How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Leaking Roof?
Leaking roofs need to be fixed quickly so that there is minimum damage to the structure of the house and the internal decoration. So how much does it cost to fix a leaking roof? The average cost to fix a leaking roof in the US is $750 with a price range of $300 to $1,400.
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Table of costs of a leak repair
The cost all depends on what is causing the problem and the answer to that is it could be one of many things and this will directly affect the amount of time taken to make the repair and the materials required to do the job.
The two elements that make up the cost of fixing your leaking roof will be the labor and the roofing materials. Here are some guide prices for different types or repairs.
| Level of Repair | Type of repair | Cost |
| Minor roof repairs | · Minor leak
· Repair flashing · Replace missing shingles · Small caulking and sealing · Vent boot repair |
$150-$400 |
| Moderate roof repairs | · Replacing shingles
· Flashing or valley replacement · Felt or decking repair · Fix leaks with minor water damage · Truss or rafter repair |
$400 to $1,000 |
| Extensive damage | · Replacing shingles in multiple areas
· Major leaks with structural repair and water damage · Major flashing replacement |
$1,000 to $3,000 |
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Leak repair factors explained
What kind of factors impact on the cost to fix a leaking roof?
No repair or roof is the same as another so there can be some variables when it comes to figuring out how much it is going to cost to repair your leaking roof. These include:
- The age of the roof
- The type of roof – complex roofs with features and different elevations will take longer to repair and restore to their original state
- The height of the roof, it makes sense that the higher the roof, the more difficult it is to access
- The severity of the damage, hidden leaks can travel a long way and impact roof materials and structure some distance from their point of origin
- The amount and type of roof materials needed to make good the repair
How do you know if your roof is leaking?
Some leaks are obvious or there has been a severe weather event and clear and visible damage to the roof, other leaks are hidden and can be more sinister. Look out for tell-tale mold or moss growth or a change in the color or appearance of the roof shingles. Other signs include damp patches, water marks or staining to the top of the interior walls and ceilings on the first floor. No homeowner wants the bad news that their roof is leaking but the even worse news is having a leaking roof and not knowing about it.
Annual roof inspections
The one thing worse than an obvious leaking roof is a slow leak you can’t see and don't know about – these are the ones that do the most damage.
Pay for an annual roof inspection around the time of year you might want to clear out the guttering, it will cost in the region of $150-$300 and could save you megabucks. Even if your view from the ground doesn’t seem to raise any issues, don’t rely on a simple visual check from street level as not all problems will be detectable without a proper roof inspection at height.
Not every leak causes a lot of immediate damage but leaks which are left will cause internal and external damage which can cost a lot to put right. Unrepaired leaks will eventually cause structural issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to prevent a roof from leaking?
Doing the best possible roofing job when the roof is renewed and then looking after the roof on an annual basis is the best way to prevent a roof from leaking. Of course, it is not always possible to stop natural events like bad weather and storm damage but many roofs start leaking because they are not well maintained.
How often should I have my roof checked?
An annual programme of roof checks and repairs which can be undertaken at the same time as the guttering clearance is a really good habit to get into. Roofs can be very much ‘out of sight out of mind’ and many leaks go undetected from street level until they have really become something of a problem. An annual roof inspection will let your roofer spot any problems early on before they deteriorate and cost you more to fix.
Can I claim under my home insurance to repair a leaking roof?
If the leak has been caused by extreme weather or some other external event like a fallen tree then yes, you almost certainly can but leaks which arise due to poor maintenance or just old age, are not usually covered by a home insurance policy.
At what point do roof leak repair costs become uneconomic?
Repairs which cost more than $3,000 or which affect more than 25% of the roof will likely mean that the entire roof should be replaced. With the average cost of a roof replacement across the US at $5,000 to $11,000, it makes more sense to put the money for roof repairs towards the cost of a totally new roof. Even cheaper repairs still represent a sound investment in your home, not as glamorous as a new extension or designer kitchen, but a watertight roof is still an essential for your home.
Should I do my own roof repairs to save costs?
The majority of roof repairs are a job for the professionals because of the challenges of working at height which is unsafe if you are not experienced and with the right equipment. You could also damage the very roof you are trying to repair and just make matters worse. However, it is possible for a homeowner to undertake simple repairs on a single storey building like an extension or garage where access is much easier and safer.
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