What is the cost of repairing a roof leak?

Cost of Repairing a Roof Leak

Have you noticed water puddles in your artic, stains on your ceiling, or a dumpy smell in your home? Your roof might be leaking. To keep your family safe and protect your home, have your leaking roof repaired. Read on and learn more about roof leak repair costs

The average cost of repairing a roof leak in Atlanta

The average cost of repairing a leaking roof is between $2 and $30 per square foot. However, the cost varies depending on the following factors:

The extent of the damage

It is impossible to know the exact damage caused by your leaking roof. If your roof has been leaking for a while, the damage might be extensive, and the roof leak repair cost might be high. If it’s impossible to repair your roof, you might need a replacement, and you are likely to spend an average of $80 per square foot.

If you are experiencing moderate leaking that requires patching or shingle replacement, you might spend $7.50 per square foot. For minor leaks, you will probably pay $1.50 per square foot.

The type of roofing material

The type of roofing materials also determines the cost of roof leak repair. If you have a slate roof, you can pay between $2.50 and $10 per square foot, depending on the extent of the damage. In case your slate roof needs flashing, it might cost more.

Contact with an expert for a roof leak

Repairing an asphalt shingle roof can cost $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot. The cost varies depending on the extent of the damage. For instance, replacing underlayment and relaying shingles is more expensive than replacing a few worn-out shingles.

 

For a clay tiled roof, you are likely to pay an average cost of $5 per square foot. If you need to repair a more extensive roof section, it costs $3 to $7 per square foot. To repair a leaky cedar roof, you’ll spend an average of $8 per square foot, but you might spend more if the damage is extensive.

Location of the leak

The leak's location on your roof might also influence the total cost of the repairs. If the leak is in an area that roofer can easily access, you can pay $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. However, if the leak is located in a position that might require more inspection or specialized equipment, the leaking roof repair cost might be $5 per square foot and above.

Labor cost

The labor cost in your local area also affects your roof leak repair cost. The average hourly rate is $ 4.5 to $7.5per square foot, but the rate is higher in some areas. Search "roof leak repair near me" for a more accurate cost estimate.


Why is paper felt important?

WHY ROOFING FELT IS IMPORTANT

Roofing Felt. Think of it as your roofing deck’s bodyguard. Roofing felt is important because it acts as a barrier- a line of defense-between your roofing deck and the elements. If you’ve ever passed by a roofing project, you surely noticed the black paper sheet on the roof before the shingles are applied. This protective barrier is known as roof underlayment. Roofing felt is one type of roofing underlayment and it extends the life of your roof by protecting it from water, fire, and severe weather. Many building codes and professional organizations, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) strongly recommend the use of roofing underlayment for every project. Not only is roofing felt important for the protection of your home, but it also adds to the aesthetics, ensuring a uniform look. Let’s look at some of the benefits of roofing felt.

BENEFITS OF ROOFING FELT

ACTS AS A WATER REPELLANT

Nature’s elements can wreak havoc on your roof. Roofing felt is important because it repels water preventing moisture from getting trapped between shingles and roofing deck wood. Moisture damage is detrimental to your roof because it causes leaks, water damage and mold. The layer of paper felt helps the water drain off your roof and prevents leaks into your home.

PROTECTS ROOF DECK DURING INSTALLATION

Many times, it takes a while for the roof to be complete. During the installation process, roofing felt protects the wood until the shingles can be applied.

KEEPS SHINGLES UNIFORM

Roof decks are not always straight. Roof felt is important when it comes to keeping the surface uniform prior to applying the shingles. This prevents bumps and imperfections which can not only compromise the roof, but creates a “picture framing” effect, or the pattern of your decking showing abnormalities through the shingles.

PROTECTS AGAINST SNOW AND ICE

Snow and ice are especially hard on a roof. When piles of snow accumulate on the roof and then quickly melt, water may leak through the crevices of your roof. The extra protection that paper felt provides helps to protect insulation, ceilings, and walls from the water that pools on your roof.

FIRE PROTECTION

Roofing felt has a Class A Fire Rating which means that it can withstand fires. Shingles alone may not meet the Class A Fire Requirements. ASTM International or Canadian Standards Association (CSA) on the product label means that the felt is compliant and often comply with building codes.

LOWERS HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE RATES

Because of roofing felt’s Class, A Fire Rating insurance rates are typically lower for homes that have use roofing felt.

PREVENTS WOOD RESIN STAINS

Specific types of wood may leach resin over time. Roof felt’s protective barrier prevents this resin from staining your shingles.

WHAT IS PAPER FELT

As we stated, roofing underlayment lies between the roof deck and the shingles. There are two types of roofing underlayment, synthetic and paper felt. Paper felt is one of the oldest types of underlayment and has been used for decades. Over a hundred years ago when the manufacturing of paper felt began, cloth felt from recycled cotton was used to make asphalt felt. Today, paper felt is made from saturating paper or sawdust and recycled paper with asphalt. Paper felt costs less than synthetic underlayment and comes in two different types: No. 15 felt, and No. 30 felt. No. 15 felt weighs between seven and fourteen pounds per 100 square feet. No. 30 felt weighs 16.5 or 17 pounds. The ASTM D 4869 requires No. 15 felt to weigh at least 8 pounds per 100 square feet. ASTM D226 is a stricter standard, requiring a minimum of 11.5 pounds per square. If you have a steep pitch roof, use No. 30 felt, however if your roof is not steep, No. 15 will suffice. No. 15 paper felt is a more economical choice, however, it is not as thick as No. 30 paper felt. Overall No. 15 felt paper, is thicker, tears less during installation and offers better protection.

There are pros and cons to all roofing underlayment. When choosing the best underlayment for your roof, consider your geographic location, the weather in your area, your roof’s design, what roofing materials are being used, and your budget. Talk with your roofing contractor to determine the best option for your roof.