Roof Repairs
Leaks, lifted or missing shingles, flashing failures, and storm damage, diagnosed properly and repaired to last.
Most roof leaks start small: a cracked pipe boot, a lifted shingle, failing flashing at a chimney or wall. Found early, these are usually straightforward repairs. Left alone through a West Coast winter, they can damage the deck, insulation and ceilings below.
We locate the true source of the problem rather than the place where the water appears, explain what we found with photographs, and recommend the repair that makes sense for the age and condition of your roof.
The most common causes of leaks in Greater Victoria
- Pipe boots: the rubber collars around plumbing vents crack and shrink with age, letting water run down the pipe.
- Flashing: metal at chimneys, skylights and walls lifts, rusts or loses its seal.
- Wind damage: winter storms lift and tear shingles, especially along ridges and roof edges.
- Moss: thick moss holds water against the roof and lifts shingle edges as it grows.
- Blocked gutters: water backs up at the eaves and finds its way under the roof edge.
- Worn shingles and nail pops: on older roofs, nails work loose and shingles crack, leaving small openings.
Water often travels along the deck or rafters before it drips, so the stain on your ceiling can be several feet from the actual leak. That is why we trace it from the roof and, where we can, from the attic.
How a repair works
- We inspect the roof and, where it helps, the attic, and photograph the cause.
- We explain the options and give you the price in writing before any work is done.
- We repair with matching or closely matching materials and seal everything properly.
- You receive photographs of the finished repair and the written warranty terms.
Shingle colours change and some lines are discontinued, so a new patch can look slightly different at first. Older shingles fade with sun and weather, and the difference usually blends in over time.
Repair or replace?
A repair is the right choice when the roof is in reasonable condition and the problem is local. When a roof is near the end of its life and problems keep appearing in different places, repeated repairs can cost more than they save. We will tell you honestly which applies, and our roofing education page explains the signs to look for.
What is included
- Leak diagnosis and source tracing
- Shingle replacement and resealing
- Chimney, skylight and wall flashing repairs
- Pipe boot and vent replacement
- Storm and wind damage repairs
- Photographic report of the work
Questions about roof repairs
What are the most common causes of roof leaks on Vancouver Island?
The most common causes are failed flashing around chimneys, skylights and walls, cracked rubber pipe boots, and shingles lifted by wind. Moss also holds water against the roof and pushes up shingle edges, letting rain get underneath. Most of these are straightforward repairs when they are caught early.
Can a roof be repaired when it is raining?
A permanent repair needs a dry roof, but an active leak can be secured in wet weather with tarps or temporary patches to stop further damage. We then return to complete the permanent repair at the first dry opening.
How long does a typical roof repair take?
Most roof repairs are finished in a few hours to one day. Larger jobs, such as rebuilding flashing around a chimney or replacing a damaged section of decking, can take longer. We tell you the expected time before work begins.
Can you match my existing shingles?
We match colour and style as closely as possible using current products from the same or a similar manufacturer. New shingles can look slightly different at first because older shingles fade with sun and weather. The difference usually blends in over time.
Will my home insurance cover roof repairs?
Insurance usually covers sudden damage, such as a fallen tree or a severe windstorm, but not wear and tear or a roof that has reached the end of its life. Check your policy and contact your insurer first. We can photograph and document the damage to support your claim.
Do roof repairs come with a warranty?
Yes, our repairs include a written workmanship warranty, and the terms are set out on your invoice before work begins. Coverage depends on the type of repair and the condition of the surrounding roof. We explain exactly what is covered so you know what to expect.
How do you find where a roof leak is coming from?
Water often travels before it shows on a ceiling, so we trace it from the attic and the roof surface, checking flashing, vents, valleys, skylights and fasteners until we find where it actually gets in.
Is it worth repairing an older roof?
If the damage is limited and the rest of the roof is sound, a repair can add good years. If the roof is near the end of its life or problems are widespread, we will tell you a replacement is the better use of your money.