New Roof Leaking? What Florida Homeowners Should Do
Why new roofs leak, who to call first, your warranty, and what to do if the installer won't come back.
Written by the Valrico Roofing Pros team, 2700 St Anthony Dr, Valrico, FL 33594 · Updated October 31, 2026
New roof leaking? It's almost always an installation problem, like flashing, a pipe boot, a valley or a missed fastener, not the materials. Report it to the installer in writing with photos straight away and let them fix it under their workmanship warranty. If they won't, get an independent inspection. We do independent leak checks on new roofs as part of our Valrico roof leak repair work.
Common causes of a new roof leaking
| Cause | How it shows |
|---|---|
| Old flashing reused or lapped wrong | Leaks at walls, chimneys or skylights |
| Pipe boot missed or not sealed | Stain above a bathroom or kitchen |
| Valley installed poorly | Leaks in heavy rain where two slopes meet |
| Missed or overdriven nails | Small drips in a pattern |
| Drip edge or underlayment at the eave | Water at the roof edge and fascia |
What to do, step by step
- Protect the inside.Bucket, towels, photos with dates.
- Tell the installer in writing.Email or text with photos, so there's a record.
- Check your paperwork.Workmanship warranty terms, the contract, and whether the permit was finaled.
- Let them inspect and fix it.Most good roofers fix workmanship leaks quickly.
- If they won't,get an independent inspection with photos and a written report. Florida's Chapter 558 sets out a notice process for construction defects before most lawsuits.
Warranties on a new roof
There are usually two: the manufacturer's on the materials, and the roofer's workmanship warranty on the installation. Most new-roof leaks fall under workmanship. See roof repair warranty for what to look for. A leak in a new roof's first rainy season is a clear sign to act quickly, before decking or drywall get wet. If water is coming in now, see emergency roof leak repair.
New roof leak questions
Why is my new roof leaking?
Usually installation: flashing not replaced or lapped wrong, a missed nail or exposed fastener, a pipe boot not sealed, or valleys done poorly. Material defects are much rarer.
Who should I call first?
The roofer who installed it. Report it in writing, with photos and dates, and give them the chance to fix it under their workmanship warranty.
What if the installer won't come back?
Keep everything in writing. Florida's Chapter 558 requires written notice of a construction defect and a chance to respond before most lawsuits. Get an independent inspection with photos.
Does a new roof need to be inspected by the county?
Re-roofs in Hillsborough County need a permit and inspections. Check that the permit was finaled; an open permit can cause problems later.
Is it normal for a new roof to leak a little?
No. A properly installed new roof shouldn't leak at all.
Need an independent leak check?
Call (813) 555-0147 or text us a photo of the stain. We'll find where the water is getting in, show you, and give you a written price.