Roof Leak Repair: A Guide To Fixing And Preventing A Leaky Roof

Every homeowner’s worst nightmare is noticing a water spot on the ceiling, and realizing you have a leaky roof. If left unattended, a leaky roof can cause mold, mildew and serious problems to the structure of your home.

Fortunately, there are ways to address a leaky roof and fix the problem before it gets out of control. This article will outline how to handle roof leak repair and how much you can expect to pay. It will also explain steps you can take to prevent this issue from happening again.

What Can Cause A Leaking Roof?

Before you can fix a leaky roof, you need to determine what’s causing the problem. Here are some common causes:

• Age of the home
• Poor installation
• Damaged shingles
• Holes in the roof flashing
• Improperly driven nails
• Debris and lack of maintenance
• Older, weathered chimneys
• Improperly installed skylights
• Damaged vents and vent boots

How To Find A Roof Leak

Here are some ways you can identify a leaky roof and locate the source of the leak: 

• Soak the roof: Soaking the roof can help you find hard-to-spot leaks. This involves climbing on the roof with a garden hose and soaking the area where the leak appears in your home. Meanwhile, you should have someone on the inside of the home watching for the leak to appear.
• Trace water damage stains: You can also look for water damage in your ceiling, then trace it into the attic and the rafters.
• Check for visible damage outside: It may also be possible to see the leak from outside – you can use a pair of binoculars to look for any damaged shingles. Once you know where to look, you can remove the shingles around the damaged area to better see the source of the leak.

How To Prepare For Patching A Roof Leak

Once you identify the source of the leak, it’s tempting to jump right in and try to fix the problem. But it’s a good idea to gather your materials and do some preparatory work first.

Materials Needed For Roof Leak Repair

If you plan to fix the roof yourself, you should take some time to think about what supplies you’ll need. For example, you’ll probably need access to the following materials: 

• Ladder
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Roofing nails
• Roofing paper or synthetic underlayment
• Roofing cement or exterior sealant
• Utility knife
• Caulk gun with roofing cement
• Replacement shingles, if necessary

How To Fix A Leaky Roof

In many cases, a leaky roof can be fixed with roofing cement, silicone caulk or other supplies you can find at a local home center. For an effective long-term fix, you may need to pull up shingles and lay new flashing to cover cracks or hire a professional contractor. Here are some common steps you’ll take to fix a leaky roof.

1. Replace Damaged Shingles

You’ll need to remove any damaged shingles before you can fix the leak. Each shingle is secured by four nails, and you can begin removing the first row by sliding a pry bar under the damaged shingle and pulling it free from the sealer strip.

From there, you’ll work your way down the row and pull the shingles away one by one. Then put the new shingle in by placing it in the right position and securing it with four nails. There are a wide array of roofing materials to choose from, so consider using higher-quality materials for a larger roof replacement.

2. Reseal The Roof Flashing

Next, you’ll chip out the old mortar and caulking along the edges of the flashing, which is the thin material that meets vertical sections of the roof to waterproof it. You’ll use masonry caulk to seal the joints between the flashing and the chimney. Finally, seal the seam between the cap and step flashing with urethane roofing cement or silicone caulking compound.

3. Recaulk Dormers And Walls

Dormers and walls can also be a cause of leaks. Remove old or damaged caulking with a utility knife and then put fresh, new caulk around all the areas that were creating leaks.

DIY Vs. Roofing Contractor Roof Leak Repair Costs

Before deciding whether you’re going to outsource a roof leak repair to a contractor or take care of it yourself, it’s a good idea to find out the average costs. According to HomeAdvisor, the national average roof repair cost is $950, with most homeowners spending between $379 and $1,763.

The following table outlines specific repairs and what they’ll typically cost. But keep in mind that it's just an estimate – the exact costs can vary greatly depending on the amount of work needed and the types of materials used.

Repairing Vs. Replacing A Roof

How much you end up spending will largely depend on whether your roof just needs some minor repairs, or if it needs to be completely replaced. The average roof lasts a long time, but it does need to be replaced every 15 to 30 years, depending on the type of material used. It costs an average of $8,000 to replace a roof.

Why Is It Important To Fix A Leaking Roof?

Ignoring a roof leak can cause a number of problems for homeowners, including mildew and mold. Mold can spread quickly and cause serious health problems for anyone living in the home.

Untreated leaks can be a fire hazard and can even affect the structural integrity of your home. And ignoring a leak will make it more difficult for you to sell your home and can cause you to fail a home inspection.

Ways To Prevent Roof Leaks

Here are the most effective ways to prevent roof leaks and keep your roof in good condition.

Ventilate The Attic

Ventilating the attic creates a continuous flow of air and prevents moisture from accumulating. This helps keep the roof dry and lowers the risk of leaks from moisture-related damage.

Consider Regular Inspections

Regular roof inspections can be a good way to help prevent roof leaks because you can identify any potential issues as they come up. This keeps them from turning into more serious and expensive problems in the future.

Watch For Damage To The Drip Edge

The drip edge is installed along the edges of the roof to direct water away from vulnerable areas of the roof. It’s a good idea to monitor the drip edge to ensure it remains intact and correctly positioned.

FAQs On Roof Leak Repair

Here are some commonly asked questions about roof leak repairs.

Will homeowners insurance pay for a roof repair or replacement?

Maybe – if the damage was caused by a storm or a tree falling, then it should be a covered peril under your homeowners insurance. But if it’s due to normal wear and tear, you’ll probably be responsible for covering these costs yourself. It’s still a good idea to speak to your insurer to find out what they’re willing to cover.

How long can you leave a leaking roof?

It’s not a good idea to leave a leaking roof unattended for any length of time. The longer it’s left untreated, the more likely it is to cause damage to the house. And a leak could result in mildew and mold, which can cause serious health problems.

How much does it cost for a roofing contractor to patch a leaky roof?

The cost depends on how serious the leak is and the types of materials used. You could end up spending anywhere from $300 to $1,500 to repair a leaky roof.

The Bottom Line: Fix Your Roof Leak To Protect Against The Elements

A leaky roof may feel like a minor annoyance, but it can cause serious problems over time, so it’s important to identify and address the cause of a leak immediately. If you don’t have the money to hire a contractor to fix it, you can look into fixing the leak yourself. Or you might consider getting a cash-out refinance on your home to cover the costs.