Here's How Much It Costs to Repair a Leaky Roof

Your roof does the essential job of protecting your home from the elements, but do you really know the true condition of your roof? If you forgot to schedule a roof inspection this year, a leak could be in the cards. However, roof leaks can happen even if you do everything possible to reduce the risk, especially if you've recently experienced strong winds or heavy snowfall.

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Discovering a roof leak can be stressful, so it can be helpful to know how much roof repairs cost, so you're prepared.

How Much Does Roof Leak Repair Cost?

How much a roof repair costs depends on the nature and extent of the problem. According to Fixr's data, most homeowners pay between $400 and $2,500 to repair a leaky roof, and the national average cost is around $750.

Straightforward roof repairs, such as replacing a few incorrectly installed nails, could cost as little as $250. At the other end of the scale, you could pay up to $14,000 to replace a 2,000-square-foot asphalt shingle roof if the leaks are too extensive to repair.

It's often worth scheduling a roof inspection if you suspect a leak, and you should also aim to have your roof inspected yearly as part of your home maintenance routine. A roof inspection provides a comprehensive overview of your roof's condition and can help you address minor issues before they turn into major leaks. Many contractors include a free or discounted roof inspection when you hire them to complete roof repairs. If not, you should expect to pay between $100 and $600.

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How Much Do Roof Repair Materials Cost?

Roofing materials can significantly affect how much a roof leak repair costs. According to This Old House, asphalt shingle roofs are usually the cheapest to repair, costing between $4.25 and $8.25 per square foot. The cost of repairing a composite shingle roof is broadly similar, if a few cents more per square foot.

Some roofing materials are significantly more expensive to repair. For example, fixing a metal tile roof often costs between about $18 and $40 per square foot. Clay or ceramic roofs may cost up to $25 per square foot, while wood shingles can usually be repaired for under $15 per square foot.

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How Much Does Labor Cost for Roofing Repairs?

Labor is the most significant expense involved in repairing a leaky roof and typically accounts for about 60% of the total cost. With that in mind, you should expect to pay around $450 in labor fees for a roof repair costing the national average of $750.

However, how much you'll pay for roof repair labor depends on a few factors, including the cost of living in your area and your roof's features. Generally, flatter roofs are cheaper to repair than steeply sloped roofs. You could also pay extra if your home has multiple stories or several ridges and valleys that make repairs more difficult or dangerous.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Water-Damaged Drywall and Other Materials Inside the Home?

If your roof is leaking, all that water has to go somewhere. Roof leak repair could cost significantly more if you also need to repair water-damaged materials inside your home. Over time, water from a leaky roof can seep into the walls, ceilings and floors inside your home and cause issues such as rot or structural instability.

Repairing water damage costs most homeowners between $1,200 and $5,000. Replacing water-damaged drywall typically costs between $1.50 and $3 per square foot. Expect to pay between $4.75 and $10.50 per square foot to replace damaged carpets. Remediating hardwood damage usually costs between $10 and $15 per square foot.

(Data from Fixr)

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Mold Caused by a Leaking Roof?

Mold and mildew often flourish in damp conditions and are common problems after a roof leak. Living in a moldy home can cause health problems, especially if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition, so it's important to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Expect to pay between about $5 per square foot for mold removal and remediation services.