About Us
Roof Repair Guides For You explains common roof problems in plain language, so you can understand what you are seeing before you talk to a roofer.
The guides describe what a problem may look like, what usually causes it, and what to check first from the ground or from inside the attic. They also explain the questions worth asking a roofer, what a written quote should include, and how to compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
Who the guides are for
The guides are for homeowners who are trying to understand a roof problem before they talk to a roofer. They are written for people who have noticed a stain, a drip, a missing shingle, overflowing gutters, or damage after a storm, and who want a clear description of the problem to share with a professional.
You do not need roofing knowledge to use the guides. They start with what you can see and hear, and they explain roofing terms as they come up, rather than assuming you already know them.
What the guides cover
- Roof leaks, including damp patches, ceiling stains, and musty smells.
- Missing, cracked, curled, or lifted shingles.
- Flashing problems around chimneys, vents, skylights, and walls.
- Gutter and drainage problems, including overflowing and sagging gutters.
- Flat-roof problems, including ponding water, blisters, and split seams.
- Storm damage, including wind-lifted roofing and hail impact.
- How to check a roof safely from the ground and from inside the attic.
- What to ask before you hire a roofer, and how to read a written quote.
- Roof maintenance through the year, including checks after a storm.
What the guides are not
The guides are educational information only. They are not a substitute for a professional inspection, and they cannot diagnose a specific roof. A stain on a ceiling, for example, may be some distance from the actual leak, and only an in-person inspection can confirm where water is getting in and what repair is needed.
The guides do not replace advice from a licensed roofer, an engineer, or another qualified professional, especially where a roof is sagging, a ceiling is sagging, timbers are cracked or bowed, or water is near electrical wiring.
Please stay safe
Roof work at height is dangerous. Never climb a wet, icy, steep, or damaged roof, and never work near damaged power lines. If a roof looks unsafe, is sagging, or has structural damage, leave it alone and contact a licensed professional. Most of what the guides describe can be checked from the ground, with binoculars if you have them, or from inside the attic in daylight.
If you spot a correction or have a suggestion about a guide, use the form on the Contact Us page.