Niv Levy is a licensed general contractor and president of Home Vision Remodel in Beverly Hills, California, a role he has held since 2023 after spending seven years in the legal field. He oversees construction project management, including blueprint interpretation, regulatory compliance, subcontractor coordination, and quality assurance, and under his leadership Home Vision Remodel has been recognized as a preferred contractor with Owens Corning. Mr. Levy is also president of Levy Law Offices, where he has provided pro bono legal assistance to single mothers, veterans, and elderly individuals since founding the firm in 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a law degree from Southwestern Law School. Drawing on his hands-on construction experience, Niv Levy offers the following overview of common roof issues facing homeowners across the United States.
A 2025 study by Instant Roofer revealed the severe state of America’s residential roofing. Drawing data from the nation’s 15 largest metropolitan areas, the study provided insight into several of homeowners’ most pressing roofing needs.
Leaking roofs are by far the biggest problem for homeowners in the United States. At least six million households suffer from roof leaks, according to Instant Roofer and the American Housing Survey. While the issue is widespread, certain regions are more affected than others; multiple metro areas in California, for example, experience leaking roofs in more than 6 percent of homes.
Roof leaks are tricky for homeowners and contractors to deal with because of the many different scenarios that can cause leaks. Damaged roof materials, cracked flashing, and clogged gutters are just a few of the problems that can lead to leaks. Older roofs are vulnerable to leaks as a result of regular wear and tear, but improper insulation, faulty valley seals, and chimney damage can create leaks in brand new roofs.
Roof leaks typically manifest as yellow or brown water stains on ceilings and walls, along with peeling paint and the smell of mold. Unfortunately, these are only the early indicators of a leaking roof.
Without immediate and effective intervention, roof leaks can have massive structural, financial, and health ramifications. Structural deterioration caused by roof leaks can command thousands of dollars in reconstruction repairs, while toxic mold and mildew can start affecting air quality in as little as 24 hours, resulting in respiratory problems and allergic reactions for residents.
Other problems range from insulation and energy loss to electrical and fire hazards.
Missing roofing materials, such as shingles, impact an estimated 3.5 million households throughout the United States. In addition to increasing the risk of leaks, missing or broken roofing materials contribute to structural rot via continuous exposure to the elements. Even if homes do not develop full-on leaks, broken shingles can still lead to mold and mildew buildup and increased energy costs.
Exposure can also lead to pest infestations, which expose homeowners to additional health risks and repair costs.
Sagging roofs impact nearly two million homes in the US. Water damage, poor materials, and structural faults can result in sagging roofs, as can excess weight caused by layers of outdated shingles, snow and ice, or solar panels and other roof equipment. Homeowners who ignore sagging roofs can experience severe, potentially life-threatening damage, such as a total roof collapse.
Holes in roofs represent a less common issue, but the fact that they impact an estimated 1.5 million households underscores the importance of professional roof inspections. Like many roof issues, a hole exposes the entire structure of a home to the elements.
Over time, a small hole can grow larger and have a greater impact on structural integrity. In extreme cases, a hole can eventually result in a total collapse, potentially damaging a home beyond repair.
For homeowners, weather represents the ultimate test when it comes to roof integrity. Data shows that severe weather events have become stronger and more frequent in recent years, meaning roofs must withstand more pressure and damaged roofs are at greater risk.
For instance, Business Insider reports that hailstorms have not only become more frequent in the US, but have caused significantly more damage to homes, businesses, and other structures. With the dangers of severe storms in mind, individuals must take a proactive approach to roof maintenance.
Meanwhile, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development consistently warns homeowners about the dangers of deteriorating roofs on older homes, in the form of both exorbitant maintenance costs and hazardous living conditions. Homeowners concerned about the integrity of their roofs should reach out to an experienced contractor and schedule an inspection immediately.
About Niv Levy
Niv Levy is a licensed general contractor and president of Home Vision Remodel in Beverly Hills, California, a role he has held since 2023 after seven years in the legal industry. He also leads Levy Law Offices, focusing on contract drafting, review, and breach of contract matters, and provides pro bono legal assistance to single mothers while supporting causes benefiting veterans and the elderly. Mr. Levy holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School, and resides in Beverly Hills.
