You’ve just stumbled on a leak in your roof, and you don’t know how bad it is or how much it will cost. Your property is a long-term investment, and the longer you wait to fix a leak, the more time and effort will be needed. If not addressed quickly, it can cause structural damage, mold, or other issues in your home that add up to lots of dollar signs in repairs. Before you begin calling roofing contractors to help repair your roof, know what to expect.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Roof Leak?
The national average to cost of roof repair for a leaky roof is $650. Depending on the issue the range is roughly between $500 - $1,750. The rate will be based on where you live, the materials purchased, what percentage of the roof needs to be fixed and if the leak caused issues in other areas of your property.
What is the square footage of your home? The following information is based on a home that is between 1500 to 2000 square feet, so your repairs may be higher or lower based on the size of your home and the extent of damage.
Related: As a Homeowner, Can I Deduct My Roofing Repair Costs?
Labor
The cost of labor to repair a roof leak varies depending on materials, where you live, the type of roofing materials, and the contractor. On average, you can expect to pay between $2.75 to $7.50 per square foot that is installed. Remember to keep in mind that if you work with an experienced contractor, the rates can be as high as $4.00 to $5.00 per square foot.
Extent of Damage
The overall cost to replace a tile roof due to water damage is between $100 - $510 for underlayment work. If you are comfortable with climbing a ladder, damaged tiles are easy to replace. The cost can range from $0.80 - $1.20 per square foot in materials, and purchasing an entire pack is $15 - $20. We recommend that you bring an old piece of tile with you to the store to match the color and texture. If you have tiles on ridges, you won’t have to remove them. On the flip side, if you hire a contractor, the cost will be $45 - $65 per hour.
Materials
A contractor might include on the bill 40% for materials and 60% in labor. Remember that squares are used to measure and estimate the materials needed for a roof. If the contractor must add new plywood on top of the old roof, the cost will increase.
Related: How Long Does a New Roof Last?
Common Roof Repair Issues
We put together a list of real issues that happen when a roof experiences water leakage. The result of heavy wind, water in drain pipes, a build-up of a fungus, and the age of your roof are factors that can result in repairs. Here are the signs to look out for:
- Cracked flashing
- Broken tiles
- Valleys need to be sealed
- Cracked vent booting
- Buildup of ice damage on the edge
- Skylights not installed properly
- Clogged gutters
- Chimney is cracked
- Condensation in attic
- Moss build up
- Fallen tree branches
Related: 7 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof ASAP
Most of these issues happen because of unsatisfactory artistry and installation or just general wear and tear. A roof can also split, blister or erode because of the natural elements of weather. However, many homeowners do not perform regular maintenance on their roof to prevent leaks before it’s too late.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you need to call a contractor for roofing repairs. We hope that you get the most for your money with the best quality repairs and service to help you keep your house in good shape.
