Who to Call for a Leaky Roof

There’s really only one person for this kind of job

text:Angry Bearded Senior Man Talking on Smartphone Near Plastic Wash Bowl at Home in the Living Room Because of Roof Leaking
Photo: PixelsEffect / E+ / Getty Images
text:Angry Bearded Senior Man Talking on Smartphone Near Plastic Wash Bowl at Home in the Living Room Because of Roof Leaking
Photo: PixelsEffect / E+ / Getty Images
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Discovering a leaky roof brings up a lot of questions. How did it happen? Where’s the nearest bucket? And, most importantly, who can I hire to fix it? Despite its watery nature, a roofer—not a plumber—is always going to be the best person for the job when it comes to who to call for a leaky roof. Here’s why and what exactly they’ll do to restore order in your home.  

Benefits of Hiring a Roofer to Fix a Leaky Roof

There are many potential reasons your roof is suddenly leaking: Maybe your roof is leaking in winter because of a snow buildup that went unattended, or a summer storm broke through fragile paneling. Roofers are the only people qualified for a job like this because they have the certifications, necessary tools, and skills to assess the damage and fix it according to local building codes and regulations.

Not sure if the leak is actually coming from your roof or somewhere in your plumbing? It’s still a good idea to hire a roofing company near you, because they tell you whether the problem is coming from the top of your home or somewhere inside. They’ll also inspect for and repair any damage that could lead to a leak down the line.

"Using a roofing material that either has no horizontal overlaps or has actual interlocks running horizontally rather than overlaps will be very beneficial at keeping that ice and melted snow from backing up into the structure."

— Todd Miller, President of Isaiah Industries, Piqua, OH

Can I Fix a Roof Leak Myself? 

Just because you can technically do this job yourself doesn’t mean that you should. Performing roof repairs comes with a lot of risks—like falling off or through the roof as well as potential structural damage from any mistakes you may make. That’s why it’s always a good idea to leave this task to a pro instead. 

One thing you can do to give your pro a head start is locate the leak within your home. Making a note of where the water ends up will help them more easily find the source of the roof leak.

Can I Hire a Plumber to Fix a Leaky Roof? 

While plumbers can help solve leaks that are coming from inside your home, they aren’t equipped to handle problems on the roof. If you hire a roofer to fix the problem and they find no leak in the roof, you’re likely dealing with an interior issue and that’s when you’ll want to seek out a plumber instead.

How Do Pros Fix Leaky Roofs?

Man examining roof
Photo: Alphotographic / E+ / Getty Images

These are the major steps that a professional roofer will take to fix a leaky roof. 

  1. Find the leak: Even if you can show your pro exactly where the leak is inside your home, it’s going to be harder to locate on top of the roof. They’ll look in the most vulnerable places, like ridges and vents. 

  2. Clear the area: Once they’ve found the problem area, they’ll remove debris to make their work easier. 

  3. Tear off old or broken shingles: Shingles will likely be damaged wherever there’s a leak, and the pros will need to remove them to be able to patch up any holes beneath. 

  4. Patch up holes: After removing old shingles and roof paper, a roofer will seal any holes with caulk and line them with new roof paper. 

  5. Remove, repair, and replace damaged roof deck: Even if the leak isn’t directly on the roof deck, water runoff can also cause harm to these areas. Pros will assess the damage and make removals, repairs, and replacements as necessary. 

  6. Install new shingles: Finally, they’ll install new shingles. This is the last step to ensure that your roof looks and performs as good as new. 

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to roofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A beautiful house with architectural shingles
Mar 7, 2025
Mar 7, 2025
Architectural shingles cost is determined by project size, material quality, and roof condition. Find out how much they'll cost for your home.
Country house with slate roof and brick siding
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
The average slate roof repair falls between $800 and $3,200. Keep reading to discover common cost factors to see how much you could pay.
view of house with tan siding, stone accents, and brown metal roof
Mar 17, 2025
Mar 17, 2025
A new metal roof can add a unique touch to your home’s curb appeal and help maximize efficiency. Learn about metal roof costs and what affects your total.
colonial house with gable roof
Mar 24, 2025
Mar 24, 2025
Gable roofs are incredibly popular, but what is a gable roof? Learn everything about one of the most versatile—and classic—types of roofs.
A beautiful house with a tiled roof
Mar 27, 2025
Mar 27, 2025
If you've decided to skip the shingles, what type of roof tiles are the best for your home? Let's weigh the pros and cons of each popular type of roof tile on the market.
Metal roof sheets
Mar 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025
Wondering how to choose between standing seam versus corrugated metal roofing? Here’s everything you need to know to decide which is right for you.
Share project details to get started.