My Roof Is Leaking.
What Do I Do Right Now?
A step-by-step guide for Surrey and Lower Mainland homeowners dealing with an active roof leak — what to do immediately, what causes it, and your real options beyond full replacement.
Do This Now
5 Steps to Take Right Now
Before you call anyone, before you panic — do these five things to minimize damage and protect your home.
Contain the water
Place buckets or towels under the drip. Move furniture and valuables away from the wet area. Do not use electrical fixtures in the affected room.
Relieve ceiling pressure
If you see a bulge in your ceiling, carefully puncture it with a screwdriver to let water drain in a controlled stream — this prevents a larger collapse.
Do NOT go on the roof
A wet roof is extremely dangerous. Do not attempt to climb up during or after rain. Leave roof access to a professional with proper safety equipment.
Document everything
Take photos and video of the leak, water stains, and any visible damage. This is essential for insurance claims and for your contractor's assessment.
Call a professional
Contact NanoShieldBC for an emergency assessment. We'll identify the source of the leak, advise on immediate containment, and tell you honestly whether repair or GoNano treatment is the right solution.
Why It Happens
The 6 Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks in the Lower Mainland
BC's wet climate accelerates every one of these failure modes. Understanding the cause determines the right fix.
Moss & algae growth
Moss lifts shingle edges and holds moisture against the surface — the #1 cause of premature shingle failure in the Lower Mainland.
Granule loss
As shingles age, they lose the protective granule layer — exposing the asphalt to UV and rain, leading to cracking and water infiltration.
Freeze-thaw damage
Water trapped under shingles expands when it freezes, forcing shingles apart and creating entry points for rain.
Wind-lifted shingles
Storm winds can lift or crack shingles — especially on older, brittle roofs. Even a small gap lets water in.
Failed flashing
Flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys is a common leak point — especially when it corrodes or pulls away from the surface.
Aged, brittle shingles
Shingles that have lost their flexibility crack under thermal expansion — creating micro-fractures that let water through.
Your Options
Can't Afford a New Roof?
There's a Better Option.
Full roof replacement costs $14,000–$25,000 in the Lower Mainland. But if your shingles are structurally sound — just aging, brittle, or losing granules — GoNano NuRoof treatment can extend their life by 10–15 years for a fraction of the cost.
We'll assess your roof honestly. If it's not a good candidate for treatment, we'll tell you. If it is, you could save $10,000–$20,000 and get another decade or more out of your existing roof.
Average replacement cost
$14,000–$25,000
Lower Mainland BC, 2025
GoNano treatment cost
$1,800–$3,500
Typical residential roof
Extended roof life
10–15 years
With GoNano NuRoof treatment
Potential savings
$10,000–$20,000
Vs. immediate replacement
Insurance
Is a Roof Leak Covered by Home Insurance in BC?
Usually covered
- • Sudden storm damage — wind, hail, falling trees
- • Damage from a single, identifiable weather event
- • Structural damage caused by an insured peril
Usually NOT covered
- • Gradual deterioration from age or lack of maintenance
- • Moss and algae damage (considered preventable)
- • Pre-existing conditions not disclosed at policy start
Always document damage with photos and contact your insurer promptly — most BC policies require you to report damage within a specific timeframe. NanoShieldBC can provide a written inspection report to support your claim.
FAQ
Common questions about roof leaks in the Lower Mainland
What should I do immediately when my roof starts leaking?
Contain the water with buckets and towels, move valuables, and document with photos. If you see a ceiling bulge, carefully puncture it to prevent collapse. Do not go on the roof — call a professional for an emergency assessment.
Is a roof leak covered by home insurance in BC?
It depends on the cause. Sudden storm damage (wind, hail, falling trees) is typically covered. Gradual deterioration from age or lack of maintenance usually is not. Document everything and contact your insurer promptly — most policies require you to report damage quickly.
Can GoNano treatment fix a leaking roof?
GoNano NuRoof treatment is a preventive and restorative treatment — it's not a patch for an active structural leak. If your roof is actively leaking, we'll assess the source first. In many cases, the leak is caused by a specific failure point (flashing, cracked shingle) that can be repaired, after which GoNano treatment protects the rest of the roof from further deterioration.
My roof is leaking but I can't afford a full replacement — what are my options?
Full replacement is rarely the only option. If your shingles are structurally sound but aging, GoNano NuRoof treatment can extend their life by 10–15 years at a fraction of replacement cost. We'll assess your roof honestly and tell you whether treatment, targeted repair, or replacement makes the most sense for your situation. Financing is available through iFinance Canada.
How do I know if it's a roof leak or attic condensation?
Roof leaks typically appear during or immediately after rain and are localized to one area. Condensation tends to appear in cold weather, is more diffuse, and is often accompanied by frost or moisture on attic surfaces. We can assess both during a free inspection.
Can moss cause a roof to leak?
Yes — moss is one of the leading causes of premature shingle failure in the Lower Mainland. Moss roots lift shingle edges, hold moisture against the surface, and accelerate granule loss. GoNano BioBoost™ treatment prevents moss from re-establishing after cleaning.
How long can I wait before fixing a roof leak?
Not long. Even a small leak can cause significant damage in days — wet insulation, mould growth, rotted sheathing, and damaged drywall. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repair. Call for an assessment as soon as you notice a problem.
Do you serve all of Surrey and the Lower Mainland?
Yes — we serve all Lower Mainland municipalities including Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Langley, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, and more.
Get an honest assessment — today.
We'll come out, assess your roof, and tell you exactly what's going on — whether that's a targeted repair, GoNano treatment, or something else. No upsell, no pressure.