Fixing a roof leak on your home costs $970 to $1,133 on average. However, if the leak is due to major structural damage, the total repair cost could climb to $6,250.
For minor roof leaks, like small holes, roofing professionals typically charge between $50 and $115 per hour. If the roofer charges based on square footage, the cost typically ranges between $6.50 and $7.50 per square foot.
Our cost estimates are based on national averages from cities across the U.S. Your actual costs may vary depending on several factors, including the size and location of the leak, the roofing material, and the extent of any internal damage.
Cost By Location
The cost of repairing a leaky roof varies widely based on location and the cost of living. Labor and materials cost significantly more in urban areas like Chicago or New York.
Additionally, mild climates with longer roofing seasons have lower overall prices compared to regions with heavy snow and ice, where the roofing season is shorter.
The table below shows a snapshot of the costs to repair a roof leak across the U.S.:
| City | Average Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $1,021 – $1,194 |
| New York, NY | $1,037 – $1,232 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Bradenton, FL | $894 – $1,039 |
| Atlanta, GA | $897 – $1,042 |
| Huntsville, AL | $929 – $1,078 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Indianapolis, IN | $1,019 – $1,188 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,062 – $1,248 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $857 – $1,117 |
| Seattle, WA | $1,042 – $1,223 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Roswell, NM | $908 – $1,055 |
| Dallas, TX | $918 – $1,065 |
| San Jose, CA | $953 – $1,121 |
There is no way to know exactly what your leaky roof repairs will cost without receiving free quotes from professional contractors in your area to compare.
Cost by Repair Type
No matter what style of roof or roofing material your home has, issues can arise when repairing the leak. Hopefully, you get off easy with a simple fix, like a flashing repair. However, you should be prepared for uncommon repairs like a sagging roof caused by water and storm damage.
Here are some typical leak repairs and their average costs:
- Small repairs include minor leaks, typically costing between $90 to $500.
- Moderate repairs include repairs to flashing and skylight leaks These repairs range from $250 to $950.
- Significant repairs can cost upward of $3,000 or more and include partial roof replacements, repairs to a sagging roof, and extensive water damage restoration.
| Type of Repair | Average Repair Costs |
| Clogged Gutters Causing Roof Leaks | $90 – $213 |
| Damaged Shingles | $143 – $1,433 |
| Nail Pop | $215 – $700 |
| Improper Seals | $220 – $675 |
| Cracked Vent Boat | $250 – $500 |
| Cracked Flashing | $250 – $950 |
| Skylight Leak | $363 – $775 |
| Ice Damming | $417 – $3,600 |
| Chimney Damage | $483 – $5,667 |
| Sagging | $1,250 – $6,250 |
Cost By Material
Roofing material is one of the major factors affecting the cost of to repair a roof leak. Contractors use a range of materials to install roofs, and some are more expensive and time-consuming to install, resulting in higher repair costs.
Repairing roof materials like metal and wood can cost as much as $19 per square foot, while a repair to a more economical material like asphalt roof can cost as little as $1 per square foot, not including labor.
| Roofing Material | Average Repair Cost Per Square Feet (Materials Only) |
| Asphalt Shingles | $1 – $3 |
| Slate Roof | $6 – $16 |
| Metal Roofing | $3 – $19 |
| Wood Shakes or Shingles | $3 – $19 |
Labor Cost
The total cost of to repair your roof leak combines the cost of materials and labor. Most roofing companies charge per hour, with the average cost of labor to repair a roof leak being $40 to $90 per hour.
Typically, labor rates vary depending on where you live, the experience of the roofer, and the type of repair. Overall, labor makes up around 60% of your total leak repair cost.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Fixing a roof leak yourself can be a budget-friendly option for smaller issues. If it’s just a small leak, all you might need is some sealant and a ladder. If you already have a ladder, the cost will be even lower. But if you don’t have the necessary tools, expect to spend around $392 to buy everything you need.
For larger problems like replacing shingles, things get trickier. These types of repairs require professional help and cannot be fixed as a DIY project. So it’s best to hire a professional.
Other Factors that Affect Cost
Cost by Roof Size and Design
Simpler and more accessible roofs are easier to work on, so they typically require less time and result in lower labor costs. Roofers assess the complexity of a roof’s design by the number of planes it has.
As a general rule, the steeper the roof pitch, the more expensive the repairs will be. Flat roofs with no pitch, for example, are typically the easiest and cheapest to repair.
If your roof repair involves fixtures like chimneys or skylights, expect the cost to rise. Accessibility to the damaged area, such as its proximity to the roof’s edge, can also influence labor costs.
Cost to Remove Debris
If there’s a lot of debris related to repairing your roof leak, you may need to pay for junk removal. More minor repairs typically won’t have much debris. Removing debris costs between $55 and $163, depending on the amount.
Cost of a Permit
Most minor roof repairs don’t require a permit. However, you may need one if the repair affects more than 25% of your roof. Permit costs typically range from $70 to $250.
Cost by Season
Labor costs can increase during extreme heat in summer or cold in winter, sometimes doubling. This is because working in these conditions is more difficult.
Emergency Repair
If you need a repair outside of regular business hours, you’ll likely face higher labor charges. Severe weather events can also increase demand for contractors, which leads to higher costs. On average, emergency repairs may add up to $250 to the labor charge.
Find a Pro to Fix the Leak in Your Roof
Minor roof leaks can lead to major problems, including water damage, mold, and mildew. It is best to have your roof thoroughly inspected by a roofing professional if you think you have a leak, and complete repairs as soon as possible.
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Read More:
— Ways Bad Gutters Cause Roof Leaks
Main Image Credit: surasak / Adobe Stock Free / License
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