Roof Leak Repair: what to expect
Leaks in Northeast Florida are rarely where the stain is. Water tracks along rafters, along the top of the drywall, and along ductwork before it drops. That is why leak work starts with an attic inspection whenever the attic is accessible, not with a tube of sealant on the roof.
The usual suspects here are penetrations rather than the field of the roof: plumbing vent boots that have cracked from UV exposure, HVAC curb flashing, skylight perimeters, valley terminations, and the wall-to-roof transitions on additions and porches. Wind-driven rain during an afternoon thunderstorm can also push water uphill under a covering that would be perfectly watertight in a straight downpour.
Speed matters more here than in most of the country. With the humidity we live in, wet insulation and wet drywall can start growing mold in a matter of days, and the remediation bill can dwarf the roof repair. Get the water stopped, get the cavity dried, then decide about the permanent fix.
Typically included
- Attic-side inspection to find the actual entry point
- Temporary dry-in so the next storm does not make it worse
- Permanent repair of flashing, boots and terminations
- Moisture readings so wet insulation is not simply covered back up
Before you sign
Verify the contractor's licence at myfloridalicense.com, ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly by their insurer, get the full scope of work in writing, confirm that a permit will be pulled, and never pay a large cash deposit. If the work is connected to an insurance claim, read anything that assigns your benefits to a contractor very carefully, and speak to your carrier, not to us, about your policy.