Roof Leak Repair Guide: Causes, Emergency Steps, and Permanent Fixes
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Roof Leak Repair Guide: Causes, Emergency Steps, and Permanent Fixes
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Serving North Jersey • Licensed & insured • Financing options available
Roof Leak Repair Guide: Causes, Emergency Steps, and Permanent Fixes is written for homeowners across North Jersey who want straight answers—pricing, timelines, materials, and what to do in an emergency.
If you’re dealing with a leak or storm damage, call Terra Nova Construction for a fast inspection and a clear plan.
Leak basics: quick steps before the roofer arrives
Protect the inside first. Don’t climb on wet roofs. Most leaks trace back to flashing, penetrations, skylights, or valleys.
Service Area Map
We serve North Jersey and nearby towns. If you’re outside the map area, text us—chances are we still cover you.
Service Area Map
We serve North Jersey and nearby towns. If you’re outside the map area, text us—chances are we still cover you.
Service-area quick links
Looking for a contractor near you? Here are popular service pages:
Frequently asked questions (expand to read)
I have a leak – what should I do first?
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
Why is my roof leaking?
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
How do I find where the leak is coming from?
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
Can you stop my leak today?
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
Is water damage covered by insurance?
Insurance typically covers sudden storm-related damage (wind, hail, fallen limbs). We document damage, provide a scope, and can meet the adjuster so the estimate matches what’s needed to restore the roof.
How much does leak repair cost?
Most roofs are priced by size (squares), steepness, layers to remove, decking condition, material choice, and the amount of flashing/vent work. The fastest way to get an accurate number is an on-site inspection.
Will there be mold from the leak?
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
Do you fix ceiling stains from leaks?
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
Why is water coming through my ceiling?
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
My roof leaks when it rains hard – why?
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
There’s water around my chimney – what’s wrong?
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
My skylight is leaking – can you fix it?
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
Water is coming in around my pipes/vents
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
There’s ice building up on my roof
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
Water is backing up in my gutters
Start by protecting the interior (bucket/towels) and avoid climbing onto a wet roof. Leaks often come from flashing, pipe boots, skylights, or missing shingles—not always the spot where water shows up inside.
Why are my shingles curling/cracking?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
What are those black streaks on my roof?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
Why are shingles missing?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
There are granules in my gutters – is this bad?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
My roof is sagging – what does this mean?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
What are ice dams and how do I prevent them?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
Why is there moss on my roof?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
My chimney flashing is rusted – can you fix it?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
What are those rubber boots around pipes?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
Should I have ridge vents installed?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
Do I need more attic ventilation?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
What are soffit vents and do I need them?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
Why is my roof deck soft/spongy?
It depends on your roof design and what we find during inspection. We’ll explain the cause, options, and the pros/cons so you can choose the right fix—without guesswork.
Tip: If you’re unsure whether you need repair or replacement, start with an inspection—then decide with real data.
Get a roof inspection & clear plan
If you need roof repair, emergency tarping, or a full replacement, we’ll inspect, document, and explain options in plain language.
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Tell us what you need (roofing, windows, siding, gutters, soffit/fascia). We’ll confirm pricing and scheduling.