How much does it cost to repair a roof leak?
How much does it cost to repair a roof leak?
$150 – $1,000 minor leak repair cost
$1,000 – $6,000+ leak repair cost (with water damage)
Average roof leak repair cost
A small roof leak repair costs $150 to $1,000 for simple fixes like resealing a roof vent or replacing some missing shingles. Repairing larger roof leaks and water damage costs $1,000 to $6,000+. The cost to repair a roof leak varies depending on the roof type, leak size, location, and how long it's been leaking.
| Leak damage size/severity | Average repair cost |
|---|---|
| Minor (Small leaks with no water damage) |
$150 – $1,000 |
| Moderate (Larger leaks with some water damage) |
$1,000 – $3,000 |
| Major (Major leaks with extensive structural damage and/or interior water damage) |
$3,000 – $6,000+ |
Roof leaks can occur from age, improper installation, poor maintenance, or weather damage.
Neglecting a leaky roof can lead to major structural damage, damage to the inside of your home, and mold growth.
Roof leaks repair cost by type
The type of leak you're experiencing significantly impacts the repair cost. The table below highlights some common roof leak culprits and their associated repair costs:
| Leak type or location | Average repair cost |
|---|---|
| Cracked pipe boot | $250 – $600 |
| Metal gas vent collar failure | $400 – $1,500 |
| Roof vent leak | $100 – $500 |
| Leaking valley | $300 – $1,500 |
| Nail pops | $200 – $500 |
| Missing shingles | $100 – $300* |
| Skylight leak | $225 – $800 |
| Chimney leak | $150 – $700 (minor cracks, flashing repair) $1,000 – $3,500 (major issues like crown replacement) |
| Ice dam buildup | $350 to $1,500 (ice dam buildup removal) $1,500 – $5,000+ (leak repair and restoration) |
*Up to 25 asphalt shingles
Cracked pipe boot
Replacing a cracked pipe boot—the rubber boots around the penetration point of pipes that vent plumbing systems through the roof—costs $250 to $600 on average. However, prices can reach $1,500+ depending on the boot material and roof pitch. Pipe boots may be rubber, metal, or plastic.
Gas vent collar failure
Metal collar repair costs $400 to $1,500+, depending on the location, roof steepness, and if the surrounding materials need replacement. Gas vents—which ensure toxic fumes from appliances are not trapped inside the home—are often unsealed with a protective metal collar.
Heavy rain may get past the metal collar and run down the pipe if it’s not securely attached, causing water damage.
Roof vent leak
Besides plumbing pipe vents and gas vents, roofs may have several other vents, such as ridge vents that run across the roof peak or a combination of intake and exhaust vents to reduce heat and moisture in the attic. Each roof penetration is vulnerable to potential damage and leaking.
Fixing a leaking roof vent costs $100 to $500 on average. Repairs typically involve resealing or replacing damaged flashing. Replacing a roof vent costs $200 to $700, or $7 to $15 per linear foot, depending on the size and vent type. Opting for complete replacement reduces the risk of future leaks.
Nail pops
Fixing nail pops in shingles costs $200 to $500 on average for a small area or much more for a widespread nail problem. The nails holding down shingles loosen over time or prematurely due to improper installation or severe weather, creating gaps for water to seep in. The repair involves re-nailing and sealing affected shingles.
Nail pops may indicate more serious roofing problems. The roof repair pro you hire should inspect the entire roof system to assess its structural integrity and determine if it needs additional repairs.
Missing shingles
Shingles can blow off in storms, exposing the roof underlayment and leaving the roof vulnerable to leaks. Repair costs vary depending on the roof material, number of shingles needing replacement, and whether any other roof components sustained damage from the exposure.
Asphalt roof shingles repair costs $100 to $300 to replace and seal up to 25 new shingles. Replacing a whole roof section costs $350 to $1,000 per square for the leak repair and shingle replacement or up to $3,000+ if the job involves extensive structural damage.
Tile roof leak repair costs $200 to $900 on average, but prices vary widely depending on the material, location, and damage extent. Fixing or replacing only the roof tiles themselves costs $60 to $125 per tile.
No matter what type of shingles your roof has, replacing them right away, before water has a chance to damage the exposed roof structure, helps avoid more expensive repair bills.
Leaking valley
Valley leak repairs range from $300 to $1,500 on average for materials and labor, depending on the size and severity of the damage. Roof valleys—where two roof slopes come together—are prone to leaking if not properly sealed. Repair typically involves removing and reinstalling the valley flashing.
More extensive restoration that involves replacing damaged wood decking, underlayment, and surrounding shingles costs up to $6,000+.
Skylight leak
Skylight leak repairs cost $225 to $800 on average. Skylights add beauty and natural light to a home, but their installation creates a potential leak point. Leaks typically happen when the seals or flashing around the skylight fail, but they can also occur if a storm breaks the glass or damages other parts of the skylight.
For damage beyond repair, a full skylight replacement costs $800 to $2,400, depending on the size, type, location, and brand.
Chimney leak
Chimney leaks can occur due to cracked crowns, deteriorated flashing, or poorly sealed joints. Chimney repair costs range from less than $200 for minor fixes like resealing or flashing repair, up to $3,500 for more extensive structural repairs or rebuilding.
Chimney crown repair costs $150 to $700 to fix small cracks and minor damage or $600 to $1,500+ for larger cracks or resurfacing the crown. Full crown replacement costs the most, at $1,000 to $3,000.
Replacing a chimney cap costs $200 to $850 on average and is often more cost-effective than repairing a broken one.
Sealing a chimney costs $150 to $400, or up to $820 total, to seal and waterproof the surface.
Rebuilding a chimney costs $600 to $3,500, depending on the level of deterioration.
Ice dam buildup
Removing ice dam buildup costs $350 to $1,500, depending on the location, amount of buildup, and the removal method. This cost is typically separate from the leak repair and restoration, which varies from $1,500 to $5,000+, depending on how much damage the leak caused to the roof or home interior.
In cold climates, ice dams can form along the eaves of a roof, preventing water from draining properly and causing leaks. Remove ice dam buildup as soon as it's safe to do so to help prevent major damage.
Roof leak repair cost factors
While labor and material costs are two main cost factors, several factors can influence your total roof repair cost:
Damage extent: Neglected or undiscovered leaks often lead to wood rot and extensive water damage to the roofing system and the home's interior. The more damage the roof leak causes, the higher the repair cost.
Replacing the roof decking or sheathing costs $2 to $5 per square foot for the materials and labor.
Replacing the roof underlayment costs $0.75 to $4.00 per square foot total on average.
Roof truss repair costs $300 to $1,700+, depending on the damage, and typically involves an engineer to confirm the repair maintains the roof's structural integrity.
Roof design: Roofs with complex structural layouts, steeper pitches, or on multiple-story homes cost more to repair due to the extra time and safety measures required.
Roof age: Older roofs often cost more to repair and require repairs more often as materials degrade.
Location: As with most trades, roofing professionals in areas with a higher cost of living charge more for repairs than those in smaller towns or more rural areas.
Season: Regions that experience frequent extreme weather events during certain times of the year may experience higher repair costs during those times due to the increased demand. Roofers may also raise rates in their busier months during spring and summer.
Emergency repairs: Roofers typically charge extra for repair jobs outside of business hours. However, repairing a roof leak before an impending storm could save you thousands later.
Warranty: Roof warranties range from 25 to 50+ years and may cover damage caused by a roof leak if the damage occurred due to a covered event.
Labor
Labor often accounts for 60% or more of a roof leak repair cost. Roofers charge $40 to $100 per hour for labor, depending on your location, the complexity of the repair, and how much experience roofer has.
A more experienced roofer will cost more upfront, but their expertise means they’ll get the repair done right the first time, which may prevent more costly repairs later.
Material
Your roof type and the quality of the materials used for the repair impact the cost. Metal roof leak repair costs $5 to $15 per square foot on average, including labor, while repairing a slate roof costs $10 to $30 per square foot if you need to replace broken tiles.
The table below details the average roofing material prices for several common roof types. Keep in mind these prices are for the roof material only and do not include repair labor, which typically makes up the bulk of the repair cost.
| Roof type | Material price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Architectural shingles cost | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Asphalt shingles cost | $0.80 – $1.30 |
| Metal roof cost | $1 – $20 |
| Metal shingle roof cost | $1 – $8 |
| Rolled / built-up / flat roof cost | $0.15 – $8.00 |
| Standing seam metal roof cost | $2.50 – $20.00 |
| Stone or slate roof cost | $6 – $16 |
| Tile roof cost | $3 – $25 |
| Wood shake roof cost | $3 – $7 |
*Material price only
Related costs
Some roof leak repairs are more complex than others. The following list provides examples of fees or issues you may encounter during a repair:
Inspection: If you aren't able to trace the leak yourself, a professional roof inspection costs $100 to $400 on average for the roofer to check the entire roof system, locate the leak entry points, and determine the extent of any damage.
Disposal fees: Depending on the extent of repair work, contractors may add waste removal fees of $60 to $125+ to dispose of old roofing materials or debris.
Mold: Mold remediation costs $1,500 to $6,000 on average but can cost up to $15,000 if your entire attic is affected. Roof leaks have the potential to cause major mold damage.
Permits: Roofing permit cost ranges from $70 to $250 when repairing a section greater than 100 square feet or 25% of the total roof size. Many contractors include permits in their overall cost.
Roof replacement
Extensive damage or leaks affecting a large roof area might require a partial or full roof replacement, which can be significantly more expensive than a standard repair but may be more cost effective than patching and risking more damage and additional repair costs shortly after.
A complete roof replacement costs $5,700 to $16,000 on average or $300 to $600 per square (100 SF), depending on the roof size, pitch, and material.
Roof leak repair FAQs
How long does it take to repair a roof leak?
Repairing a roof leak takes 30 minutes to a full day in most cases. Major leaks that have caused significant structural damage may take several days to repair the leak and restore the home.
Should I repair my roof or replace it?
Replacing a roof is often more cost-effective than repeated repairs if your roof is older or if more than 25% of it sustains major damage. A roofing professional can assess your roof leak damage and help determine what option is best for your situation.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?
You may be able to file a claim if the roof leak was caused by a covered peril like storm damage. Coverage varies by insurance provider and policy, so contact your insurance company to verify your coverage details.
Can you repair a roof leak from inside?
Interior repairs like caulking or patching only treat a symptom of the issue. All roof leaks should be repaired from the exterior to address the underlying cause.
Getting estimates from roof repair companies
Before hiring a roof repair company near you, be sure to:
Get at least 3 in-person estimates to compare. Beware of companies who recommend a full roof replacement without thoroughly inspecting the roof and explaining the reason for their replacement recommendation.
Look for positive roofing company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured roofing company with a solid track record of quality work.
Avoid extremely low prices as this could indicate lack of experience, low-quality materials, or poor-quality work.
Ask for a written, itemized estimate and warranty before they begin the repair.
Avoid large upfront payments. Work out a payment schedule instead for large jobs.
Questions to ask a roof repair professional
A qualified, trustworthy roof repair professional should be comfortable answering these questions, as well as any others you may have before hiring them:
Is your company licensed, insured, and bonded?
How long have you been repairing roof leaks?
Do you belong to any professional roofing organizations like the NRCA?
Can you provide a list of references I can contact?
Can you provide an itemized quote?
Will this repair require a permit, and will you obtain it?
Does your quote include all labor, materials, permit fees if needed, cleanup, and waste disposal?
Are there any other potential costs I should be prepared for?
Do you have experience claiming leak repairs through insurance?
How long will the repair take?
How do you handle unexpected damage if it happens on the job?
Will you be present for any required inspections?
What does the warranty include?
What is your payment schedule like?
Do you offer financing for this?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.