How to Fix a Leaking Roof (And When to Call a Pro in Alexandria)

A Leaking Roof Doesn’t Wait for a Convenient Time

In Alexandria, it always seems like a roof leak shows up at the worst possible moment. Maybe it’s the middle of a storm, or right before you leave town. You hear the drip or notice a ceiling stain, and your first thought is probably, “Who do I call for a roof leak?”

If you’re dealing with a leaking roof, you’re not alone. We get this question often from homeowners in Alexandria and Burke, especially after heavy rain or wind. You may be wondering how to fix a leaking roof quickly—or whether it’s even safe to wait.

We’ve been helping folks in Northern Virginia with this kind of thing since 1974. And we know most people just want a clear answer without the upsell.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

• How to safely check for a leak
• What you can do yourself (and when not to)
• What roofing pros look for during an inspection
• How repairs are priced and what to expect
• When to call someone you can trust

Master Roofing & Siding can help if you decide you want someone to come take a look. No pressure—just honest work.

Why Roof Leaks Matter in Northern Virginia Homes

A small leak might seem manageable at first, but in this area, ignoring it can lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems.

We’ve worked on homes in Alexandria, Burke, and throughout Northern Virginia for decades. Here’s what makes roof leaks a particular concern around here:

• High winds and tree cover are common in our neighborhoods. We often see lifted shingles or branches puncturing roofing materials.
• Older homes in Alexandria and Burke may have aging flashing or layers of roofing that have been patched over the years.
• Moisture issues can escalate quickly in our climate. A slow drip might mean hidden mold or rotted decking you can’t see from inside.
• Insurance and code requirements may apply once water damage is involved. That’s when professional documentation becomes important.

You don’t need to panic, but roof leaks shouldn’t be ignored either. A solid inspection will tell you where things stand.

What to Know Before You Try to Fix a Leaking Roof

Before you head up to the attic or think about climbing a ladder, take a few minutes to think through the basics. A proper repair depends on knowing what you’re working with.

Know Your Roof Type

• Asphalt shingle roofs are most common around here. They’re usually easier to repair if the damage is localized.
• Metal and EPDM (flat) roofs may require a different approach. Sealants or patches might help short term, but it depends on the age and installation.

Understand Costs and Scope

• Small roof repairs typically fall in the $300 to $500 range.
• Bigger issues—like widespread damage, rotted wood, or multiple leaks—can run higher.
• In our experience, homeowners often spend more trying to fix recurring leaks than they would on one thorough repair.

Permits and HOA Rules

In most of Alexandria, a simple repair doesn’t require a permit. But if a replacement is needed, we handle permits through the county. In HOA neighborhoods, materials and colors may need approval first. We’ll help with that, too.

What to Do First: A Step-by-Step Guide to Leaking Roofs

Here’s how we advise homeowners to handle a leak—starting with safe, temporary steps and ending with professional repairs.

Step 1: Find the Source (As Best You Can)

• Check for wet spots, water stains, or dripping sounds in the attic.
• Look around ceiling corners and near chimneys or vent pipes.
• If you can see daylight through the roof deck, or notice moldy smells, those are signs of trouble.

Quick note: Water doesn’t always drip straight down. It can travel along rafters or insulation before showing up on your ceiling.

Step 2: Protect Your Home from Interior Damage

• Place a bucket or towels under the leak to catch water.
• Move any electronics, furniture, or rugs out of the way.
• If you have plastic sheeting, tape it in place to protect walls or flooring.

Step 3: Avoid DIY Patches Unless You’re Experienced

We understand the instinct to fix it right away. But most over-the-counter sealants and tarps are just temporary solutions. Some can trap moisture or make the problem worse later.

Unless the issue is clearly visible and very minor, it’s best to bring in someone who knows what to look for.

Step 4: Call for an Inspection

We believe in doing the job right the first time. A professional roofing inspection means someone will physically get on the roof (weather permitting), check all flashing, shingles, decking, and underlayment, and explain exactly what’s going on.

At Master Roofing & Siding, we provide written findings, photos if needed, and honest advice—whether that means a small repair or discussing replacement options.

What Really Causes Roof Leaks in Alexandria

We’ve seen the full range of issues in this area—from storm damage to old nails backing out of decking. These are the most common leak sources we find on local homes:

Leak Source	Why It Happens	How We Fix It
Missing or cracked shingles	Often caused by wind or wear	Replace shingles and seal underlayment
Damaged flashing	Poor installation or metal corrosion	Remove and replace around chimneys/vents
Gutter clogs or overflow	Water backs up and gets under shingles	Clean gutters and inspect roof edges
Rotted decking or underlayment	Long-term moisture damage	Remove layers and replace affected areas
Improper past repairs	Patchwork from multiple contractors	Full inspection and permanent solution

We’re not guessing when we repair a roof. We figure out the real cause of the leak and fix it properly so you’re not calling again in six months.

Roof Leak Repair FAQs for Alexandria Homeowners

We talk to a lot of homeowners in Alexandria and nearby areas like Burke who are dealing with roof leaks for the first time. If you’re unsure what to expect or who to call, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common questions we hear—and the answers we give our neighbors.