IQHab › United States › Roofing › Roof Leaking — Causes & Fixes
Roof leaking
A roof leak can damage your home from the top down. Find the source and act fast.
Likely causes
| Cause | Likelihood | Severity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaged or missing shingles | high | Medium | $300–$1,500 |
| Failed flashing | medium | Medium | $200–$800 |
| Missing nails / wind damage | medium | Low | $200–$600 |
| Ice dams | low | Medium | $500–$2,000 |
Safe checks you can do
- Find where the water enters the attic and trace it up.
- Check for damaged shingles and flashing around vents and chimneys.
- Keep an eye on the ceiling stain to see if it grows.
Emergency signals
- Water actively dripping
- Sagging ceiling
- Extensive shingle loss
Next action
Tarp the area to stop more water, then book a roofer. Small leaks caught early are far cheaper than deferred repairs.