My Roof is Leaking, What Should I Do?

1. Contain the roof leak

The first step to take care of your roof leak is to contain the water to prevent widespread damage. This is usually done with putting a bucket or a pot in your attic to catch the water as it comes down through your roof.

If you don’t contain the water, the cost to repair the water damage inside your home will greatly outweigh the cost of your roof repair. Be aware, the cause of your leak isn’t always going to be where you see the water come through your roof.

To track the source and cause of your roof leak, you’ll need to call a roofing contractor for a roof inspection.

2. Call a local roofing company

The most crucial step of getting your roof leak taken care of is calling a roofing contractor.

3. Receive an inspection from a local roofing contractor

A roof inspection is when a roofing contractor checks the condition of your entire roof. Once your local roofing contractor comes out to your home, the first thing they’ll do is inspect your roof and track down your leak.

They’ll check your roof penetrations, your attic’s ventilation, and other crucial areas of your roof and determine if your roof leak is isolated or if it’s from roof failure. After making an assessment of your roof, they’ll determine if you need a repair or a full roof replacement.

If your leak isn’t caused by premature roof failure, your roofing contractor can do repairs to get more life out of your roof. However, if your roof leak is caused by roof failure or extensive storm damage, you’ll need a full roof replacement.

4. Get an estimate for the scope of work to repair or replace your roof

After your roofing contractor determines if you need repairs or a full replacement, you’ll receive an estimate/quote for the scope of work that has to be done. Your estimate should be as specific as possible with a line item list of everything that is going to be done.

5. Go over the estimate with your roofing contractor

After receiving your roof estimate, your contractor should set up a time to sit down with you and go over it. They should go over each and every line item in your quote so you understand exactly what you’re paying for.

This is also your opportunity to air your concerns and ask any questions you have. If a roofing contractor won't go over your estimate with, don't think about hiring them.