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How to fix a roof leak

We'll locate the leak, reseal flashing, replace shingles, and tell you when to call a roofer.

How-to · Home plumbing
1–4 hours
What you'll need
  • Roofing cement
  • Replacement shingles (if needed)
  • Replacement flashing or pipe boot (if needed)
  • Putty knife, hammer, roofing nails

At a glance

  • Locate the leak from inside—trace water stains or wet spots to the roof above.
  • Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights; reseal or replace if damaged.
  • Replace missing or damaged shingles; seal minor cracks with roofing cement.
  • Clear debris from valleys and ensure gutters are not backing up under the shingles.
  • Call a roofer for steep roofs, structural damage, or when you cannot safely access the roof.
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Steps

Goal: Locate the leak, reseal flashing, replace shingles, and know when to call a roofer.

  • From the attic or ceiling, trace water stains or wet spots to the roof above. Water can travel along rafters, so the leak may be several feet from where you see it.
  • Good: You identify the general area where water enters. Proceed to Check flashing or Replace shingles based on the source.
  • Bad: Cannot locate the source—call a roofer.

Locate the leak

Goal: Find where water enters the roof.

  • From inside, look for daylight, stains, or soft spots. Mark the area on the roof above. Common sources: flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights; missing or damaged shingles; pipe boots; clogged valleys.
  • Good: You have a general area to inspect. Proceed to Check flashing or Replace shingles.
  • Bad: Cannot trace the leak—call a roofer.

Check flashing

Goal: Reseal or replace failed flashing.

  • From the roof (only if safe), inspect the flashing where the chimney, vents, or skylights meet the roof. Look for gaps, rust, or lifted flashing. Reseal with roofing cement or replace the flashing if damaged. For pipe boots, replace the boot if the rubber is cracked.
  • Good: No gaps or lifted sections. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Flashing is severely damaged or you cannot safely access it—call a roofer.

Replace shingles

Goal: Replace missing or damaged shingles.

  • Lift the shingles above the damaged area, remove the nails, and slide out the old shingle. Slide in a new shingle and nail it in place. Seal the nail heads with roofing cement.
  • Good: The new shingle is flush with the surrounding shingles. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Multiple shingles are damaged or the deck is soft—call a roofer.

When to get help

Call a roofer if:

  • The roof is steep.
  • You cannot safely access the roof.
  • The leak is widespread.
  • You see structural damage.
  • You have tried minor repairs and the leak persists.

Do not go on a steep or wet roof. Falls are a leading cause of injury.

Verification

  • No water entering during or after rain.
  • Flashing is sealed with no gaps.
  • Shingles are intact and the roof is dry.

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my roof leak?
Common causes: failed flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights; missing or damaged shingles; clogged valleys or gutters that back water under shingles; or ice dams. Flashing seals penetrations; when it fails, water enters. Shingles can crack, curl, or go missing.
Can I fix a roof leak myself?
Yes, for minor repairs on a low-pitch roof if you can work safely. Reseal flashing, replace a few shingles, or apply roofing cement to small cracks. Do not go on a steep roof—call a roofer. Wear a harness and work in dry weather.
When should I call a roofer for a roof leak?
Call a roofer (not a plumber) for roof leaks. Call if the roof is steep, you cannot safely access it, the leak is widespread, or you see structural damage. Do not go on a steep or wet roof—falls are a leading cause of injury.

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