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Four Facts You Need to Know About Leaky Roofs

Updated: Oct 15

A leaky roof is not something that should go unattended. Over time, that small leak can expand and end up causing severe damage, leading to costly repairs and other losses. It’s important to take precautionary measures when you see a leak in your roof, as well as do research on how and where leaks are formed. Let’s take a look at four leaky roof facts you may want to know about.

  1. Rain doesn’t always flow downward: Water can work in mysterious ways. Although it may fall from the sky, strong winds and capillary action can play a serious factor in which way the water travels. If it is raining on your roof and the wind gusts are strong enough, your roof may experience water flowing horizontally and even upward. This could allow the rain to penetrate your building in areas you wouldn’t normally expect.

  2. Leaks don’t always start with water: Yes, your leak is a result of water, but it’s not just water that can compromise your roof’s integrity. Excessive heat, UV radiation, mechanical damage and blowing debris can also create issues. Under perfect conditions, the rain will normally drain off; however, if the water is stagnant and ends up getting stuck on a particular part of your roof, it could dry up and cause the specific area to become weak. This is why you may not notice a leak until the next time it rains.

  3. Holes aren’t always the place where water comes through: Just because your ceiling is leaking, it doesn’t meant hat the leak is in that area. Water tends to travel and could make it from one section of the facility to another before actually leaking into a workspace. It’s important to hire an expert to analyze the issues and find out where the roof is initially compromised.

  4. Maintenance is less expensive than repairs: By staying up to date on your building enclosure inspections, you can save a substantial amount of money and extend the life of your roof. Roofing repairs can be expensive, so hire a trusted commissioning provider to inspect and diagnose any problems you might have.


So, how much does a leaking roof really cost?

Calculating the cost of a leaking roof is not always easy. There’s the cost of fixing the roof, whether it’s the flashing or the shingles. Consequently, underneath the roof, if the leak has not been identified early, there’s likely additional problems and additional costs to repair. Properly repairing a roof includes replacing any wet insulation, rotten wood or rusted metal, as well as any other moisture related deterioration or mold growth. You should be ensured that your roof is lasting and in good condition by discovering the true cost of a leaking roof. Three costs associated with a leaky roof, include:

  1. Materials: The items the roofer will need to add to the cost of the job. To fix a leaky roof, the expert will generally need high-quality materials.

  2. Labor: The man power to get the job done is generally the costliest part of the project. Roofing professionals can make between $45 and $75 per hour, and there are usually a team of roofers that work together over several days to get the job done

  3. Hidden Costs: If your roof’s leak has done extensive damage underneath the shingles and sheathing, you’ll need to include the additional costs to replace the damaged wood and upgrade the structure. The total project cost depends on the area in question and how extensive the damage is. For roofs that need flashing repair, expect to pay up to $500. For roof flashings in valleys, calculate between $15 and $25 per foot.


Your building enclosure is your barrier for protecting your interior environments.

At SEA, we provide the highest quality evaluations from licensed and credentialed professionals. We recommend the most sustainable and resilient supplies and methods to maximize your long-term investment. The result is reduced maintenance costs and future cost avoidance from the elimination and prevention of roof leaks, protection of interiors and increased productivity from displaced occupants during potential remediation.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist you with your building enclosure needs to gain the biggest return on your investment from your greatest asset. We ensure quality building enclosure services for both new construction and existing buildings.

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