[nightski]

You are absolutely correct. However, there are better ways to handle a roof replacement than incurring the $10k+ cost in one year. It's a foregone conclusion that you will need a new roof, just a matter of when. Best to start saving right away every month and include that in your overall cost calculation. It's much easier to pay for a roof over 25 years instead of all at once. Plus then you can use interest to your advantage.