Disclaimer

The guides on Roof Repair Guides For You are general educational information. They are written to help homeowners understand common roof problems in plain language, before talking to a roofer. They are not a diagnosis, a repair plan, or a quote for any specific roof.

A guide cannot diagnose your roof

No guide on this site can see, touch, or inspect your roof. A stain, a leak, a lifted shingle, or a sag may have more than one cause, and the right response depends on the roof’s age, materials, construction, and condition, and on local weather and building codes. Only an in-person inspection by a qualified professional can assess your specific roof.

Not a substitute for a professional inspection

The guides are not a substitute for an in-person professional inspection, and they are not professional, engineering, or legal advice. If you are unsure about a problem, or if the problem is getting worse, ask a licensed roofer or another qualified professional to inspect it in person before deciding what to do.

Safety warning

Roof work is dangerous, and some roof problems are dangerous to approach. Working at height can cause serious falls. Water damage near electrical wiring and damaged power lines can cause electric shock. Sagging roofs or ceilings, cracked or bowed timbers, and other structural damage can fail without warning.

Never climb onto a wet, icy, steep, or damaged roof. Never work near damaged power lines, and never touch wiring or electrical fittings that have been affected by water. If a roof or ceiling is sagging, if timbers look cracked or bowed, or if you see damage near wiring, stay away from the area and ask a licensed professional for help. If anyone is in danger, leave the area and get help first.

Use the guides with care

Use the guides to understand a problem, to check what you can safely see from the ground or from an attic in daylight, and to prepare questions for a roofer. Do not rely on a guide alone to decide whether a roof is safe, whether a repair is urgent, or how a repair should be carried out. For unsafe or structural work, hire a licensed professional.