SonShine Roofing Logo

My Roof Is Leaking! Now What?

January 11, 20172 min read
Roof RepairRoof Replacement
Copied!
roof is leaking roof leak sarasota roof damage

My Roof Is Leaking – What to Do and Who to Call in Sarasota

The last thing any homeowner wants to see is water leaking through the ceiling, dripping onto the carpet, or running down the wall. After frantically placing a bucket under the leak, the next step is likely making panic calls. They talk to any Sarasota roofing company, telling whoever answers the phone, “My roof is leaking!” That’s exactly the wrong thing to do.

Instead, take a deep breath and put down the phone. In most cases, the leak has been developing for some time and just now became obvious. The damage is already done. A little more rain won’t really change the situation.

Find a Roofer With the Experience to Fix the Roof

Finding the source of a roof leak can be one of the most challenging tasks a roofer faces. This is why it’s not uncommon to hear “it’s fixed” — only to discover it’s leaking again during the next storm. Tracking down a leak requires detective work and years of experience. Unless a limb has crashed through your roof, you’ll need seasoned Sarasota roofers with the expertise to find the issue.

Take the first step

Schedule a fast, no-pressure visit. Since 1987 we’ve got you covered.

Get started

“An experienced roofer knows how to ‘think like the water’ to find and fix a roof leak.”

Once water has found a way in, it can travel across your attic or roof structure. On larger roofs, it might travel 200 feet before dripping into your home. At SonShine Roofing, we’ve learned to think like water — and that’s what helps us track down and stop leaks effectively.

Signs That Your Roof May Be Leaking

Addressing early signs can prevent expensive damage. Here’s what to look for:

  • Broken, Cracked, Buckled or Missing Shingles: Open invitations for water intrusion.
  • Granule Loss: Visible granules in gutters or on the ground can indicate aging shingles.
  • Mold and Algae: Often visible on exterior walls or ceilings, especially in Florida’s humid climate.
  • Damaged Flashing: Often caused by improper installation or age-related cracking.
  • Inadequate Attic Ventilation: Causes shingles to overheat and fail prematurely. Also drives up energy costs.
  • Damp Spots or Stains: On attic rafters or ceiling drywall — clear signs of water intrusion.

Don’t Wait to Fix That Leak

Delaying repairs can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and expensive interior repairs. Many homeowners don’t realize that homeowner’s insurance may not cover long-term leaks caused by neglect.

At Sonshine Roofing, we provide reliable leak repair backed by over 30 years of experience. We also offer our Tip Top Roof Checkup, a comprehensive inspection service that helps homeowners catch small problems before they become big ones.

Call 941-866-4320 to schedule your checkup today or contact us online. We back all our work with a guarantee: “If You’re Not Happy, You Don’t Pay.”

Learn More

9 Warning Signs of Roof Leaks

roof leak, leaky roof
Sep 15, 2025

Your roof may be telling you something. There are various reasons why roofs leak. Here are 9 warning signs that present reasons for concern during the life of a roof. There are also many less obvious items which allow water intrusion which are frequently…

Roof InspectionRoof Repair
Read full article

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement in Sarasota: 5 Reasons To Call a Professional

roof replacement
Feb 20, 2025

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement in Sarasota Florida Deciding whether to repair or replace your roof can be stressful—especially if you’re unsure of the extent of the damage. In Sarasota, Florida, factors like high humidity, strong sun exposure, and the…

Roof RepairRoof Replacement
Read full article

Understanding Roof Leaks: 10 Causes and Solutions

Oct 1, 2024

Understanding Roof Leaks: 10 Causes and Solutions Roof leaks are a homeowner’s nightmare. They can lead to costly repairs, structural damage, and even health issues due to mold and mildew. At SonShine Roofing , we believe that understanding the common causes…

Roof InspectionRoof MaintenanceRoof RepairRoof Replacement
Read full article

What Should I Do if My Roof is Damaged After a Storm?

Aug 15, 2024

What Should I Do if My Roof is Damaged After a Storm? Living in Sarasota, Florida, offers plenty of sunshine, but it also means being ready for the occasional severe storm. These storms can cause significant damage to your roof, putting your home and…

EducationResourcesRoof RepairRoof ReplacementStorms
Read full article

General FAQs

Does attic insulation and ventilation really make a difference?

Yes—more than most homeowners realize. Your roof surface can run nearly 100°F hotter than the air on summer days, and attics can hit the high 100s. Without proper insulation and balanced airflow, that heat and moisture can warp beams, fry shingles from beneath, and invite rot. The fix is straightforward: sufficient attic insulation plus soffit intake + ridge exhaust ventilation to move hot, wet air out. 

How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

  • Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting. 
  • Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling. 
  • Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials. 
  • Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices. 
  • Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here. 

What causes roof leaks?

Leaks usually start at weak points—not just during hurricanes. In Florida, extreme heat and UV make materials expand/contract, turning brittle and cracking over time; even asphalt tar can soften and lose its seal. 

  • Aging roof: Heat/UV cycles degrade shingles and seals, opening paths for water. 
  • Flashing failures: Cracked, rusted, or separated metal around chimneys, vents, valleys, and walls.  
  • Missing/damaged shingles: Wind and storms pull or crack shingles, exposing underlayment and decking.  
  • Clogged gutters: Standing water backs up under edges and soaks materials—especially in rainy season.
  • Skylight leaks: Worn rubber seals or loose skylight flashing let water in at the frame.

Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery, you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine.

  • Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms. 
  • Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events. 
  • Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster. 
  • Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below. 
  • Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss. 
  • Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care. 

What’s the best roof type for Florida homes?

There isn’t a single winner—it’s about matching material to Sarasota’s heat, humidity, storms, wind, and (for coastal folks) salt spray. Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly and common; concrete and clay tiles bring serious longevity and wind resistance; metal reflects heat and shrugs off salt; slate is gorgeous and ultra-durable but heavy and costly. The “best” choice balances your budget, aesthetics, structural needs, and how exposed your home is to wind and sea air.  

Do you employ subcontractors?

No, we do not employ subcontractors. All of the crews we employ are W-2 employees and on our payroll.

Are you licensed and insured in the State of Florida?

Yes, we are licensed by the State of Florida, which you can verify here. We also carry comprehensive liability insurance.

Return to Top