Roof Leak Repair Cost

Roof Leak Repair Cost

Roof leak repairs; where do we start? A leaking roof can be more than a pesky nuisance. It can be the beginning of major damage to your home. It is always better to repair a leaking roof as soon as it's discovered. Leaking roofs can be caused by hail, storms, a tornado, extreme temperature changes, seals or flashing which has eroded over time.
According to Freshome.com here are the ten most common causes of roof leaks and how to fix them:
1) Cracked Flashing
Once you locate the source of the leak, pry up the nails used to secure the old flashing. Lift any shingle out of the way and remove the cracked segment. Gently put a new run of flashing in its place, fasten the new flashing in the same pattern as your old piece using roofing nails. Then, apply a coat of roofing sealant to the nail heads.
2) Broken Shingles
Slide a pry bar underneath the row of nails that connects the damaged shingle to the one below it. Lift up until the nail pops and then press down on the shingle while you remove the nail. Repeat for the remaining nails. Pull out the damaged shingle, replace it with a new one and secure it with four new nails.
3) Improperly Sealed Valleys
It is recommended that this needs to be done by a professional because of its complexity. Your roofer will likely fix the problem by laying a new leak barrier along the valley and shingling overtop.
4) Cracked Vent Booting
Use a knife to remove the rubber around the vent. Use a pry bar to break the seal on any connecting shingles. Slide the new rubber boot under the shingles, over the vent, and bring it down onto the roof. Then, secure the new boot with roofing nails on either side and caulk under the shingles to seal them to the new flashing.
5) Ice Dam Buildup
Using a roof rake, which looks like a sideways shovel with a long handle, to reach up onto the roof and remove at least the lower four feet of snow from the roof edge. If you see an ice dam forming, consider treating it with an ice melt product, according to manufacturer's directions.
6) Improperly Installed Skylights
Clear any debris off the skylight and check for cracks in the window itself. Seal any cracks with a layer of clear silicone along its length, if necessary. If that is not the cause, check the surrounding flashing and replace as needed.
7) Clogged Gutters
This involves getting up on a ladder and getting in there with your hands. It is recommended you place a large tarp underneath the area where you are working to catch any debris as you go and wrap it up for disposal later.
8) Cracked Chimney
Sometimes, all that is involved is finding the source of the leak and replacing the missing mortar. However, you may need to hire a professional because the materials used for chimney repairs are different than those for standard roofing repairs.
9) Attic Condensation
After treating for any mold growth, isolate your attic to prevent large fluctuations in temperature. Make sure that all of the roof vents are clear from the interior end and install a large ventilation fan, if needed.
10) Too Much Walking On The Roof
Because a lot of roofing material is fragile, avoid walking on your roof, if possible. A professional roofer is trained on how to avoid the most easily-damaged areas.
Seeing signs of wear and tear on roofing shingles, drips or peeling paint or water spots on ceilings are all symptoms of a leaking roofs.
A better way to locate leaks is to check your attic on a rainy day. Look for signs dampness, mold, odor, or damage to roof rafters. However, some signs of a leak can be difficult to find. Minor leaks can lead to extensive damage such as mold, rotted framing, trusses and sheathing, damaged insulation and ceilings. This can lead to increased costs to not only repair the leak but the resulting damage. Hiring a professional like Joye Roofing to do a free, thorough inspection can save homeowners big money down the road.
According to fixr.com, a national average of what roofing contractors will usually charge is around $3 per square foot for a leak repair project, or $45-$75 per hour. Roof leak repairs usually take one to two days (8-16 labor hours - $360-$1200) to complete. Material costs may or may not be included in the package quote, but they can be charged separately as well.
According to fixr.com, A national average of material cost to repair a 10 X 10' area is as follows:
Replacement plywood (4 sheets) $80
Bundle of shingles $100
Roof cement (1 gal.) $22
Galvanized roofing nails $65
Flashing $10-$20
Average cost of gutter cleaning is $90 per visit

If your roof is too badly damaged, it may be safer to replace the entire roof. This will ensure the structural safety of your home and save you money in the long term.

Schedule your free roof inspection with Joye Roofing by calling 803 470 5569.
The prices listed above are national averages and DO NOT reflect the pricing or quotes of Joye Roofing. 

If you found this information helpful, click the "like" and "share" buttons below.