What this covers
Roof repair starts with diagnosis: water travels along rafters and underlayment, so the stain inside is rarely under the hole outside. The roofer inspects from the attic and from the roof, working from roof jacks or a harness, and traces the leak to a cracked pipe boot, lifted shingles, a failed valley, open flashing or a nail that backed out. The repair replaces what failed, weaves new shingles into the old courses, renews flashing and boots, and seals fasteners. Careful work shows in a repair that matches, shingles that are lifted and relaid rather than face-nailed, and a clear explanation of what was wrong and what else was found.
When to call
- A ceiling stain that grows or returns after rain.
- Shingles missing, lifted or torn after wind.
- Daylight visible in the attic or a damp smell up there.
- Cracked rubber on the pipe boots or rust at the flashing.
What to expect
- DiagnoseThe roofer checks the attic for the entry point and then the roof above it.
- ProposeThe repair, its scope and anything else found are explained before work starts.
- RepairDamaged material is removed and replaced, flashing redone and fasteners sealed.
- ConfirmThe repair is checked, often with a hose test, and the area cleaned up.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Why does the leak show up far from the damage?
Water runs down the underlayment and along framing before it drips. A stain near an interior wall may come from a vent or valley well upslope.
Repair or replace?
A repair suits a roof with life left and localized damage. When shingles are brittle, repairs fail at the edges and replacement is the sensible step.
What if the leak is from a storm?
The company documents the damage with photos before repairing, so the record exists for whatever comes next. Temporary tarping may come first.
Related: Roof inspection · Chimney flashing repair · Emergency roof tarping · All roofing and gutters
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.