Lindsay is a freelance personal finance writer currently pursuing her Series 65 license. She enjoys helping readers learn money management skills that improve their lives.
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
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Your roof is your home’s first line of defense, shielding and protecting all your possessions, including your home itself. This highlights the importance of fixing roof leaks as early as possible to prevent bigger problems from forming later.
Unfortunately, paying for regular roof repairs and maintenance is simply part of homeownership. But if something like a storm or a falling tree damages your roof, your insurance company may pay for the damage.[1]
When homeowners insurance covers leaky roof damage
Your homeowners insurance will cover roof repairs only if they’re due to a specific covered event. Hail damage and falling trees are two common causes of roof leaks that standard home insurance — also known as an HO-3 policy — may cover.[2]
Water damage from inside the home, such as plumbing or sprinkler systems
Keep in mind that a “covered event” is just that — a single event you can trace the damage back to. If a hurricane caused your leaky roof, insurance may cover it. But damage that accumulates over time due to regular storms is the homeowner’s responsibility to fix.
In other words, if a severe weather event happened that caused your roof to leak, your odds of having it covered when you file an insurance claim go up. But if you just happen to notice things that start appearing over time with no apparent cause, like water spots and mold growth, it’s more likely a maintenance issue you’ll need to pay for yourself.
One final thing to remember is that separate windstorm, hail, or hurricane deductibles apply in some states where roof damage is common, such as Florida or Colorado.
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When homeowners insurance won’t cover a leaky roof
Home insurance won’t cover leaky roofs that didn’t result from a covered event. Roof leaks are a very common issue, especially in older homes. In fact, the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends regular inspections for signs of water damage if your roof is older than 25 years since this is the average lifespan of many types of roofs.[3]
Standard homeowners insurance also won’t cover damage from issues such as:
It’s important to take immediate action at the first sign of a roof problem. Not only are roof leaks annoying, but they pose a lot of dangers, too. Mold and mildew can cause significant health risks, for example, and water can leak into electrical wiring, causing short circuits and even starting a fire.
If you find water dripping into your home, the first step is preventing further damage. Here’s what to do:
Place containers or buckets on the floor to contain the dripping.
Carefully puncture the lowest point of any sagging bulge you find in the ceiling to drain it.
Cover any gaping holes on the top of the roof with a tarp or plastic sheeting, using ropes or weights to secure it.
It’s especially important to take these steps as soon as possible while staying safe. Otherwise, if you don’t do anything, your insurer may have grounds to deny any claims you might file because of negligence.
Good to Know
Water intrusion into homes accounts for more than 70% of construction lawsuits, according to Architect Magazine. And roofs are the most common entry point for water.
Identifying the source of the leak
Finding the source of a roof leak isn’t always easy. Water can travel a long way through holes from roofing nails, across chimneys, vents, ceiling joists, rafters, light fixtures, attic insulation, and more. You may need to put on your detective hat to find the actual leak.
Here are some tips:
Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or an exposed roof deck.
Inspect brick chimneys for cracks, especially along the exterior surface of the roof.
Check the attic when it’s sunny, looking for any small holes where sunlight is peeking through.
Pay special attention to drywall cracks and recessed lights, where water often collects.
You can find many leaks yourself, but if you’re having problems or just want to be sure, it’s also a good idea to hire a roofing expert. It’s not always safe or easy for everyone to inspect their home, particularly if they need to get on their roof or inside their attic.
Many people choose to hire a professional roofing contractor for roof leak repairs, particularly if there’s been significant damage extending down into the home or if it’s over a large area. But if you’re handy with tools and equipment, you can fix your own roof, especially if you’re just dealing with a small leak that hasn’t yet spread to the surrounding area.
Here are some tips for DIY roof leak repairs:
Replace damaged flashing and vent boots to ensure they’re flush with your home.
Be careful if you’re working on a home built before 1977, as it may contain asbestos or lead.
Check for the presence of mold, and ensure that all repairs allow for proper ventilation as needed.
Use sealant or patching tape to plug small holes and gaps.
Always consider safety first; know what’s appropriate for your roof, whether it’s lumber strips, safety harnesses, roof anchors, etc.
Cost estimates for roof repairs
The average cost of a roof repair is $863 but can vary widely, from $100 to $9,000 or more, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors.[4] Some of the factors that can affect your cost include:
Where you live
Square footage of your home
How much water entered your home
Roof complexity, such as the slope and number of eaves
Quality of materials used for shingles and other roofing bits
What season it is (and the weather conditions that come with it)
Whether you need a full roof replacement or just a limited affected area
If you decide to hire a roofing company, try to get a detailed bid from at least three licensed professional roofers. You should also check if the company will handle the necessary permits and paperwork.
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Preventing future roof leaks
You can’t always protect your home from catastrophes, but keeping your roof in good condition can go a long way toward avoiding potential problems and costly repairs in the first place. A strong roof is better able to handle storms than a poorly-maintained one, after all.
Here are some steps you can take to keep your roof in tip-top condition:
Inspect your roof after major storms or at least once per year.
Clean your gutters at least twice per year, and consider installing leaf guards.
Don’t let moss and algae grow on your roof, as it can hold onto moisture.
Walk softly on your roof and wear rubber-soled shoes to avoid shingle damage.
Avoid spraying asphalt shingles too hard when cleaning, as it can wear them down.
Fix any damage to exterior siding and soffits, which can allow rot to extend up into the roof.
Leaky roof FAQs
Your roof is more than just a stage for your Christmas decorations. Here’s how to deal with major problems and issues when they arise.
What should I do if my roof is leaking?
First, take steps to contain any water damage by placing buckets under ceiling drips and putting tarps and covers over any obvious gaps or exterior damage. Find the leak if you’re able to do so, and identify the repairs needed. You may need to call a professional if there’s extensive damage or you can’t find the source of the leak.
Why is my roof leaking after heavy rain?
When there’s a whole lot of water around, it’s easier to see any potential gaps and leaks in your roof. Water can easily sneak under broken shingles, cracked chimneys, or loose flashing around vents and valleys.
How serious is a roof leak?
It’s important to deal with roof leaks at the first sign of water stains or drips. Even a small leak can be a sign of a major problem hidden behind the walls or in the roof. Roof leaks are also dangerous because they can cause electrical fires or mold damage that can negatively affect your health.
What are the common signs of a leaky roof?
Signs of a leak include dark spots or bulges on the ceiling, short circuits in electrical appliances, and worn shingles on your roof.
How can I temporarily fix a leaking roof until professional help arrives?
If you’ve suffered extensive damage across your roof, it’s best to cover it with a tarp or plastic sheeting. If you can identify the source of smaller leaks, you may be able to plug them up as a temporary fix or even a permanent solution until a professional can come and deal with it accordingly.
Lindsay VanSomeren is a freelance personal finance writer living in Suquamish, WA. Her work has appeared with FICO, Credit Karma, The Balance, and more. She enjoys helping people learn how to manage their money better so they can live the life they want.
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
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