Repair Roof Leaks Costs

Homeowners may not be experts in all of the different repairs and systems in their homes, but most are well aware of the importance of a solid roof over their heads. A single leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage, cause mold and mildew, and even lead to structural issues. Thus, it becomes imperative to get any repair to roof leaks as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, the causes of roof leaks also mean that a range of different repairs may be needed. For example, roofing leaks because of: shingles being damaged or missing, seals around skylights, chimneys, and vent pipes leaking or failing, gutters, valley, and flashing leaks, low pitched roofing often leads to leaks, ice dams can cause leaks to form, and damage from falling debris can cause damages that result in leaks.

Because of the diversity of causes, finding the leak is part of the cost of a roof leak repair, and it is not always as apparent as it seems. Water travels quickly and it may take a significant time to find it. Roof inspections are always part of the budget for a roof leak repair and should be done by roofing experts.

Other considerations and costs

• The pitch of a roof can cause roofers to request higher per hour rates totaling up to 20% more than the usual price. It is due to safety issues, and the amount of time it requires the crew to get the work done on such dangerous conditions
• A leaking roof may also cause damage to the structure of the roof, such as damaging the trusses and beams that hold up the roof itself. The inspection will reveal such issues, and it will require around $400 per truss (materials and labor) to repair. A qualified roofing contractor should do it
• In addition to replacing damaged or weakened trusses, a roof leak repair may also mean replacing materials such as insulation (which is never supposed to be wet), inspect for mold, examine sheetrock on the walls and ceilings, and even do some electrical repairs if they have come about due to exposure to water.
• Sadly, the amount of trouble a leaking roof experiences could mean the entire structure has to be replaced, which is at least $6,000 in most parts of the country. The good news is that a replacement is not the norm, and instead, a repair is common.

DIY considerations

• Roof leak repairs are not a DIY venture, and it is best to get estimates from a few contractors before making a choice. They should be able to get the proper permits or permissions required and ensure the entire structure is back up to code and leak-free when done.
• Repairs typically require an array of supplies such as plywood sheathing to replace damaged pieces, shingles or replacement roofing material, flashing, and whatever sort of nails or connectors are used for that type of roofing.

References

• Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2019.
• Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
• Literature review of DIY Web sites.