Terra Nova Roofing & ConstructionRoof Leaks & Emergency Roof Repair in NJ: Your Questions Answered
Who to call, what to do right now, whether insurance pays, and why it only leaks in a storm. Terra Nova Roofing & Construction answers the roof leak questions North Jersey homeowners ask most, with a link to the full page on each one.
Licensed & insured • NJ Lic. #13VH13824700 • Locally owned in Garfield, NJ • Free inspections with photos • Hablamos español
Text a photo of the stain or the drip to 973-200-1617 and tell us where it is in the house.
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Who do I call for a roof leak?
Call a licensed roofer, not a plumber or handyman: Terra Nova Roofing & Construction handles roof leaks across Passaic, Bergen, Morris, Essex, Hudson and Union County, with roof leak repair from $650, standard repair from $950 and emergency leak service with a temporary dry-in from $1,500. Rotted decking is extra. Call or text 973-200-1617 for a free inspection with photos.
Roof leak help at a glance
The short answers, in one table:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who to call | A licensed roofer. Terra Nova: call or text 973-200-1617 |
| Roof leak repair | From $650 |
| Standard roof repair | From $950 |
| Emergency leak service | From $1,500, includes a temporary dry-in (tarp or underlayment) |
| Hidden damage | Rotted decking found when the roof is opened is extra |
| Hidden or recurring leaks | Thermal (infrared) roof scan to locate wet areas and wet insulation |
| Insurance | Sudden damage may be covered; wear and age usually aren't. We document and can meet the adjuster |
| Roofs we repair | Asphalt shingle, flat/low-slope (EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen) and metal |
| Response | We usually reply the same business day |
| License | Licensed & insured, NJ Lic. #13VH13824700 |
If water is coming in right now, start with the next section.
What should I do right now if my roof is leaking?
Protect the inside first: move valuables, catch the water, take photos, and call a roofer; leave the roof itself to the crew, because wet shingles and flat roofs are slippery and hide soft spots.
My ceiling is bulging with water. What do I do?
Put a bucket under it and make a small hole in the center of the bulge with a screwdriver so the water drains in one place instead of bringing the ceiling down. Keep people and pets out from under it. More: protecting your home during a leak.
Should I go in the attic?
If it's safe, yes: a flashlight look can show where water is entering and let you put a bucket or tarp on the insulation. Step only on the framing, never between the joists. Use the attic checklist after a leak.
Should I put a tarp on the roof myself?
We don't recommend it during rain or wind. A tarp that isn't secured and lapped correctly can blow off or channel water in. Emergency leak service covers the opening with a proper temporary dry-in. See emergency roof tarping.
Can a roof be repaired in the rain?
A permanent repair needs a dry surface, so in heavy rain the job is to stop the water with a temporary cover, then come back for the real fix. Read can a roof be repaired in the rain.
Who do I call for a roof leak: roofer, plumber or insurance?
Call a roofer first when water comes through the ceiling during rain or snowmelt; call a plumber when it drips with no weather, near a bathroom or with the water running; call your insurer once you know there is real roof damage.
How do I know it's the roof and not plumbing?
Roof leaks follow the weather: they show up during or after rain, wind-driven rain or melting snow. A drip that happens on dry days, under a bathroom or when someone showers points to plumbing or a condensation line. See roof leak or attic condensation.
Does Terra Nova handle emergency roof leaks?
Yes. Emergency leak service starts from $1,500 and includes a temporary dry-in; the permanent repair is quoted once the roof is dry and the entry point is found. Details: emergency roof leak repair.
What happens on the first visit?
We trace the leak from inside and on the roof, photograph the entry point and anything else we see, and give you a written price. You decide before any work starts. See roof leak inspection.
Can I file an insurance claim for a leaking roof?
You can file one, but whether it's paid depends on the cause: homeowners policies often cover sudden damage such as wind-torn shingles or a fallen limb, and usually don't cover leaks from wear, age or lack of maintenance; your insurer makes that decision.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?
It may cover the leak and the interior damage when a sudden event caused it, and it usually won't pay for a roof that simply wore out. Read your policy and see does insurance cover roof leaks.
Should I call the roofer or the insurance company first?
An inspection first tells you whether there is real storm damage before you open a claim, and a temporary dry-in stops more damage either way. Read inspection before a claim.
How does Terra Nova help with a leak claim?
We document the damage with photos and measurements, help with the paperwork and can meet the adjuster on the roof. We never promise a claim result and never cover or waive deductibles. Guide: roof leak insurance claims in NJ.
Will insurance pay for the emergency tarp?
Many policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and temporary repairs are often part of a claim, but your policy and adjuster decide. Keep the invoice and photos. See temporary repairs and claims.
Why does my roof leak only in heavy rain or wind?
A roof that leaks only in hard or wind-driven rain usually has a weak spot that ordinary rain doesn't reach: lifted shingles, a short step flashing, a missing kickout, a worn valley or a cracked pipe boot that water is pushed into sideways.
Where do most roof leaks start?
At joints, not in the open field of shingles: chimney and wall flashing, pipe boots, valleys, skylights, dormers and the eaves. Overview: why is my roof leaking.
Why does it leak sometimes but not every time it rains?
Rain direction, wind and how long the storm lasts change where water hits the roof. Leaks that come and go are common at flashing and on the windward side. Read why a roof leaks only sometimes and wind-driven rain leaks.
Why does my chimney leak?
Most chimney leaks are failed step or counter flashing, old tar patches or a missing cricket behind a wide chimney; some come from the crown or cap. See roof leak around the chimney.
Can a leak start after a storm with no visible damage?
Yes. Wind can break the seal strip under shingles without tearing them off, and the leak shows up in the next hard rain. Read leaks with no visible damage.
Ceiling stains, hidden leaks and thermal scans
A ceiling stain means water has already soaked through insulation and drywall, and the entry point is often several feet uphill from the stain because water runs along rafters and the roof deck first.
Is a small ceiling stain urgent?
Yes, it's worth a look soon. By the time a stain shows, the deck and insulation above it have usually been wet more than once. See ceiling water stains.
Can a roof leak without a ceiling stain?
Yes. Water can drip into an unfinished attic, run down inside a wall or soak insulation for months. A musty attic or dark roof boards are early signs. Read leaks without a stain.
How do you find a leak that keeps coming back?
We trace flashing, valleys and penetrations by hand, and where it helps we use a thermal (infrared) roof scan, which shows temperature differences that can point to trapped moisture and wet insulation. See thermal roof scan leak detection and recurring leak repair.
Flat roof leaks and ice dam leaks
Flat roofs leak mostly where water sits or where the membrane meets something, and ice dams cause leaks when meltwater backs up under shingles at cold eaves; both need a fix at the cause, not just a patch.
Why is my flat roof leaking?
Ponding water, open seams, shrinking membrane, loose flashing at parapets and walls, and clogged drains or scuppers are the usual causes. We repair EPDM, TPO and modified bitumen. Read flat roof repair in NJ and ponding water repair.
Why does my roof leak when snow melts?
Heat from the house melts snow, the water refreezes at the eaves and the ice ridge pushes water back under the shingles. Ice & water barrier at the eaves and balanced attic ventilation are the long-term fixes. See roof leak from an ice dam and ice dam help.
How much does roof leak repair cost, and how long does it take?
Terra Nova's roof leak repair starts from $650, standard roof repair from $950 and emergency leak service from $1,500, with rotted decking extra; most single-area leak repairs are finished in one visit.
What changes the price of a leak repair?
Where the leak is, how much flashing has to be rebuilt, the roof's pitch and height, the material and whether wet or rotted deck has to be replaced. The exact price is in writing before work starts. See roof leak repair cost in NJ.
When is a leak a sign I need a new roof?
When leaks show up in more than one place, shingles are failing across the roof, or repairs would cost a large share of a replacement. Compare: leak repair vs. replacement and roof replacement in New Jersey.
More: roof leak repair, storm damage roof repair and roofing questions answered. Ready? Request a free estimate.
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Stop the Leak
Tell us where the water is showing up and send photos if you can. We'll trace it, photograph it and give you a written price.
What you get
- The real entry point, not just the stain
- Photos of everything we find
- Emergency dry-in when water is coming in
- An exact written price before any work
- Licensed & insured, NJ Lic. #13VH13824700
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Most-Asked Roof Leak Questions
Who do I call for a roof leak?
A licensed roofer. Terra Nova Roofing & Construction repairs roof leaks across Passaic, Bergen, Morris, Essex, Hudson and Union County; call or text 973-200-1617.
Can I file an insurance claim for a leaking roof?
Yes, you can file, but coverage depends on the cause and your policy. Sudden damage is often covered; wear and age usually aren't, and the insurer decides.
How much does roof leak repair cost?
Roof leak repair starts from $650 and standard roof repair from $950. Emergency leak service starts from $1,500, and rotted decking is extra.
What should I do first when my roof leaks?
Move valuables, catch the water, drain a bulging ceiling into a bucket and take photos. Then call a roofer and stay off the wet roof.
Why does my roof only leak in heavy rain?
Hard or wind-driven rain reaches weak spots normal rain doesn't, such as lifted shingles, short flashing, worn valleys or cracked pipe boots.
Can you fix a roof leak in the rain?
We can stop the water with a temporary dry-in during rain. The permanent repair is done once the surface is dry.
How long does a roof leak repair take?
Most single-area repairs are done in one visit. Larger flashing rebuilds or deck repairs can take longer, and we tell you before we start.
What is a thermal roof scan?
An infrared scan that shows temperature differences on the roof, which can point to trapped moisture and wet insulation. It helps find hidden and recurring leaks, especially on flat roofs.
Do I need to be home for the repair?
Not always. We need access to the roof and, ideally, the attic or the room where the leak shows.
What does your free estimate include?
An on-site inspection, photos of the leak and anything else we find, a written scope and the exact price before work.
Do you offer financing?
Financing is available for larger projects, such as a replacement. Options and terms depend on the project and approval.
¿Hablan español?
Sí, hablamos español. Llame o mande texto al 973-200-1617.
Updated November 2026 by the Terra Nova Roofing & Construction team, Garfield, NJ • NJ Lic. #13VH13824700