02 · Repairs & leak tracing
We fix where the water gets in
Most leaks are not where the stain is. We trace the water from the ceiling back to the flashing, vent boot or valley that is letting it in, fix that, and send you photos of before and after.
(Who it is for)
Where roof leaks usually start
In our repair logs, the same handful of details cause most leaks. Shingles in the open field of a slope are rarely the problem.
Pipe boots
The rubber collar around plumbing vents cracks in the sun after 10 to 15 years. The most common leak we fix.
Step flashing at walls
Where a roof meets a wall or dormer. Often face-nailed and caulked instead of woven in, and it fails when the caulk does.
Chimneys
Counter flashing pulled out of the mortar, or a mortar fillet instead of flashing at all.
Valleys
Where two slopes meet and carry the most water. Debris, worn shingles and nails driven too close to the centre.
Skylights
Old flashing kits, or sealant used as flashing. See ventilation and skylights.
Ice dams
Winter leaks at the eaves, caused by a warm attic. The fix is usually ventilation and ice shield, not shingles.
(How it runs)
How a leak visit runs
Most repairs are finished on the first visit. If we need a part, we tarp it and come back within the week.
Call
Tell us where the stain is
A photo of the ceiling and the roof above it helps. We book a visit, usually within three working days. Active leaks in bad weather go to the storm line.
On site
Trace from the inside out
Attic first, roof second. The source is often a few feet uphill of the stain.
Same visit
Agree the price and fix it
Most repairs take one to three hours. You get a written price before we start.
Same day
Photos and notes
Before-and-after photos, and a short note on anything else we saw: repair it, watch it, or leave it alone.
(Repair or replace)
Repair or replace?
Age matters less than condition. This is the rule of thumb we use on the roof.
One flashing, boot or valley has failed
Repair
The rest of the roof has years left. Fix the detail.
Wind lifted a few shingles on one slope
Repair
Matched shingles, hand-sealed. Usually under $620.
Leaks in three or more places
Inspect
Often a sign the whole roof is near the end. The report will show you.
Granule loss or curling across a slope
Replace
Repairs stop being good value. Price a replacement.
Soft deck in several areas
Replace
Water has been getting in for a long time.
(What is included)
What a repair visit includes
One visit, one price agreed on the roof before we start, and the same paperwork as a full replacement.
Repair visit
What you get
01
Leak trace
Attic first, then the roof above it. We follow the water path with a moisture meter, and hose-test when it is dry out.
02
Price before work
We explain the fix and agree the price with you on site, or in writing if you are not home.
03
The repair
New flashing, boots or shingles, woven in properly. We do not use sealant as a repair on anything that should be flashed.
04
Matched materials
We carry the common shingle colours on the van and match as closely as we can. We tell you up front if a patch will show.
05
Photos
Before, during and after, sent the same day, with a note on the rest of the roof while we were up there.
06
2-year warranty
If the same spot leaks again within two years, we come back and fix it at no charge.
(Price guide)
Typical repair prices
Prices include the visit, materials, the repair and the photos. If we find nothing to fix, or you decide not to go ahead, the trace visit is $185.
Job
What it covers
Guide price
Pipe boot replaced
Plumbing vent collar, new boot and shingles around it
$340–$480
Shingle repair, up to 10 shingles
Wind-blown or cracked, colour-matched from our van stock
$380–$620
Chimney counter flashing
Cut into the mortar joints and reset, one chimney
$640–$1,450
Step flashing at a wall
One side of a dormer or wall, up to 12 ft
$690–$1,200
Valley rebuild
One valley up to 20 ft, new ice shield and metal
$950–$1,800
Leak trace only
If no repair is needed or you do not go ahead
$185
(Projects)
Repairs inside bigger jobs
Most of our repair work is small. These two jobs started as leak calls.
(Free inspection)
Tell us where the stain is.
We will trace it back to where the water gets in, fix it and send you the photos. Most repairs are done on the first visit.