Roof leaks in Pittsburgh, PA
Roof leaks rarely show up right below where the water got in. It runs down rafters and along the deck first. Finding that path is the real job, and it is why we start in the attic whenever we can. A leaking roof gets worse the longer it runs, so it is worth tracing early.
Rough guide: Usually $350 to $1,800
Where Pittsburgh roofs usually leak
Open shingle field almost never leaks first. Water gets in where the roof stops or changes direction. On older brick houses the top offenders are chimney flashing, the joint where a porch roof meets the wall, and old tar patches that cracked years ago.
- Chimney flashing and worn mortar joints above it
- Step flashing along brick walls and dormers
- Cracked rubber pipe boots
- Valleys where debris holds water
- Skylight curbs and old skylight seals
- Box gutters built into the roof edge
Leaks that only show up sometimes
If your roof leaks when it rains hard but not in a light shower, the water is usually being driven sideways under flashing, or a valley is overflowing. Leaks that show up in winter or after snow are often ice dams or attic condensation instead of a hole in the roof. We ask when it happens and how long after the rain it starts, because that timing narrows it down quickly.
Some leaks aren't the roof at all. Porous brick and failed chimney crowns can let water down inside the chimney, and bath fans venting into an attic can drip like a leak. If that is what we find, we will tell you, and you won't pay for roof work you don't need.
Chimney flashing, done properly
If you need to fix chimney flashing, know that a chimney needs two layers of metal: step flashing woven into the shingles and counterflashing cut into the mortar joints above it. Many leaks come from flashing that was just caulked to the face of the brick. We cut it into the joint, bed it properly and add a cricket behind wide chimneys where water and leaves would otherwise pile up.
What to do while you wait
Move what you can, put a bucket under the drip and poke a small hole in any ceiling bulge so the water drains in one place. Take photos for your records. If water is coming in fast, see our emergency roof repair page and call us. Please stay off the roof, especially when it is wet.
Roof leak repair cost
If you need to fix a roof leak, it usually costs less than people fear, because the failed part is often small. A cracked pipe boot might be $350 to $500. Repairing chimney flashing is usually $600 to $1,500. Roof leakage repairs on slate or a tall house cost more because of access. Water damage inside, such as a stained ceiling or wet insulation, is a separate job, so fix the leak first, then dry and repair the room.
How the work goes
- Tell us the pattern
When it leaks, where it shows and how long after the rain it starts.
- Attic and roof check
We follow the water marks back up and check every nearby opening.
- Fix the source
We replace the failed flashing, boot or shingles, not just the stain.
- Confirm it held
If that same spot leaks again after our repair, call us. A repeat leak at a spot we repaired is handled under our workmanship warranty.
Common questions
How much does it cost to fix a roof leak?
Most leak repairs run $350 to $1,800. A pipe boot is at the low end, and rebuilding chimney flashing or a long wall section is at the high end.
Why is my roof leaking when it rains?
Usually flashing, a pipe boot or a valley has failed. The water often travels along rafters before it shows up, so the stain can be several feet away from the real source.
Why is my roof leaking around my chimney?
Most of the time the flashing has failed or was only caulked to the brick. Worn mortar joints and a cracked chimney crown can also let water in.
Why is my roof leaking in winter?
The usual causes are ice dams pushing water under the shingles or condensation in a poorly vented attic. A leak that shows up during a thaw points to ice.
How do you find a roof leak?
Start in the attic with a flashlight and look for dark rings, wet insulation and shiny nail tips, then follow the marks uphill. If you can't trace it, we can.
How to stop condensation on skylight in winter?
VELUX says condensation comes from humidity inside the house or the gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures, and doesn't count it as a leak. Bath and kitchen fans vented outdoors bring the humidity down. If it drips when it rains rather than when it is cold, it is a real leak, usually at the flashing.