Roof repair and leak help in St. Louis

Most leaks come from a small spot, usually flashing around a chimney, wall or vent, or a few lifted shingles, and a repair is often enough. Call for a free inspection, and here's how to limit the damage until a roofer arrives.

Leaking right now? Do this tonight

• Stay off the roof, especially when it's wet or dark.
• Catch the water: buckets and towels. If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep people away from it, and consider poking a small hole at the low point so it drains into a bucket instead of collapsing.
• Protect valuables: move electronics and furniture, and photograph the damage.
• Shut off power to any light fixture or outlet where water is dripping, at the breaker.
• Call a roofer for emergency tarping if water keeps coming in. Get the price in writing first.
• Insurance: if a storm caused it, note the date and photograph everything before cleanup. Storm damage steps

Common roof leaks on St. Louis homes

Chimney and wall flashing

Many older St. Louis homes have brick chimneys and brick parapet walls. The metal flashing where roof meets brick is the most common leak point, especially when the mortar joints behind it have worn. A good repair may need repointing as well as new flashing.

Flat-roof seams and low spots

City flats, rowhouses and rear additions often have flat or low-slope roofs. Water that ponds in low spots, plus aging seams, causes slow leaks that show up far from where the water gets in. Flat roofs

Missing or creased shingles

Spring storms lift and crease shingles. One missing shingle is a quick repair, if matching shingles are available.

Vent boots and skylights

Rubber boots around plumbing vents crack with age and sun. They're an inexpensive fix that's easy to miss.

Ice dams and gutters

In some winters, snow melts and refreezes at the eaves, backing water under shingles. Clogged gutters make it worse. Ice-and-water shield at the eaves is the long-term fix when the roof is replaced.

Repair or replace?

A good roofer will show you photos and explain which applies. If you're getting a replacement quote, compare it with our cost guide and estimator.

Do repairs need a permit?

Generally not for small repairs. In the City, like-material re-roofing with 25% or less of the sheathing replaced usually doesn't need a permit, and gutters and downspouts never do (Source: City of St. Louis). City vs. County permit rules

What to ask for in a repair quote

• What's causing the leak, with photos
• Exactly what will be replaced (flashing, boots, shingles, decking) and the materials
• Whether brick or mortar work is included at chimneys and parapets
• A written workmanship warranty on the repair
• Payment on completion, not upfront