Roof Leak: How to Find and Patch It
1. Find the Leak (From the Attic)
- Go into the attic during daylight with a flashlight.
- Look for wet wood, dark staining, or mold on the underside of the roof decking.
- Follow the water trail uphill — water runs down rafters before dripping, so the actual entry point is always higher than where you see the stain.
- Push a nail or wire up through the roof deck at the wet spot to mark it from outside.
2. Inspect From Outside
Find your marker on the roof, then look above it for:
- Cracked, curled, or missing shingles
- Exposed nail heads (shiny dots that have worked loose)
- Damaged flashing around vents, chimney, or skylights
- Debris in roof valleys (where two slopes meet)
3. Temporary Patch (Until You Can Get a Proper Repair)
- Lift the shingle above the damaged area.
- Apply Henry Wet Patch Roofing Cement underneath and over the crack or hole.
- Press the shingle back down and seal the edges.
- Cover any exposed nail heads with roofing cement.
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Get Your Free Diagnosis4. Products You'll Need
Henry Wet Patch Roofing Cement — ~$10 — View at Home Depot
GAF Seal-A-Ridge Shingles — ~$30/bundle (for missing shingles) — View at Home Depot
5. Cost Breakdown
| Option | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| DIY temporary patch | $20–$80 | Small area, 1–2 damaged shingles |
| Pro — Minor repair | $150–$600 | Localized damage |
| Pro — Flashing repair | $300–$1,200 | Chimney/vent/skylight leak |
| Pro — Section repair | $1,000–$3,000 | Larger damaged area |
| Full roof replacement | $8,000–$20,000+ | Roof is 20+ years old |
6. When to Replace Instead of Repair
- Roof is 20+ years old.
- Multiple leaks in different areas.
- Shingles are brittle, curling, or losing granules (check gutters for granules).
- Sagging or soft spots in the roof decking.
FAQ
Can I fix a roof leak from inside the attic?
As a temporary emergency fix, yes — apply roofing cement to the underside of the deck where water enters. But the permanent fix must be done from outside.
Does homeowner's insurance cover roof leaks?
Usually yes for sudden damage (storm, fallen tree). Usually no for gradual wear and neglected maintenance. Check your policy and file quickly if storm-related.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix a roof leak myself?
Small leaks from a damaged shingle or cracked flashing can be patched DIY for $20 to $50 in materials. For larger issues, multiple leaks, or if your roof is older than 15 years, hire a roofer. Working on a roof is dangerous.
How much does a roofer charge for a leak repair?
Minor leak repair: $300 to $600. Moderate repair (replacing section of shingles): $500 to $1,500. Major repair or full replacement: $5,000 to $15,000.
Can I patch a roof leak from inside the attic?
As an emergency temporary fix, yes. Apply roofing cement to the underside of the deck where water enters. But the permanent fix must be done from outside on the roof surface.
Does homeowner insurance cover roof leaks?
Usually yes for sudden storm damage (fallen tree, hail). Usually no for gradual wear, aging shingles, or neglected maintenance. File a claim quickly if storm-related.
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