Can a Damaged Roof be Repaired? The 25% Rule on Long Island
Yes, a damaged roof can be repaired when the problem is localized to a specific feature or area of the roof. Long Island roofing contractors typically follow a 25% rule. If more than 25% of your roof is damaged or significantly degraded, a complete roof replacement is usually more cost-efficient.
Let’s look at how the 25% rule is applied and what it means when you need roof repairs in Nassau or Suffolk County.
Quick Checklist: Is Your Roof Damage Repairable?
Minor and localized damage is usually a candidate for roof repair with a Long Island roofing contractor.
Examples of common roof repairs include:
- Small sections of missing or damaged shingles, such as shingles dislodged by a minor impact or storm.
- Localized leaks around chimneys or skylights. These are usually flashing problems rather than shingle problems.
- Granule loss in a small area. You will see this as a small section of your roof that has lost its sand-like texture.
An inspection is the first step in determining if your roof is repairable. Don’t ignore any potential damage or wear. Call a licensed roofer immediately when you notice missing shingles, curled shingles, cracks in the roofing surface, sagging, or leaking.
Understanding the 25% Rule for Roof Repairs on Long Island
The 25% rule isn’t a law in New York. It’s a threshold used by contractors to ensure cost-efficiency and practicality. It protects you from spending money on repairs that aren’t likely to last. It also saves you the time of calling a contractor frequently for additional repairs and touch-ups for a failing roofing system.
- Any repairs that affect more than 25% of your roof must be carefully considered. If there’s any risk of further damage or deterioration, then it’s better to invest in a new roof now and avoid snowballing costs.
- Age is a factor. If your roof is over 15 years old, then a replacement is almost always more economical, as other sections of the roof will be more likely to fail.
- A replacement ensures a clean slate. The entire roof will be new and will age at a uniform rate. A new roof is more stable and less likely to need repairs within the next decade.
- If 25% of your roof is failing or damaged, it’s likely that there’s damage to the roof deck, and this could mean that the rest of the roof will soon follow.
A trusted and experienced roofing contractor makes a huge difference when considering your options. Renew Roofing Solutions is based on Long Island and understands the unique environment and challenges that roofing materials face. We can provide a detailed inspection and analysis to help you make an informed decision. We can provide photos of any damaged sections we discover to help you visualize the condition of your roof.
Replacing Your Roof Can Protect Your Insurance
If you repair an older or decayed roof while leaving some sections untouched, your insurer could refuse a claim when the rest of the roof catastrophically fails. Insurers don’t cover roof damage caused by neglect, age, wear and tear, or improper maintenance.
Get an Estimate for Long Island Roof Repair Today
Renew Roofing Solutions is an Owens Corning® Preferred Contractor with access to the most durable roofing shingles. Owens Corning® products are designed for high wind resistance and excellent performance in heat and humidity. They are perfect for roof repair and replacement on Long Island.
Get a detailed inspection and estimate for your roof repair by calling us at 516-212-0307 or 914-415-7702 today.


