

At United Contracting, we have helped hundreds of homeowners in Wake County and surrounding areas navigate insurance decisions following storm damage. This article breaks down the key differences between roof repair and roof replacement, how insurance companies make coverage decisions, and how to protect your interests during the claims process.

Understanding the Difference: Repair vs. Replacement

Roof Repair

A roof repair typically involves fixing a small, localized area of damage. This might include:

• Replacing a few missing or lifted shingles
  
  
• Sealing small leaks
  
  
• Replacing a section of flashing
  
  
• Fixing minor storm impact without full tear-off
  
  

Repairs are more common when the damage is limited, the materials are newer, and the surrounding areas are in good condition.

Roof Replacement

A full roof replacement involves removing and disposing of all existing shingles and underlayment, inspecting the decking, and installing a completely new roofing system. Replacement is recommended or required when:

• Damage affects more than 25 to 30 percent of the roof
  
  
• Shingles are old, brittle, or no longer manufactured
  
  
• Underlying materials (such as decking) have rotted or deteriorated
  
  
• A matching repair is not feasible due to color or product line issues
  
  
• Code upgrades are required by the municipality
  
  

Many insurance policies will cover full replacement if repair is not reasonable or safe.

How Insurance Companies Decide Between Repair and Replacement

1. Extent of Damage

Insurance adjusters begin by evaluating the scope of the damage. If the storm damage is widespread across multiple sections of the roof, especially if hail or wind impacted the entire surface, a full replacement is often justified. If the damage is limited to one side or just a few shingles, the insurance company may lean toward repairs.

2. Age and Condition of the Roof

Older roofs are more likely to qualify for full replacement under a claim, especially if the shingles are brittle, discontinued, or no longer meet modern code requirements. If your roof is newer and in otherwise good shape, your insurance provider may determine that a repair is sufficient.

3. Material Match Availability

If the damaged materials are not available or cannot be matched in color or profile, and your policy includes matching coverage, your insurance company may approve a full roof replacement. This is common with older roofs or proprietary shingle colors.

4. Building Code Requirements

Some municipalities in North Carolina, including parts of Wake and Durham counties, have building codes that require full replacement in certain conditions. For example, if there are already two layers of roofing, or if the decking cannot meet current fastening standards, insurance may be required to pay for a replacement instead of a repair.

What Homeowners Often Miss in the Fine Print

It is important to understand that not all insurance policies are the same. The outcome of your claim depends on your specific coverage, including:

• Whether your policy includes full replacement cost (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV)
  
  
• Whether code upgrades are covered
  
  
• The deductible you are responsible for
  
  
• Any exclusions for materials or age limits
  
  

At United Contracting, we review your policy with you and help identify key factors that can affect your claim outcome. Our job is to ensure you are not pressured into an unnecessary repair or underpaid for a full replacement.

Real Example from Wake County

In spring of 2024, a homeowner in Apex contacted us after a windstorm blew shingles off the rear slope of their roof. The insurance adjuster initially recommended a small repair. Upon inspection, we found extensive granule loss, creased shingles, and mismatched replacements from a previous repair.

We submitted documentation proving the damage extended across the entire structure and that the shingles were no longer manufactured. After a supplemental review, the claim was updated to a full replacement, and the homeowner received a brand-new roof covered almost entirely by insurance.

How United Contracting Helps You Get the Coverage You Deserve

As a contractor that specializes in storm restoration and insurance claims, we know how to present your case properly. Our process includes:

• Free roof inspection and full damage report
  
  
• Detailed photo documentation
  
  
• Review of your policy and deductible
  
  
• Meeting with your insurance adjuster on-site
  
  
• Supplement request support if needed
  
  
• Direct communication with your provider to advocate on your behalf
  
  

Many roofing companies focus only on the install. We focus on both your roof and your rights as a policyholder.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Insurance Coverage

Will insurance cover a full roof replacement if only part of it is damaged?

In some cases, yes. If matching shingles are unavailable, or damage is widespread, your policy may allow for full replacement. This often depends on whether you have matching coverage or code upgrade protection.

What is the difference between RCV and ACV?

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies cover the full cost of replacing the roof, minus your deductible. Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies pay based on the roof’s depreciated value, which may leave you paying more out of pocket.

Can I choose to upgrade materials and pay the difference?

Yes. If your policy covers replacement with like-kind materials, you can often upgrade to metal, impact-resistant shingles, or architectural shingles and simply pay the difference beyond what insurance covers.

What if my insurance only approves a repair, but I want a full replacement?

You can submit a supplemental claim or request a re-inspection. We assist with this process by providing updated reports and documentation to justify the upgrade.

Do I need to get multiple estimates?

No. Your insurance provider will issue payment based on their adjuster’s estimate. Choosing the right contractor to verify that scope is more important than collecting multiple quotes.

Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection in Wake County Today

Do not leave your roof insurance claim to chance. Whether you need a simple repair or a full replacement, United Contracting will help you navigate the insurance process, advocate for your needs, and deliver high-quality results.

We proudly serve homeowners in Wake, Durham, Harnett, Franklin, and surrounding counties.

Call: (984) 363-7670
Email: kyle.h@unitedcontracting.llc
Hours: Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM