Roof leaks are a common problem for homes and commercial buildings and are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. In many cases, a leaking roof does not require full replacement, but rather accurate diagnosis and targeted repair.
This page answers common questions about roof leaks, water intrusion, and what to do when a leak occurs. The information below is intended to help property owners understand roof leaks and make informed decisions.
While many roofing companies focus on full roof replacement, our work is centered on diagnosing and repairing roof leaks accurately.
In many cases, a leaking roof does not require full replacement. From our experience, most roof leaks are caused by localized issues such as flashing failures, vent penetrations, skylights, or damaged shingles. When diagnosed correctly, targeted repairs can often extend the life of a roof for many years.
If your roof is leaking, take steps to minimize interior damage by protecting the affected area and moving belongings out of the way. Avoid attempting permanent repairs without identifying the source of the leak, as temporary fixes can make the problem worse.
In most situations, it is best to determine the cause of the leak first. Many roof leaks are related to wear and tear and are not covered by insurance. Storm-related damage may be covered, depending on the policy and circumstances.
Coverage depends on the cause of the leak. Damage caused by sudden events such as high winds or storms may be covered, while leaks caused by aging materials or maintenance issues typically are not. Insurance policies vary, so it is important to review coverage details.
No. Typically, if you have a roof leak, it’s not covered by insurance. Most roof leaks are from wear and tear, and not storm-related like high-wind damage. Insurance companies will not get involved for wear and tear items. If high winds caused the damage, and that is the cause of your leak, then insurance will likely cover it.
Roof leaks that appear only during heavy rain are often related to water volume rather than rainfall intensity. Insulation and building materials can temporarily absorb water until they become saturated, at which point water becomes visible inside the structure.
The fastest way to resolve a roof leak is to identify its source accurately. Temporary surface repairs may stop water briefly but often fail if the underlying issue is not addressed. The speed of repair depends on the cause and accessibility of the leak.
Surface sealants and spray-on products are not designed as permanent roof leak repairs. These products often dry out, crack, or fail to bond properly and can make future repairs more difficult.
A leaking roof is unlikely to collapse immediately, but prolonged water intrusion can rot roof decking and structural components over time. This can create safety hazards and increase repair costs if not addressed.
Roof leaks most commonly originate at penetrations and transitions, including vent pipes, flashing, skylights, roof-to-wall intersections, and damaged shingles. In some cases, more than one leak may be present.
It is best to address roof leaks as soon as possible. Ongoing water intrusion can lead to mold growth, interior damage, and deterioration of structural materials, increasing the overall cost of repairs.
