How Much Does Roof Leak Repair Cost? We Break It Down by Type
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The average roof leak repair cost ranges from about $400 to $2,500. Most people will end up paying about $750 to fix a minor to moderate roof leak. Some minor issues, like removing a few improperly installed nails and patching the holes, will cost as low as $250 to fix, while serious problems could lead to replacing the entire roof, which can cost more than $14,000.
Use this guide to learn more about roof leak repair costs.
Type of Roof
The cost of the repair will vary depending on the type of roof.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly used materials for roofing. Wind can cause serious damage to asphalt shingles, but severe summer heat can also lead to premature wear. Typically, an asphalt shingle roof will last between 10 to 30 years. Fixing this type of roof will cost around $875, on average.
Composite roofing is lightweight and relatively easy to repair, though this type of material is more prone to cracking and other damage from powerful winds, high summer temperatures, and snow storms. Generally, a composite roof will last about 30 to 50 years and cost about $450 to fix.
Flat roofing or single-ply roofing has the shortest life span, ranging just 10 to 15 years, on average. Multi-layer flat roofs can increase the life span to about 15 to 20 years, though it still falls short of expected life span for asphalt shingles. This type of roof is prone to water buildup, sagging, leaks, and mold growth. Plan to spend about $400 to fix a flat roof leak.
Metal roofing is one of the more expensive roof materials to fix, cost about $1,600 on average. This type of roof is highly durable and can last from 40 to 70 years, but dents, corrosion, ice dams, and heavy snow can contribute to premature wear.
Slate roofing has a similar repair cost as metal roofing. You can expect to spend $1,550 on repairing a slate roof. However, it's worth inspecting the roof before budgeting for any repairs, since slate roofing can last between 50 to 200 years.
Tile roofing can last from 50 to 100 years, but severe weather and improper care can lead to cracked or missing tiles. This type of roof may require specialized equipment for replacement or repair, driving the cost of the fix up to about $1,000 on average.
Wood shakes are commonly repaired or replaced due to water damage, mold growth, and improper maintenance. This type of roofing material lasts about 20 to 40 years with regular maintenance and will cost about $750 to repair.
DIY Repairs
Not every leaking roof requires professional repair. There are many small problems that can be handled by an experienced DIYer with the right tools and safety equipment.
Common DIY repairs that can fix a leaking roof include replacing cracked flashing, removing ice damages, unclogging gutters, fixing cracked vent booting, replacing missing or broken shingles, and patching skylight leaks. Homeowners can save on the cost of labor by tackling these jobs as a DIY project, though there is still a small cost associated with the replacement materials.
Broken or missing shingles: $30 to $50
Clogged gutters: $0
Cracked flashing: $20 to $25
Cracked vent booting: $10 to $20
Ice dams: $50 to $120
Skylight leaks: $25 to $80
Roof Leak Repair Cost Factors
Leak Severity
Relatively minor leaks, like patching nail holes or replacing missing shingles will only cost about $150 to $500. If there are multiple leaks or multiple shingles that need to be replaced, then the cost can increase to about $500 to $1,200 to fix average leaks. However, if there is widespread damage to the roof, resulting in multiple leaks, interior water damage, rot, or mold growth, then it can cost between $1,200 to $3,000 to repair these serious leaks.
Roof Size and Design
Generally, it will cost more to have a larger roof fixed, especially if the roof has multiples levels or steep slopes that can pose a significant risk to the roofers. You should avoid working on roofs with a high pitch and steep, sloping sides, given the potential danger involved.
However, if the roof is completely flat, then you may be able to manage without calling in the pros. If the homeowner choose to hire a crew to repair a flat roof, expect to pay just $400 on average, with costs increasing depending on the roof size, pitch, and accessibility.
Roof Location
The most costly type or repair will be to fix the main roof of the home, but many properties have additional buildings or other parts of the roof that may cost less to fix. For instance, fixing a carport roof or the roof of a deck will cost about $150 to $1,000, depending on the size and extent of the damage.
It costs a little more to fix a garage roof, with an average cost of $200 to $1,000. Repairing the porch roof costs between $150 to $800, while repairing the roof on a small shed may only cost as much as $100 to $750. You can even consult a professional about fixing the roof on an RV, which will typically cost about $300 to $800.
Type of Repair
Experienced DIYers with the proper tools and safety equipment can head up to the roof to inspect the area, but if you are not confident in your roofing knowledge or simply don't have the time, then a professional roofer can assess the situation and suggest the next steps to repair the roof.
Clogged gutters can overflow, causing water to seep back under the shingles. Fix this issue by cleaning the gutters for about $150 to $225. If the gutters are blocked due to an ice dam, then the homeowner may end up paying between $600 to $1,800 to clear the ice dam and make repairs.
Worn, cut, or otherwise damaged shingles are a common cause of roof leaks. The cost to fix this problem varies depending on the severity of the damage. Fixing vertical slits in shingles will cost about $150 to $500, while repairing improperly nailed shingles will cost between $230 to $900. Patching small areas with damaged shingles costs about $250 to $2,300, but if the entire roof needs to be replaced, then this can cost between $7,000 to $24,000, depending on the size of the roof.
Patching a hole in the roof can be relatively easy to address for about $150, but larger holes that have been caused by neglect or storm damage could cost up to $4,500 to patch. Similarly, if the roof valleys are not properly sealed, you may need to pay between $500 to $2,500 for professional roof sealing services.
Chimney damage can also lead to water leaking through the roof. You can caulk or seal a chimney for about $400 to $500, but extensive chimney repairs can range in cost from $400 to $4,500.
Improper skylight installation is another issue. Fixing a skylight isn't as expensive as some other roof repairs, ranging from about $500 to $750, on average.
Sheet metal repairs cost between $500 to $2,000, though it depend on the the type and extent of the damage. Additionally replacing a cracked vent boot will only cost about $250 to $400, while fixing or replacing cracked or missing flashing can cost between $300 to $1,000.
Labor
The labor costs for the project can vary depending on the severity of the leak, the roof location, the type of repair, the type of roof, the roof size, and the roof design. Small leaks may only have minor labor costs that cover about an hour of work, while larger leaks or leaks located on complex roofs may come with a significantly higher labor cost.
On average, roofers will charge about $45 to $75 per hour, though the exact labor rates vary depending on the geographic location.
Cost of Related Services
There are a range of services that can be used to keep the roof in good condition, assess leaks, and clean up during and after the repairs.
Roof inspections should be conducted about once every three to five years, as well as after any large storms. A roof inspection will cost about $150 to $350, on average, though it may cost more than $650 for larger homes with multiple floors or steep roof slopes. This is because it takes more time and risk for the inspector to work on the roof.
Roof repair permits may be necessary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repair. A roof repair permit will typically cost between $70 to $250, though these costs vary based on where you live.
Debris removal is often necessary for roof replacement or larger roof repairs. Plan to spend about $220 to $780 per week to rent a dumpster for debris collection and removal.
Emergency response fees of about $200 to $300 may be added to the cost of roof repairs if you need immediate repairs, or if you want to book an appointment for the evening or on a weekend. An additional fee of $175 to $700 may also be charged if the homeowner requires an emergency roof tarp.
Maintenance programs can be a good investment to ensure that the roof remains in good condition and any repairs are made as soon as possible. A maintenance program will typically cost about $150 to $250 per year, depending on the roof condition, size, slope, material, and age.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a roof leak before it causes damage?
A roof leak can start to cause water damage immediately, depending on the severity of the leak. Once the moisture enters the home, it will gradually rot the wood, damage the insulation, and create an ideal location for mold growth.
Given the potential for damage, you should get the roof fixed as soon as possible after noticing a leak, but if this is not possible, then you should at least cover the roof with a tarp to prevent additional damage from occurring.
What should you do if your roof is leaking?
If you notice the roof is leaking, first position a container to catch the dripping water, then make a hole in the ceiling to better expose the leak. If you cannot fix the problem immediately, then you should tarp the roof and check the attic for signs of where the water is entering the home. After finding the source of the leak, make any necessary repairs to the roof, as well as repairs to the interior of the home.
Why does my roof leak in heavy rain?
Heavy rain can enter the home through loose vent pipes, cracked flashing, damaged chimneys, improperly installed skylights, old or missing shingles, and cracked or corroded metal fasteners.
Read Next: How Long Does a Roof Last? Plus Signs You Need to Replace It
Read the original article on The Spruce.
