Best Roof Financing Options: 7 Loans to Consider
Unless you have $5K to $14K set aside in an emergency fund for a roof replacement, you’ll need to understand available options for roof financing. The best funding choice for you will depend on a few different factors, including how quickly you need the repair done and your financial qualifications.
We’ll explain the seven best roof financing options to cover your roof repair expenses below.
The 7 best roof financing options to consider
A roof loan is a credit account obtained to fix or replace a roof. The best roofing financing option for you depends on how urgent your roof repair needs are. The table below provides a quick overview of the roof financing options we’ll cover with a brief pros and cons breakdown for each.
| Roof financing type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Personal loan | Quick funding Fixed rates No collateral required | Higher rates than home equity options Shorter terms than home equity options |
| Home equity loan | Lower fixed rates than personal loans Tax-deductible interest | Takes longer to get funds Could lose your home if you default |
| HELOC | Interest-only payments possible Only repay the balance charged | Variable interest rates Could lose your home if you default |
| Cash-out refinance | Lower rates than all other roof financing options Tax-deductible interest | Takes longer to get funds than other home equity products Higher closing costs Could lose your home if you default |
| Government-issued loans | Can roll roof repair and mortgage closing costs into the loan amount Lower rates than home equity or personal loans | Higher closing costs More complicated approval process |
| Roof contractor financing | Easy approval with builder lender Interest-free options for good-credit borrowers | Higher interest rates Potential lien on home |
| Credit card | Quick funding Easy approval | High APRs Variable rates Potential transaction fees |
1. Personal loan: Fix your roof without the risk of losing your home
A personal loan is disbursed in a lump sum and repaid in fixed-rate monthly installments. You can typically borrow between $1,000 and $100,000, depending on your credit score and the loan term.
If your roof repair needs are urgent, it’s possible to get cash in one business day with a personal loan, though the process can take as long as a week, depending on the lender. Another perk: Like a credit card, you won’t have a lien placed on your home or other possessions. That means you won’t lose your home if you fall behind on payments or default on the loan.
Personal loans are available with annual percentage rates (APRs) between 5.99% and 36.00%. The best rates go to borrowers with the highest credit scores. One drawback compared to mortgage options: Personal loan interest isn’t tax-deductible.
The best home improvement loan lenders
| Lender | Best for… | APR range | Loan terms | Loan amounts | Credit score required | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Joint loans | 8.99% - 29.99% | 24 to 60 months | $5,000 - $50,000 | 640 | See Personalized Results |
 | Secured loans | 5.99% - 29.91% | 36 to 84 months | $5,000 - $50,000 | 580 | See Personalized Results |
 | Superior customer service | 7.99% - 24.99% | 36 to 84 months | $2,500 - $40,000 | 720 | See Personalized Results |
 | Large loans with long repayment terms | 6.99% - 21.19% (with autopay) | 24 to 240 months | $5,000 - $100,000 | Not specified | See Personalized Results |
 | Small loans | 8.99% - 17.99% | 12 to 60 months | $600 - $50,000 | Not specified | See Personalized Results |
 | Same-day loans | 8.99% - 35.49% (with discounts) | 24 to 84 months | $5,000 - $100,000 | 680 | See Personalized Results |
 | Flexible due dates | 7.99% - 35.99% (with discounts) | 24 to 84 months | $1,000 - $50,000 | 580 | See Personalized Results |
 | Bad-credit borrowers | 6.70% - 35.99% | 36 or 60 months | $1,000 - $75,000 | 300 | See Personalized Results |
2. Home equity loan: Cost effective, but slow to fund
Like a personal loan, a home equity loan is an installment loan, and it lets you borrow against the equity you’ve built up without replacing your existing first mortgage. If you’re budgeting for an expensive future roof replacement, or plan to upgrade to higher quality materials, a home equity loan gives you the security of a fixed rate and terms as long as 30 years to get you the lowest payment possible.
With a home equity loan, you’ll:
- Pay between 2% and 5% of your loan amount toward closing costs
- Qualify based on your income and credit history
- Need at least a 620 credit score (or higher to get the best home equity loan rates)
- Get a home appraisal to verify your home’s value
- Leave your existing low-rate first mortgage balance alone
- Have two monthly mortgage payments each month
- Risk losing your home if you default and the lender forecloses
An added bonus: Home equity loan interest for a roof replacement or repair is tax-deductible.
The best home equity loan lenders
| Lender | LendingTree rating | Available features | Lender review |
|---|---|---|---|
|  Best for low credit scores | 680 minimum credit score 90% LTV with higher score $45K minimum draw | Read our review |
|  Best for high LTV ratios | 5- to 30-year terms No-closing-cost options 100% LTV for qualified borrowers | Read our review |
|  Best for online experience | 5- to 30-year terms $10K to $500K loan amounts 0.25% rate discount for eligible borrowers | Read our review |
| Best for rate and closing cost discounts | 5- to 30-year terms 0.50% rate discount for eligible borrowers No upfront fees | Read our review |
| Best for fast closings | 5- to 30-year terms $500K maximum loan amount 14-day closings possible | Read our review |
Read more about how we gathered our list of best home equity lenders.3. Home equity line of credit (HELOC): An option that works like a credit card
A HELOC is a credit line secured by your home that works like a credit card. You can convert your home equity to cash as needed and make payments only on the balance owed.
Standard features of HELOCs include:
- Closing costs between 2% to 5% of your line amount, though HELOC lenders often offer no-cost options
- Interest-only payment options during the draw period to keep your payment as low as possible
- Lower rates than personal loans and credit cards
- Faster funding times than home equity loans and cash-out refinances
- Potential to lose your home if you can’t make the payments and default
The best HELOC lenders
| Lender | LendingTree rating | Available loan terms | Lender review |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best HELOC lender for high loan amounts | 10-year draw period 20-year repayment period | Read our review |
 | Best HELOC lender for quick closing | 2- to 5-year draw period 5- to 30-year repayment periods | Read our review |
 | Best lender for HELOCs with no closing costs | Not disclosed | Read our review |
 | Best lender for high-LTV HELOCs | 20-year draw period 20-year repayment period | Read our review |
 | Best lender for fixed-rate HELOCs | Variable-rate HELOCs: 10-year draw period with a 20-year repayment period Fixed-rate HELOCs: 5- to 30-year repayment periods | Read our review |
Learn more about how we chose our best HELOC lenders.4. Cash-out refinance: The lowest rate, but the longest wait for your cash
A cash-out refinance allows you to pay off your current mortgage with a new one at a higher loan amount than you owe. You can then use the cash difference to repair your roof. With this option, you’re spreading the cost of a new roof over your loan term and you can write off the interest on the money spent to fix your roof.
Cash-out refinance rates are also typically lower than home equity loan rates, giving you the lowest potential monthly payment of all of the roof financing options. This refinancing option is also easier to qualify for — for example, FHA cash-out refinance lenders may approve you with a score as low as 500.
However, on average, it takes about six weeks to close on a refinance, so it’s not a good choice in an emergency. But if you’re able to take advantage of lower rates and you’re not in a rush to replace your roof, a cash-out refinance may be worth a look.
Some things to consider about a cash-out refinance:
- In most cases, you can’t borrow more than 80% of your home’s appraised value
- You’ll need to qualify based on your income, credit and assets
- If current rates are lower than what you’re paying on your existing mortgage, you may also save money on your monthly payment
Interested in a cash-out refinance? Compare Personalized Offers TodayThe best refinance lenders
| Lender | LendingTree rating and "best of" category | Available features | Lender review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall refinance products | Minimum credit score: Not published Minimum down payment: 0% to 3.5% Available loan products and programs: Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, HELOC, interest-only and renovation loans | Read our review |
 | Online mortgage experience for traditional bank | Minimum credit score: Not disclosed Minimum down payment: 0% to 3% Available loan products and programs: Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo | Read our review |
 | Rate transparency | Minimum credit score: 620 Minimum down payment: 0% to 3.5% Available loan products and programs: Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo | Read our review |
 |  Variety of refinance products | Minimum credit score: 580 to 620 Minimum down payment: 0% to 3.5% Available loan products and programs: Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, HELOC, interest-only and renovation loans, reverse mortgages, physician loans | Read our review |
Read more about how we chose our picks for the best refinance lenders.
5. Government-insured loan: Finance your roof and other upgrades if you’re not in a rush
If your roofing needs aren’t urgent and you want to upgrade the materials or aesthetics of your roof (think: installing a tile roof versus asphalt shingle) to improve the value, a government-issued renovation loan may be worth a look.
Unlike a cash-out refinance, this type of loan is based on the estimated value of your home after you’ve upgraded the roof. That gives you more borrowing power than a home equity loan, HELOC or cash-out refinance, which are all based on your home’s value “as-is.”
Here’s a quick overview of some common fixer-upper loans:
- FHA 203(k) loan. The government-backed FHA 203(k) renovation loan allows you to add the roofing costs into your loan. Credit score requirements are more lenient (as low as 500 with at least 10% equity) than other renovation loan programs, but you may need an approved consultant to help if your roof costs more than $75,000 to repair.
- Fannie Mae HomeStyle® renovation loan. You can finance up to 97% of your home’s value and roll in the roof renovation costs. Your HomeStyle renovation lender approves the roofing contractor and project before the loan closes, and you’ll need at least a 620 credit score to qualify.
6. Roof contractor financing: Worth a look if you need a lender that works directly with roofers
Some roofing companies offer financing plans to cover some or all of your roof repair. The loan options range from revolving credit card accounts to installment loans with fixed rates and payments.
Depending on your credit, roof lenders may offer six months with no payments or interest charges. Before you take a zero-financing deal, compare the total cost to other roofing companies to make sure you’re not paying a “dealer fee.” Your total bill could be up to 10% more to pad the roofer’s pocket since you aren’t paying any interest.
The approval process may be as easy as a phone call, and the lender will work directly with the roofer to pay them for their work. Another plus: You’ll avoid credit card transaction charges since the roof lenders are affiliated with participating roofing contractors.
Ask your roofer about mechanics liens.
7. Credit card: Quick roof repair cash, but could be expensive over time
If you need money quickly for a serious roof issue and have a stellar credit score, you may qualify for a new credit card with a 12- to 18-month introductory 0% APR. This means you could finance your roof repair interest-free — as long as you pay off the entire balance within the promotional period.
Check out local big-box home improvement stores, like Home Depot or Lowe’s, for special financing options to cover your roof expenses.
If your credit is so-so, a credit card should probably be your last resort, unless your roof repair estimate is on the lower end and you can pay off the balance quickly. Average APRs on new credit cards recently hit 24.35%, according to LendingTree data — the highest APR since December 2024, following a fourth consecutive monthly increase. That potentially makes credit cards your most expensive roof financing option.
Ask the roofer about transaction fees if you pay with a credit card.
See our picks for the best credit cards.5 tips to help you get the best roof financing
You’ve reviewed the roof financing options and understand how they work, but how do you get the best deal on the right option? These five tips may help:
- Shop for the best rates and terms. Whether you’re applying for a credit card or a cash-out refinance, get quotes from at least three to five lenders and compare the options. If you’re dealing with a roof contractor, contact a few other roofers to see what they offer. With mortgages, rates change daily, so ask your loan officer to lock your mortgage rate once you’ve chosen a lender.
- If your roof repairs aren’t urgent, spruce up your credit ahead of time. The lowest rates and best terms always go to borrowers with the highest credit scores, and 780 is the “lowest-rate” benchmark to aim for. Reduce or pay off your credit card debt, don’t apply for multiple types of credit at once and make on-time payments to boost your credit score.
- Check your home’s value for any home equity loan options. Your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio measures how much of your home’s value is borrowed. Most home equity loan and HELOC programs set a maximum 85% LTV ratio, which means you’ll have to leave 15% of your home equity alone. Some high-LTV home equity lenders will let you borrow up to 100% of your home’s value if you qualify.
- Have income documents ready. All of the loan programs listed above require proof of income and employment history. Gather current pay stubs, W-2s and tax returns for a faster approval process.
- Get your home “open house” ready if you need an appraisal. One factor for determining value is an assessment of your home’s “condition,” which means the better it’s maintained, the better the LTV ratio will be. A little extra TLC could improve your LTV ratio and help you obtain a more favorable rate on your roof loan.
How much does it cost to replace a roof?
The average cost to replace a roof is $9,519, according to July 2025 data compiled by Angi. However, it can be as low as $5,868 and as high as $13,213, depending on a number of factors related to your roof’s structure.
Here’s a breakdown* of the things roofers consider when pricing out your roof repair:
Roof size
How much it costs: $4 to $11 per square foot
The more square footage a roofer has to repair or replace, the more you’ll spend.
Roof pitch
How much it costs: $1,000 to $3,000 in extra labor and materials
Roof pitch measures how steep your roof’s angle is. Roof workers may need extra safety equipment to replace a steep roof, adding to your total roof repair bill.
Materials
How much it costs: $5,800 to $20,000 for basic asphalt shingles
There are several different roofing materials to choose from, and their costs vary. Asphalt shingles are most common because of their durability in all types of climates and conditions.
Labor
How much it costs: About $40 to $90 an hour for professional replacement
There’s a lot of labor involved in replacing or repairing a roof — on average, about 60% of your total roofing bill is for labor costs. You may pay extra for a steep roof pitch or if your current roofing materials needs to be removed.
Location
How much it costs: Depends on the weather, climate and local housing market
Roof repairs in extreme heat or cold will cost more. Your local climate may require more expensive weather-resistant protection than asphalt shingles offer.
Permits
How much it costs: $100 to $1,400
Your roofer will include the cost of city permits in a roofing bid. If your home is governed by a homeowners association, check with them for any restrictions on the style or color of your roof.
Inspections
How much it costs: $240, on average
Some municipal governments require a building inspector’s eyes during the roof repair process, and those fees are passed on to you.
*Cost information based on 2025 data provided by Angi.
Personal loan methodology
We reviewed more than 30 lenders and companies to determine the overall best eight home improvement personal loans. To make our list, lenders must offer home improvement loans with competitive APRs. From there, we prioritize lenders based on the following factors:
- Accessibility: Lenders are ranked higher if their personal loans are available to more people and require fewer conditions. This may include lower credit requirements, wider geographic availability, faster funding and easier and more transparent prequalification and application processes.
- Rates and terms: We prioritize lenders with more competitive fixed rates, fewer fees and greater options for repayment terms, loan amounts and APR discounts.
- Repayment experience: For starters, we consider each lender’s reputation and business practices. We also favor lenders that report to all major credit bureaus, offer reliable customer service and provide any unique perks to customers, like free wealth coaching.
Home equity loan methodology
To determine the best home equity loan lenders, we reviewed data collected from 35 lender reviews completed by the LendingTree editorial staff for 2025.
Each lender review gives a rating between zero and five stars, based on several factors including loan features and loan variety, digital application processes and the availability of product and lending information online. To be eligible for the “best of” home equity loan title, lenders must have a lender review rating of at least four stars. To be considered for our “best overall” pick, lenders must issue mortgages in at least 35 states.
We awarded extra points to lenders that:
- Publish home equity loan rates online
- Provide detailed information about one or several different home equity loan options
- Offer a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio above the 85% industry standard
- Offer fast closing options
- Offer products with rate discounts or no closing costs
Our editorial team brought together the data from our lender reviews, as well as the scores awarded for home equity-specific characteristics, to find the lenders with a product mix, information base and guidelines that best serve the needs of home equity loan borrowers.
HELOC methodology
To determine the best HELOC lenders, we reviewed data collected from more than 30 lender reviews completed by the LendingTree editorial staff.
Each lender review gives a rating between zero and five stars, based on several HELOC features, including home equity product features and variety, digital application processes and the availability of product and lending information online. To be eligible for a “best of” HELOC title, lenders must have a lender review rating of at least four stars.
We awarded extra points to lenders who:
- Publish HELOC rates online
- Provide detailed information about one or several different HELOC loan options
- Offer a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio above the 85% industry standard
- Offer fast closing options
- Offer products with rate discounts or no closing costs
Our editorial team brought together the data from our lender reviews, as well as the scores awarded for HELOC-specific characteristics, to find the lenders with a product mix, information base and guidelines that best serve the needs of HELOC borrowers.
Refinance methodology
To determine the best refinance lenders, we reviewed data from more than 30 LendingTree lender reviews and evaluated the lenders’ refinance loan programs and services.
Each lender review gives a rating between zero and five stars based on several features including digital application processes, available loan products and the accessibility of product and lending information. To evaluate refinance-specific factors, we awarded extra points to lenders that publish a wide variety of refinance rates online, offer the most conventional and government-backed refinance loan types and offer renovation refinance loans for homeowners that want to fix up their homes and roll the costs into one loan.
Our editorial team brought together the star ratings, as well as the scores awarded for refinance-specific characteristics, to find the lenders with a product mix, information and guidelines that best serve the needs of refinance borrowers. To be included in the “best of” roundup, lenders must offer mortgages in at least 35 states.