Roof problems

Water damage is the reason to act fast. The Insurance Information Institute reports that water damage and freezing claims averaged $13,954 per claim over 2018–2022 and made up 27.6% of homeowners claims in 2022 — the second-largest category after wind and hail.

Mold is the follow-on risk. The EPA advises cleaning and drying wet or damp spots within 48 hours to prevent mold growth, and says that if mold covers more than about 10 square feet you should bring in a professional. A roof leak that has been dripping into a wall cavity for weeks is no longer only a roofing job.

Ventilation problems are the quiet ones. A hot, damp attic cooks shingles from below and shortens the roof's life, and in cold climates it contributes to ice dams. If your roof has failed noticeably earlier than expected, ventilation is one of the first things to check.

Be skeptical of unsolicited damage findings. A stranger who knocks after a storm and reports damage you cannot see is a well-documented pattern. Get your own roofer up there before you call your insurer.

How to choose

Trace the leak, don't guess it

Water runs along rafters and decking before it drops. Inspect the attic with a flashlight on a rainy day, and look uphill from the stain.

Dry it within 48 hours

The EPA advises cleaning and drying wet or damp spots within 48 hours to prevent mold. Move soaked insulation and open the cavity if you have to.

Photograph before you fix

If there is any chance of an insurance claim, photograph the damage, the interior effects and any temporary repairs before you change anything.

Fix the cause, not the stain

Repainting a ceiling without finding the entry point guarantees you will do it again, with more rot behind it the second time.

Treat a 10 sq ft mold patch as a professional job

The EPA says areas larger than roughly 10 square feet, or any job involving contaminated water or a possibly contaminated HVAC system, warrant a professional.