Repairs and leaks
If a repair will do, a repair is what you get
Most leaks are a flashing or a vent boot, not a whole roof.
Water stains on a ceiling rarely sit under the hole. I trace the leak from the attic up, show you photos of what I find and write down the repair before I do it.
When the roof is worn out, I'll tell you that too, and I'll tell you what a repair buys you in the meantime.
Chimney, wall and valley flashing
Cracked pipe boots and vents
A few shingles, replaced and sealed
Soffit, fascia and gutter fixes
Repair or replace
How I decide, out loud
A rule of thumb many roofers use: when the repairs add up to about half the cost of a new roof, it's time to talk about replacing it.
- 01
Repair makes sense
Damage is local, the shingles still bend and the deck is dry.
- 02
Talk about replacing
Shingles crack when I lift them, the same spot has leaked before, or the roof is near the end of its age.
- 03
Either way
You get the photos, the options and a written page. You decide.
Questions about leaks
What are the signs I need a new roof?
Age near the end of its life, curling or missing shingles, grit in the gutters, a sagging deck, daylight or stains in the attic, damaged flashing or moss.
Will you check my attic?
Yes. Every visit includes the underside of the deck, the insulation, any moisture and the airflow.
Why does the stain show up away from the leak?
Water runs along rafters and the deck before it drips. That's why I trace it from the attic instead of patching the spot above the stain.
Water coming in right now?
Call, and tell me where. If it can wait for daylight, I'll say what to do until I get there.