Short answer: repair when the damage is isolated and the roof is under about 15 years old; replace when leaks keep coming back, shingles are worn across the roof, or the decking is soft. Here's how to tell which side of the line you're on.
1. How old is the roof?
Architectural shingles in Coastal Georgia often last 20 to 30 years, and older 3-tab shingles closer to 15 to 20. Heat, shade and poor ventilation shorten that. If you don't know the age, the home's purchase paperwork or a permit search often tells you.
2. Is the damage in one spot or everywhere?
A cracked pipe boot or a few lifted shingles after a storm are repair jobs. Granule loss, curling and cracking across every slope mean the shingles themselves are worn out.
3. Has it leaked before?
One leak fixed properly is normal. Repeated leaks in new places usually mean the roof is near the end of its life.
4. What's under the shingles?
Soft spots when walking the roof, or stains and rot on attic boards, point to decking damage. Decking can be replaced during a roof replacement, but shingles laid over rotted wood won't last.
5. What will each option cost over five years?
Most Savannah repairs cost a few hundred dollars up to about $1,500, while typical replacements run $8,000 to $16,000. If you're likely to spend repair money every year, replacement with financing can cost less over time.
Get a straight answer
A free roof inspection gives you photos of every issue and an honest recommendation. Or start with the 60-second Roof Health Quiz.