Half a Roof, Twice the Trouble

Replacing half a roof might sound like a reasonable compromise—until it isn’t. When Angela’s insurance company told her they’d only pay to replace the back half of her roof, it seemed fair. After all, that’s where most of the hail hit. And they said it would save time and money.

But three months later, Angela called me in a panic. The front half—the “good” half—had started leaking.

The shingles had been lifted to tie in the new ones. But once they were disturbed, they never resealed. And with the next storm, water found its way in. Through the attic. Into the drywall. Down to her hardwood floors.

That “cost-saving” decision? It became a $12,000 mistake.

Here’s why replacing only part of a roof almost always ends up costing homeowners more—and why insurance companies hope you won’t question it.

Replacing just half of a roof might sound like a cost-saving move—but in reality, it creates more problems than it solves.

1. Shingle Damage During Tie-In
   To install new shingles next to old ones, contractors must lift or remove the existing shingles along the transition line. This often breaks the seal and weakens surrounding shingles, making them more vulnerable to wind and water. Once disturbed, these older shingles may not re-adhere properly—especially if they’ve aged, curled, or become brittle.
2. Loss of Uniform Protection
   Shingles work together as a system. When only half the roof is replaced, you introduce inconsistencies in performance. The new side sheds water better, resists wind better, and handles UV rays better—while the older side continues to degrade, exposing the home to future leaks and damage.
3. Age Discrepancy = Uneven Wear
   A roof with two different ages doesn’t age gracefully. As time passes, the older half may fail far sooner—meaning more repairs, more claims, and more risk for both the homeowner and insurer.
4. Manufacturer Warranty Conflicts
   Many shingle manufacturers void or limit warranties when new materials are tied into old ones. If there’s a problem down the road, the homeowner may be left without coverage—just because the insurance company refused to pay for a full replacement.
5. Visual Mismatch
   Even if the same brand and color are used, the older shingles will have faded. A partial replacement creates an obvious visual mismatch that affects curb appeal and resale value.
6. Reduced Home Value and Marketability
   Home inspectors and buyers often flag a split roof as a future liability. This can lower your home’s value or make it harder to sell.
7. Code Violations in Some Areas
   Certain jurisdictions or roofing codes may not allow partial replacement if the existing materials are too degraded, or if the roof plane exceeds certain damage thresholds.

Bottom Line:
When a roof is damaged, it should be replaced as a system—because that’s how it functions. Anything less is a shortcut that benefits the insurer, not the homeowner. If a test square or inspection reveals enough damage on one side, chances are the rest isn’t far behind. And in cases where a match can’t be made, or where the integrity of the system would be compromised, a full replacement isn’t just fair—it’s necessary.

Can a roofer Help me?

Yes, in Oklahoma, a roofer or roofing contractor can assist you in obtaining full roof replacement coverage through your insurance, provided they operate within legal boundaries. Here’s how they can help:

How a Roofer Can Assist

1. Damage Assessment and Documentation: After a storm, a reputable roofer can conduct a thorough inspection of your roof, documenting all damage with photographs and detailed notes. This documentation is crucial when filing an insurance claim.
2. Providing Repair Estimates: The roofer can supply a comprehensive estimate for the repair or replacement costs, which you can submit to your insurance company.
3. Meeting with Insurance Adjusters: During the insurance adjuster’s inspection, having your roofer present can ensure that all damage is properly identified and considered. The roofer can answer technical questions and point out issues that might otherwise be overlooked.
4. Assisting with Supplements: If additional damage is discovered after the initial claim is filed, the roofer can help submit supplemental claims to cover these unforeseen costs.

Legal Considerations in Oklahoma

It’s important to note that in Oklahoma, roofing contractors are not permitted to act as public adjusters unless they are licensed as such. This means they cannot negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf or represent you in claim disputes. However, they can provide the necessary documentation and be present during inspections to support your claim.

Importance of Policy Type

Your insurance policy type significantly affects your claim outcome. Policies offering Replacement Cost Value (RCV) cover the full cost of replacing your roof without deducting for depreciation, whereas Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies factor in depreciation, potentially leaving you with higher out-of-pocket expenses.

Choosing the Right Roofer

Select a local, licensed, and insured roofer with experience in handling insurance claims. They should be familiar with Oklahoma’s building codes and insurance processes. Avoid contractors who promise to cover your insurance deductible, as this practice is illegal in Oklahoma.

By collaborating with a knowledgeable roofer and understanding your insurance policy, you can navigate the claims process more effectively and increase the likelihood of securing full coverage for your roof replacement.