A roof leak is one of the most concerning among the many types of leaks that can persist. Once you realize you have a roof leak, questions inevitably start cropping up. Rising Star Roofing Florida is here to help answer questions, such as:
"Why am I getting roof leaks?"
"What should I do next?"
"What are the leaky roof repair costs?"
This way you'll be better prepared if this situation becomes a reality for your residential property.
What Does a Roof Leak Repair Cost?
Roof leaks can stem from multiple causes and rarely come in the same size or shape. Repair costs for a roof leak will depend on the size of the damaged area, the problem it was caused by, and the current state of the roof deck. Depending on the severity of the situation, full roof replacement may be necessary.
Types of Roof Leaks and Their Cost
Below are the common types of roof leaks and what they'll cost to repair. These numbers are just estimates, it all depends on the type of roof.
Improperly driven nails. Nails that aren't driven in far enough or sideways can cause water to drip through. If there's one improperly driven nail, there's usually more. Repairs can cost around $325.
Cracked pipe boots. Pipe boots are a type of flashing that can become cracked due to UV rays or wear and tear. Cracks in a pipe boot allow water to run through the cracks and into the room or area below. The price range for repairs ranges from $250 to $550.
Missing asphalt shingles. Once shingles become dislodged and go missing, the potential for a roof leak is high. Excessive weight, weather, and other conditions can cause major damage in these cases. Depending on the type of shingle and contractor, prices will range from $200 to $500. If a large section of shingles is missing, the cost of repairs can reach up to $1,000.
- Florida homeowners with a shingle roof should be aware that insurance companies are mandating roof replacements. Your shingle roof must be replaced if it has hit its 10 to 12-year mark. Tile roofs must be replaced around 15 to 20 years old. This is due to the significant number of claims over the past decade. New roofing systems and installation methods are far superior now than they were years ago.
Chimney leaks. A leaking chimney can happen with the siding or mortar joints. If it's the siding, water can get into the corners and can cause rotting. Depending on the method of repair and extent of damage, repairs can cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000.
Signs of a Roof Leak
Like other leaks, roof leaks can sometimes be difficult to notice. Think you might have a roof leak? These are the signs to look out for:
Musty Odors
Notice musty and unpleasant odors in your attic or crawl space? You might have mold and mildew growing as a result of a roof leak. The growth of mold and mildew should be dealt with immediately to avoid health complications and structure issues.
Water Stains
Water stains are a clear indication of a leak. Water stains from a roof leak can appear as brown or yellow stains on your home's walls or ceiling. Additionally, leaks can also cause floors to become warped or discolored.
Frozen Shiners
Shiners are a type of roofing nail that can be spotted poking out from your attic ceiling. If you find that your shiners are frozen during the colder months, you could wind up facing a roof leak.
Causes of a Leaky Roof
Roof leaks can be caused by a range of factors. Mose causes behind a roof leak can be traced back to:
Damaged shingles
Blown-off shingles
Roof debris
Make sure you're addressing issues sooner rather than later, otherwise a small leak could grow into a financial headache.
What Should I Do When I Spot a Roof Leak?
Now that we've covered the signs and causes of roof leaks, what should you do when you spot one? Make sure to follow these steps:
1. Protect the Area
Start by protecting the area where the leak is located. Wipe up any water, place a bucket under the leak, and place towels around the area to prevent any further water damage.
2. Locate the Source
Do your best to locate the source of the leak, and safely. Determining the source will better help speed up the process for everyone involved. This will also help determine if any emergency procedures need to be taken.
3. Document
Take pictures and videos of the leaking area with a variety of angles to help with your insurance claim. Without proper documentation, it'll be hard to get an insurance claim moving.
4. Contact a Roofer
Once the previous steps have been taken care of, you'll want to contact your local roofers. The roofer will be able to thoroughly assess the situation and map out the best course of action moving forward.
5. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once the roofer has been contacted, get in touch with your insurance provider. If the leak occurred due to environmental reasons, they might be able to cover some roof leak repair costs.
Have a roof leak on your hands? Contact Rising Star Roofing Florida today for the repairs needed to eliminate the roof leak causing stress and damage to your home.