5 Most Common Types of Roof Repairs Every Homeowner Should Know

Age, weather, or faulty installation are all reasons why your roof may start leaking. But knowing what to look for can help you stay one step ahead.

Here are the 5 most common types of roof repairs that homeowners encounter, along with tips on how to address them before they lead to bigger problems.

1. Shingle Replacement

Problem: Missing, cracked, or curling shingles due to wind, age, or impact.

Why It Matters: Shingles are your roof’s protective shield. When they fail, water can seep in, leading to leaks and rot.

Fix: Replace damaged or missing shingles immediately to prevent further deterioration.

2. Leak Repairs

Problem: Water entering the home, often through roof valleys, flashing, or vents.

Why It Matters: Even a small leak can lead to mold growth, ceiling stains, and structural damage.

Fix: Locate the source of the leak and patch it using proper materials. Roof inspections after storms can catch leaks early.

3. Flashing Damage

Problem: Bent, rusted, or loose metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, or roof edges.

Why It Matters: Flashing directs water away from critical joints. Damaged flashing is a major cause of leaks.

Fix: Re-seal or replace flashing.

4. Roof Decking Issues

Problem: Sagging or soft spots beneath the shingles.

Why It Matters: Decking provides structural support. Damage here can mean rot or long-term moisture exposure.

Fix: Remove roofing layers, replace rotten decking, and re-roof the area.

5. Pipe Boot Repairs

Problem: Cracked or degraded rubber booting around vent pipes.

Why It Matters: These areas are prone to water intrusion and are often overlooked.

Fix: Replace the vent boot that seals tight around the pipe and replace surrounding shingles.

1. Shingle Replacement

Problem: Missing, cracked, or curling shingles due to wind, age, or impact.

Why It Matters: Shingles are your roof’s protective shield. When they fail, water can seep in, leading to leaks and rot.

Fix: Replace damaged or missing shingles immediately to prevent further deterioration.

2. Leak Repairs

Problem: Water entering the home, often through roof valleys, flashing, or vents.

Why It Matters: Even a small leak can lead to mold growth, ceiling stains, and structural damage.

Fix: Locate the source of the leak and patch it using proper materials. Roof inspections after storms can catch leaks early.

3. Flashing Damage

Problem: Bent, rusted, or loose metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, or roof edges.

Why It Matters: Flashing directs water away from critical joints. Damaged flashing is a major cause of leaks.

Fix: Re-seal or replace flashing.

4. Roof Decking Issues

Problem: Sagging or soft spots beneath the shingles.

Why It Matters: Decking provides structural support. Damage here can mean rot or long-term moisture exposure.

Fix: Remove roofing layers, replace rotten decking, and re-roof the area.

5. Pipe Boot Repairs

Problem: Cracked or degraded rubber booting around vent pipes.

Why It Matters: These areas are prone to water intrusion and are often overlooked.

Fix: Replace the vent boot that seals tight around the pipe and replace surrounding shingles.

1. Shingle Replacement

Problem: Missing, cracked, or curling shingles due to wind, age, or impact.

Why It Matters: Shingles are your roof’s protective shield. When they fail, water can seep in, leading to leaks and rot.

Fix: Replace damaged or missing shingles immediately to prevent further deterioration.

2. Leak Repairs

Problem: Water entering the home, often through roof valleys, flashing, or vents.

Why It Matters: Even a small leak can lead to mold growth, ceiling stains, and structural damage.

Fix: Locate the source of the leak and patch it using proper materials. Roof inspections after storms can catch leaks early.

3. Flashing Damage

Problem: Bent, rusted, or loose metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, or roof edges.

Why It Matters: Flashing directs water away from critical joints. Damaged flashing is a major cause of leaks.

Fix: Re-seal or replace flashing.

4. Roof Decking Issues

Problem: Sagging or soft spots beneath the shingles.

Why It Matters: Decking provides structural support. Damage here can mean rot or long-term moisture exposure.

Fix: Remove roofing layers, replace rotten decking, and re-roof the area.

5. Pipe Boot Repairs

Problem: Cracked or degraded rubber booting around vent pipes.

Why It Matters: These areas are prone to water intrusion and are often overlooked.

Fix: Replace the vent boot that seals tight around the pipe and replace surrounding shingles.

Conclusion

Finding roofing issues early can mean the difference between a minor repair and a major replacement. At Matt’s Exteriors, we specialize in identifying and fixing all types of roof problems. If you have doubts about your roof's condition then schedule an inspection with our team today.

FAQ

Q: How Much Does The Average Roof Repair Cost?

The average roof repair can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1000, depending on the extent of the damage and the amount of work and materials that will be needed to correctly perform the repair.

Q: Will New Shingles Match The Existing Roof?

Reputable contractors will try to match shingles as closely as possible. However, older roofs may have old shingles that are faded or discontinued which may be difficult to match exactly.

Q: How Long Does A Roof Repair Take?

Depending on the extent of the damage a roof repair can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day. However, inclement weather can affect the timeline of your repair.

Q: How Often Should I Have My Roof Inspected?

Ideally, inspect your roof at least once a year and after major storms. Regular inspections can catch minor issues before they become costly repairs.

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