Roof questions, straight answers
60 answers to the questions homeowners search most. Need a roofer now? Call (855) 635-9281.
Roof leaks
Why is my roof leaking?Most roof leaks start at flashing around vents, walls and valleys, at cracked pipe boots, or where shingles are…Why does my roof only leak in heavy rain?Heavy, wind-driven rain reaches places normal rain never touches: the edges of lifted shingles, flashing seams and…What should I do right now if my roof is leaking?Catch the water, move belongings, keep out of rooms with a bulging ceiling, take photos and call a roofer. Don't…Why is there a water stain on my ceiling when the roof looks fine?Water travels along rafters and decking before it drips, so the stain is often several feet from where water gets in…Can a roof leak be fixed in winter?Yes. Roofers repair leaks year-round. In very cold weather some sealants and shingles don't seal well, so a roofer…Is a roof leak an emergency?An active leak into living space, a sagging ceiling, or part of the roof open to the sky should be handled the same…How do I fix a roof leak around a vent pipe?Most vent-pipe leaks come from the rubber boot around the pipe cracking in the sun. A roofer replaces the boot, or…Why do ice dams cause roof leaks?Heat escaping from the house melts snow on the roof. The water refreezes at the cold edge and builds a ridge of ice…
Roof repair
Should I repair or replace my roof?Repair when the problem is in one area and the rest of the roof is sound. Replace when shingles are worn across the…Can you replace just a few shingles?Yes. Replacing a handful of missing or cracked shingles is a routine repair. On older roofs the exact color can be…How long does a roof repair take?Most repairs take a few hours to a day once the roofer is on site. Bigger repairs, like replacing a section of…What is roof flashing and why does it fail?Flashing is thin metal that seals the joints where the roof meets walls, vents and valleys. It fails when it rusts…What does a sagging roof mean?A sag usually means wet or rotted decking, or a problem with the framing below it. It needs attention soon, because…What are nail pops on a roof?Nail pops are nails that push up through shingles as the wood below expands and shrinks. They lift the shingle above…Can roofers repair a roof in the rain?Roofers avoid working on wet roofs because it isn't safe and materials don't seal well. They can tarp a leaking roof…What should I do about missing shingles after wind?Get them replaced soon. The felt underneath isn't meant to face weather for long, and the next rain can leak through…
New roofs and replacement
How do I know if I need a new roof?Curling or cracked shingles across the roof, bald spots, granules piling up at downspouts, leaks in more than one…How long does a roof replacement take?Most homes take one to three days. Large or steep roofs, tile and slate, or extra decking repairs can take longer…What happens during a roof replacement?The old roofing is torn off, the decking is checked and repaired, new underlayment and flashing go on, then the new…Can a new roof go over the old one?Some areas allow a second layer of shingles, but many roofers prefer a full tear-off so they can check and repair the…When is a good time of year to replace a roof?Late spring through fall is ideal in most of the country because shingles seal well in mild weather. Roofers work…Do I need to be home during a roof replacement?Not always, but expect noise, a busy driveway and the roofer needing attic access. Agree the details before the start…How long does a roof last?Asphalt shingles commonly last 20 to 30 years, metal 40 or more, tile and slate much longer with care, and flat roofs…What is a re-roof?A re-roof replaces the roofing on an existing home, usually with a full tear-off of the old layers. It's different…How do I prepare my home for a roof replacement?Clear the driveway, move outdoor furniture and grills, cover items in the attic, and take fragile things off…Can I switch from shingles to a metal roof?Yes. Many homeowners re-roof in metal. A roofer checks the structure and decking and explains whether the old…
Storm, wind and hail
How can I tell if hail hit my roof?Look for dents on metal vents, flashing and outdoor equipment, granules washing out of downspouts, and shingle pieces…What size hail can hurt a roof?Hail about one inch across and larger can bruise asphalt shingles. Bigger stones can crack tile and dent metal…Should I get my roof checked after a storm?Yes, after hail, high wind or a hurricane. Lifted or bruised shingles may not leak right away but can fail months…What wind speed can blow shingles off a roof?Gusts around 50 to 60 mph can lift older or poorly sealed shingles. Newer wind-resistant shingles, installed well…How do I avoid storm chasers after a storm?Take your time. Ask for a local address and references, get the scope of work in writing, and don't sign anything on…A tree fell on my roof. What do I do?Get everyone out of the affected rooms, stay away from downed power lines, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or lines…How long can a tarp stay on a roof?A properly secured tarp is a short-term fix, usually for a few weeks until the permanent repair. Sun and wind wear…How do I get my roof ready for hurricane season?Have the roof inspected before the season, fix loose shingles and flashing, trim branches over the roof, and know who…
Roofing materials
Asphalt shingles or a metal roof: which is right for me?Shingles suit almost any home and are the most common choice. Metal lasts much longer, sheds snow and handles wind…What's the difference between architectural and three-tab shingles?Architectural shingles are thicker, layered and more textured, and they handle wind better. Three-tab shingles are…Is a metal roof noisy in the rain?Not usually. Over solid decking and underlayment, a metal roof sounds much like any other roof. The loud rain on…What is a standing seam metal roof?Standing seam panels run from ridge to eave with raised seams that lock together and hide the fasteners. With no…What are the options for a flat roof?The main choices are TPO (a white single-ply membrane), EPDM (black rubber) and modified bitumen. Each needs good…Why does water pool on my flat roof?Clogged drains, sagging decking or a poor slope. Water that sits for more than a couple of days after rain wears out…Can a tile roof be repaired?Yes. Cracked or slipped tiles can be replaced one at a time. Often the real issue is the underlayment beneath the…How long does a slate roof last?Natural slate can last 75 years or more. The nails and flashing often wear out before the slate itself, so many slate…How do I keep a cedar shake roof lasting?Keep it clear of leaves and moss, keep branches trimmed back so it dries out, and replace split or curled shakes…What are impact-resistant shingles?Shingles made to resist hail better than standard shingles, often called Class 4. They're popular in hail-prone…
Inspection and upkeep
How often should I have my roof inspected?Once a year is a good habit, plus after major storms. Roofs over 15 years old benefit from more regular…What does a roof inspection include?A roofer checks shingles or roofing, flashing, vent boots, ridge caps, the attic for stains and ventilation, and the…Is moss on my roof a problem?Yes, over time. Moss holds moisture against the roof and can lift shingle edges. It's most common on shady, damp…Why are there shingle granules in my downspouts?A few granules are normal on a new roof. A lot of them on an older roof means the shingles are wearing out, or hail…Why does attic ventilation matter for my roof?Good ventilation keeps the attic cooler in summer and drier in winter. Poor ventilation cooks shingles from below…I can see daylight in my attic. Is that bad?Daylight through the roof boards means there's an opening where water can get in too. Light at ridge or eave vents…Do branches touching the roof cause problems?Yes. Branches scrape off granules, drop debris that holds moisture, and can break shingles or fall in storms. Keep…What should I check on my roof before winter?Look for missing or lifted shingles, loose flashing, worn vent boots and clogged valleys, and make sure the attic is…
Hiring a roofer and the job
How do I find a good roofer near me?Ask how long they've worked in your area, ask for local references, confirm the credentials your state requires, and…What questions should I ask a roofer?Ask how long they've worked locally, who will be on the roof, what the written scope includes, how they protect your…How fast can a roofer come out?Often within a few days, and the same or next day for active leaks or open roofs. After big storms roofers book up…Do roofers work in winter?Yes. Roofers repair leaks and handle emergencies year-round, and many replace roofs in winter when the weather…A roofer says my whole roof needs replacing. How do I know?Ask for photos of the problems on each slope and an explanation of why a repair won't hold. It's reasonable to get a…I just bought a house. Should I get the roof checked?Yes. A roof inspection gives you a baseline: how old it is, what needs attention soon and what can wait. It's much…What should be written down before a roofing job starts?The scope of work: materials and color, what gets torn off, how decking repairs are handled, flashing and vents…Someone knocked on my door offering a new roof. What should I do?Don't sign anything on the doorstep. Ask for a local address, references and the credentials your state requires, and…
