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Roof Leak Repair and Detection in Kerrville, TX
Roof Leak Detection
Total Foundation & Roofing finds and repairs roof leaks in Kerrville, Texas and across Kerr County, using thermal imaging and moisture mapping rather than opening ceilings to guess. We also cover Fredericksburg and Comfort, plus Ingram, Center Point, Hunt and Harper.
The hard part of a roof leak is almost never the repair. It is finding it. Water does not come in where it appears — it enters at a failed penetration or a lifted piece of flashing, runs along the underside of the decking or down a rafter, and drops through the ceiling somewhere else entirely. A stain in the middle of a bedroom can come from a pipe boot six feet away and three feet higher up the slope.
That is why guessing is expensive. Opening drywall to look, or replacing the shingles nearest the stain, is how homeowners end up paying twice for the same leak. We locate the entry point first, show you the evidence, then repair it.
We are a licensed roofing contractor based in Kerrville, at 317 Sidney Baker Street, offering full roofing services for homes and commercial property across Kerrville and Kerr County.
Where Roof Leaks Actually Start in the Hill Country
Kerr County sits inside the county warning area of the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio forecast office, and the local pattern is long UV exposure punctuated by wind and occasional hail. After eighteen years on roofs in this region, the same handful of failure points account for most of what we find:
- Pipe boots. The rubber collar around a plumbing vent is the single most common source. Direct sun makes it brittle and it cracks, usually somewhere between years eight and twelve — long before the shingles are worn out.
- Chimney and wall flashing. Anywhere the roof meets something vertical. Step flashing lifts, counter-flashing pulls away from mortar, and sealant that held for five summers stops holding.
- Valleys. Live oak and cypress canopy across the older parts of Kerrville drops a lot onto roofs. A valley packed with leaf litter holds water against the shingle instead of shedding it.
- Skylights. Almost always the flashing kit rather than the glass, and almost always at the head where water sits longest.
- Exposed fasteners. On metal roofs, screws and their neoprene washers degrade under thermal cycling and start weeping years before anything looks wrong from the ground.
- Ridge and hip caps. Wind lifts them, the seal breaks, and driving rain gets underneath.
None of these are visible from the ground, and several are not obvious from the roof either. That is what the equipment is for.
roofing
Roof Leak Detection
Our Services
We take a customized approach to every property, beginning with a detailed inspection.
Our Roof Leak Detection Process
Step 1: Visual inspection
We start on the roof, not in the attic. Flashing, penetrations, valleys, ridge caps, gutters and the shingle field itself. Most leaks are found here, and finding one this way is the cheapest outcome for you.
Step 2: Thermal imaging
Infrared cameras read temperature differences across the roof and ceiling. Wet insulation and saturated decking hold heat differently from dry material, which makes the wet area visible even when the surface looks intact. This is what finds the leaks a visual inspection misses.
Step 3: Moisture mapping
Moisture meters measure actual water content in shingles, underlayment, decking and the ceiling below. Thermal imaging shows where to look; moisture mapping confirms how far the water has travelled and how much material is affected. That is what determines whether this is a small repair or something larger.
Step 4: Written report
Photographs, thermal images, the location of the entry point, and clear repair options with a price. If the leak has been running long enough to affect decking or framing, we tell you that before you commit to anything.
Then the repair
We fix what we find. Depending on the cause that is roof repair, storm damage repair, or on a commercial low-slope roof, commercial roofing work. If water is coming in right now, that is emergency roof repair — we tarp first and diagnose after.
Why Choose Total Foundation & Roofing
- We find it before we quote it. You get the entry point identified and photographed before any repair price is discussed. A roofer who cannot show you where the water is getting in is guessing.
- Eighteen years in the Texas Hill Country. Owner Daniel Sowell has worked on roofs here since 2008. Knowing that pipe boots go brittle around year ten in this sun is not something equipment tells you.
- Thermal imaging and moisture meters as standard, not as an upsell. They are how the job gets done properly.
- Based in Kerrville. Our office is on Sidney Baker Street, so we reach a leak in Kerr County quickly rather than scheduling you into a route out of San Antonio.
- We repair what we find. Roof repair, emergency repair and concrete work — one company, and nobody handing you on once the diagnosis is done.
- Most leaks are preventable. Scheduled roof maintenance catches failing sealant and packed valleys before they become the leak you are calling about.
- See the work. Read our customer reviews or browse the project gallery.
Testimonials
What They’re Saying About Us
✦ What roofing customers say
Roofing customers across Google, Yelp and BBB most often say Total Foundation & Roofing returns calls and shows up when promised, sometimes after other roofers never called back. Reviewers describe honest roof inspections, including advice to repair a roof instead of replacing it when that costs less, and hail and wind replacements finished in a day or two with careful cleanup. Daniel, Tyler and the crews are praised for professional work on shingle, metal and standing seam roofs, and several homeowners mention help with insurance claims and hiring the company again for later roofs.
AI-generated summary of customer reviews, updated October 8, 2026.
Very responsive to leaking roof when others would not even return a phone call. Replaced entire roof previously installed by inferior contractor. Work crew was professional, timely, responsive to requests and maintained a clean job site. Would definitely hire again.
What a breath of fresh air it is to have somebody return a call and set up an appointment and then to have them show! It was a pleasure doing business with Dan and Total F & R. He came, he gave full explanations, did the work, and was very nice to deal with. And promptly, may I add. We will use him for any future roofing needs we have and will pass his name on to others. Thank you Dan!
The incredible downpours experienced in Kerrville last week were the source of a very peculiar leak that developed in our roof. Over three days of nearly continuous rain that saw well over a foot accumulate in our rain gauge, this leak was active for less…
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…than 10 minutes and delivered much less than a cup of water. In response to our call, Tyler performed a thorough inspection of the relevant portion of the roof, quickly eliminating possibilities such as missing or loose shingles and damaged vents. It was the short duration of the leak that led him to the problem: a seal that was more than good enough most of the time, but that was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of water involved. A complex joint had been sealed with grout when the roof was installed, but no special care had been taken to make sure the grout was well spread out over the surfaces on either side of the joint. Although years of exposure to the Hill Country climate had degraded the seal somewhat, it was still good enough to handle normal rainfalls, but this storm was far from normal. Tyler quickly applied new grout and made sure it was well engaged with the surfaces next to the joint. This is typical of our experiences with Tyler and Total Foundation and Roofing. If your roof needs to be replaced, he will do it, efficiently and economically. But if he can repair your roof more economically he will do that rather than replace it. He did that for us on a previous home. After a hail event we asked three roofers to view the damage and recommend a course of action. The other two said "replace the roof". Tyler told us there were a dozen or so discrete spots that need repairs, but that could be done for much less than the cost of replacement. He got the job. You can rely on Tyler to provide the best, most economical solution for you.
Daniel and his crew at Total Foundation and Roofing repaired our family’s foundation 6 years ago, and now after a hail storm, they were able to come back and give us a new, upgraded metal roof! They are so professional, and have really taken good care of us both times they have worked for us. Our vintage home is standing sturdy and looks great! Thanks again!
Fair estimate, local, solid work ethic, excellent workers, professionalism, won’t stop till the job is finished & done to satisfaction, & a perform a job well done. These are the things you can count on from Total Foundation & Roofing! They gave a fair estimate, every crew that came out, be it roofers, or gutter & guard replacement did a fantastic, neat job! You can stop searching and choose them!
Extremely helpful! Reassured me that my roof was in good shape, and he provided me with a helpful referral for another service. Very thorough, and professional . Ill refer friend/family next time a problem arises.
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This was the 2nd roof Daniel replaced because of hail damage for us. We used him again because of his great work and patience. He was fast and answered all question and concerns. Thank you again Daniel for your help!
We had wind damage to our roof a couple of weeks ago, and it was determined to need replacing. Our contractor called Total to do the job. All of the supplies were delivered on a Monday, the crew of 6-8 showed up Tuesday morning, and the roof was finished by…
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…Wednesday mid day. Extreme care was given during the clean up phase. Daniel showed up Friday morning to pickup the extra material and to do a final check of the roof. This company gets an A++++ from us. You will not find a better roofing company than Total Foundation and Roofing, guaranteed!!
I needed a new roof on a very old house. I got an estimate quickly and within 2 weeks they got to my job and it only took 1 day. They were communicative as to arrival and I highly recommend them.
I just love Total Foundation& Roofing!!! They have done foundation work & put a new standing seam roof on my house. From the first call to having the workers here, it was a joy to have true professional, courteous & kind folks taking care of my needs. The…
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…work crews are all great guys & know their craft. They always arrive on schedule & make sure I’m satisfied & answer any questions before they leave. Tyler & Daniel have always responded very quickly when I call for service. I’ll never consider another company over Total Foundation & Roofing.
We were facing the daunting task of re-roofing our two-story house, as well as re-plastering and putting on new gutters. Daniel came in and made the whole thing seem effortless. He coordinated other contractors and his team both for the roof and for the…
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…gutters, were top notch. It’s a messy job but there again, at the end of each day they left the place clean, ready for the next day. It required coordinating with the plaster team and that was done well too.
We would highly recommend them. I think it speaks volumes for Daniel and his team that many of his workers have been with him for 10+ years!
Congratulations Total Foundation & Roofing! You deserve recognition for a job well done!
The pictures you provided of our damaged roof and our options made an unpleasant situation a pleasant experience! Also, the team doing the job were qualified and they left the premises clean every day. I highly recommend your company because I am a satisfied customer!
We called to have our roof repaired when it was damaged by hail. Daniel and his team were quick at responding , thorough, professional and kept a clean workspace. We always recommend them to everyone who is in need of anything in regards to roofing.
I would highly recommend Daniel and his crew for your roofing or foundation services. Daniel is very thorough and came out quickly to give me an estimate. He is very knowledgeable and helpful when dealing with insurance companies. His crew did a great job and was finished in 2 days, they did a great job with clean -up as well.
Total Roofing and Foundation has completed 6 roofs for my family and 2 foundation repairs. All with very satisfactory results and quality workmanship. Daniel is very prompt with communication and is local. I highly recommend this company if you are wanting a reliable, local company to fix or replace your roof or foundation in the hill country.
We used Total Foundation & Roofing Repair for an inspection on our roof when we bought our home a few months prior to the hail storm in 2019 & decided to go with them to replace our roof after the storm. Daniel was honest & trustworthy. He was also…
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…knowledgeable of the insurance process & helped us figure it out since we had never done that before. Our roof looks awesome & we are really happy we went with Daniel because he has a business with integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find a roof leak without tearing anything apart?
Thermal imaging and moisture meters. Wet insulation and saturated decking hold heat differently from dry material, so an infrared camera makes the wet area visible through a ceiling without opening it. Moisture meters then confirm actual water content and show how far it has spread. Between them we can usually identify the entry point from the roof surface and the room below, without cutting into anything.
Why is the leak nowhere near the water stain?
Because water travels before it drops. It enters at a failed penetration or lifted flashing, runs along the underside of the decking or down a rafter following the slope, and falls through the ceiling at the first low point it reaches. A stain in the middle of a room commonly comes from an entry point several feet away and higher up the roof. This is the single most common reason homeowners repair the wrong thing.
What causes most roof leaks in Kerrville?
Cracked pipe boots more than anything else. The rubber collar around a plumbing vent goes brittle under long Hill Country summers and typically fails between years eight and twelve, well before the shingles wear out. After that: flashing at chimneys and wall transitions, valleys packed with leaf litter from live oak and cypress canopy, skylight flashing, and on metal roofs, exposed fasteners weeping as the washers degrade.
How much does roof leak detection cost?
Detection is part of the job rather than a separate charge in most cases — we find the leak, then quote the repair. Most minor roof repairs in Kerrville run $300 to $1,500. Where a leak has been running long enough to affect decking or framing the cost is higher, which is exactly why finding it early matters.
Yes, and low-slope commercial roofs are where detection equipment earns its keep. On a flat roof, water can enter at one seam and travel a long way across the deck before it appears inside, and pulling up membrane to find it is expensive. Thermal imaging narrows the search to a few square feet. See commercial roofing for TPO, modified bitumen and maintenance plans.
Yes, and low-slope commercial roofs are where detection equipment earns its keep. On a flat roof, water can enter at one seam and travel a long way across the deck before it appears inside, and pulling up membrane to find it is expensive. Thermal imaging narrows the search to a few square feet. See commercial roofing for TPO, modified bitumen and maintenance plans.
Is it a roof leak or a plumbing leak?
A useful first test is whether it only appears after rain. Roof leaks are weather-driven; plumbing leaks are not, and often show as a constant damp patch or an unexplained rise in your water bill. Slab leaks show differently again — warm spots on a floor, water usage with no visible source, or cracking that comes alongside foundation movement. We handle roofing and foundation repair both, so if the water is not coming from the roof we can tell you where to look rather than sending you away.
