A ceiling stain under the roof. It is a roof leak until proven otherwise.
The stain grows with each rain, and wet attic insulation does not dry on its own.
What is probably happening
- Flashing at a chimney, vent or valley has failed, a shingle has lifted, or a nail has backed out. Water runs along the rafters, so the stain is often not directly under the leak.
- If it appears only in winter with ice at the eaves, see the ice dam leaf.
- Attic insulation under the leak is likely wet and compressed.
Do this in the next five minutes
- Put a bucket under any drip and a plastic sheet on the floor.
- If you can safely get into the attic, look for the wet spot on the underside of the roof deck with a flashlight, and put a bucket on the ceiling joists under it.
- Photograph the stain and the attic if you go up.
- Mark the edge of the stain and the date.
- Call a roofer for a leak inspection. Ask for photos of what they find.
Do not
- Do not go on the roof in rain, wind or with any ice on it.
- Do not sign with a roofer who knocks on the door after a storm, or one who offers to handle your insurance claim.
- Do not accept a full replacement quote for a single leak without a repair option in writing.
Who to call
A licensed roofer
The source is on the roof. A restoration company can dry the ceiling, but it will get wet again with the next rain until the roof is fixed.
BestHonestPro is a free comparison resource, not a contractor. There is nothing to sign up for and we do not sell your details. When we begin connecting callers to contractors, we will be paid a referral fee by the contractor, never by you, and this line will say so.
What it should cost
$700 to $3,000
Roof leak repair, typical range, average $900.
Source: Angi, roof leak repair cost, updated August 2026. View source
National published range, not a quote for your job. The full cost table for this trade is on the roofing page.
Ask this contractor, on the phone, before anyone comes out
Tap each one as you ask it.
- Is this a repair or a replacement, and what specifically on my roof makes the difference?
- Can you send me photos of the leak point from the roof?
- Will you check the attic insulation while you are here?
- Will you be handling, negotiating or advising on my insurance claim in any way?
End the call if
- Door knocking, free inspections and pressure to sign today.
- An offer to waive or absorb your deductible.
- A replacement quote with no repair option.