Roof Leak Repair: A Homeowner’s Guide

6 Steps to Take When You Have a Leaking Roof

First, follow these six steps to prevent water damage when you discover a roof leak.

Clear the Area Around the Roof Leak

As soon as you realize you have a leaky roof, you need to prevent further damage and keep your belongings from being ruined. Move any possessions out of the way of an active leak, including furniture — you definitely don't want your couch or bed to develop mold or water stains.

If the roof leak is over electronics, shut off electricity to the area before moving any of the items to prevent the risk of electric shock.

Contain the Roof Leak

Once the area around the roof leak is clear, you need to contain the water. Get a bucket, a large bowl, or another container, and place a dish towel or an old t-shirt on the bottom. This will prevent water dripping from the ceiling from splashing onto the floor. If there are multiple roof leaks, place containers under each one.

In some cases, you may see a bulging area where water is collecting in the ceiling or along the wall but the paint is holding it in. Leaving it like this can lead to significant water damage as it seeps into other areas, or the bulge will rupture on its own, creating a bigger mess. If you can safely do so, use a step ladder to access the area and use a screwdriver to open the bulge for a more controlled roof leak.

Remove Water from the Area

With your belongings out of the way and the water contained, the next step is to clean up the area as best you can. Thoroughly dry woodwork, furniture, belongings, walls, and flooring. If the carpet is saturated beyond what a towel can easily absorb, pull it up to separate it from the pad and expose both sides to the air, allowing it to dry more effectively.

If you experienced a ceiling collapse, make sure to use gloves to pick up any wet ceiling tiles, insulation, or other materials.

Call a Local Roofing Contractor

Once the immediate tasks are taken care of, the next step is to have the leaky roof fixed. Contact a licensed roofing contractor to inspect and repair your roof as soon as possible.

Check Out Your Attic

If you can safely do so, go up to your attic to locate the source of the leak and determine if you can contain it there before it continues to seep into the living areas of your home. Follow the same steps as above, as far as containing the leak to one area and drying off any surfaces

Is a Leaking Roof Covered by Insurance?

If the leaking roof caused significant damage or ruined expensive belongings, contact your insurance agent and take pictures of the damage. While your homeowner's policy may not cover the damage, it's worth checking.

Roof Repair or Replacement?

When you have a leaky roof, you need to get it fixed immediately. While roof repairs are usually the solution, you may want to plan for a new roof instead.

Choose to have your roof repaired if:

• The shingles are in good condition.
• The roof damage is localized to one area.
• The roof is less than 15 years old.

Choose to have a new roof installed if:

• The roof wasn't installed properly.
• Widespread damage to the shingles, including cracked, loose, or crumbling shingles.
• You've had multiple roof leaks.
• The roof is over 15 years old.

If you're unsure which option is best, consider having a reputable roofing company perform a thorough roof inspection. They'll be able to check for additional leaks across the entire roof, identify the cause of damage, assess the overall condition of the shingles and roof, and provide you with an informed assessment so you can make the right choice.

What Causes Roof Leaks?

Whether your current roof leak is one of many or this is the first one, it's important to know the potential causes so you can prevent leaks during the winter months.

• Roof penetrations, such as falling branches or hailstones that puncture through the shingles. If it's a single instance or a small hole, a roof repair will fix the problem.
• Failing flashing around your chimney, vent pipe, or other areas. If roof cement or tar is used instead of metal flashing, or if it's not installed correctly, it can wear or crack, allowing moisture to seep in.
• Storm damage, such as high winds, can cause shingles to peel back, curl, or blow away, allowing moisture to get in. While a roofing contractor can fix a small damaged area, high winds tend to cause widespread damage and multiple roof leaks.
• Failing gutters can cause water to back up under the eaves, which can rot the fascia and lead to leaks. Often, water travels down the wall when this happens, and you may even see water coming out of an outlet.
• Old age is the main contributor to leaking roofs. Asphalt shingles tend to last around 20 years, so if your roof is older, it's more likely to spring a leak.

Prevent a Leaking Roof in the Future

Once you have a roofing company fix the leak, the next step is to prevent leaks in the future or catch them before they cause serious water damage.

• Trim back trees to prevent falling branches and other debris from causing roof penetrations.
• Check the attic ventilation to make sure none of the vents are blocked, as this can lead to heat and humidity building up, damaging the shingles and other roof elements, and causing rot.
• Check the flashing on the roof. If you see any sealant starting to wear, crack, or gaps and damage to the flashing, call a professional roofer to repair it.
• Keep your gutters clean and maintained. When pine needles, leaves, and small debris clog up the gutters, water can end up backing up under the roof.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Leaks

What should I do first when I notice a roof leak?

The first step is to protect your belongings by moving furniture and electronics away from the leak. Then, contain the water with a bucket or container, dry the area as best as you can, and contact a roofing contractor to inspect the damage.

Can I fix a leaking roof from the inside?

You can create a temporary patch to stop the leak from spreading, but it’s not a long-term solution. Roof leak repairs should be completed from the outside by a licensed roofing contractor to prevent further damage.

How do I know if my roof leak is serious?

If the leak is recurring, causing staining or mold, or linked to missing shingles or flashing, it may be a sign of more extensive damage. A roof inspection can determine if you need a simple repair or full replacement.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover a roof leak?

It depends on the cause. Sudden and accidental damage, like storm impact, is often covered. Wear and tear or poor maintenance usually is not. Contact your insurance provider and document the damage with photos to file a claim.

How can I prevent future roof leaks?

Schedule regular roof inspections, clean your gutters, check for damaged or missing shingles, and make sure attic ventilation is working properly. Preventative maintenance is the best way to catch issues early.

Is a leaking roof an emergency?

Yes, even a small leak can lead to major water damage or mold if left untreated. It’s best to treat a roof leak as an urgent issue and contact a roofing professional right away.

Areas We Serve for Roof Leak Repair

We proudly serve homeowners throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania with trusted roof repair and replacement services.

Contact Our Professional New Jersey Roofing Contractors Today

If your roof is leaking, don't wait to get it fixed. We offer comprehensive services, including roof replacement, repair, and inspection, and we also install gutters and siding to ensure your home is well-protected. Contact us today for a free estimate at  (201) 773-0633 or complete the form below to get started.