Roofing Questions and Answers

The whole roof, not only the spot you called about. That means the shingles on every slope, the flashing at chimneys, walls and dormers, the valleys, the pipe boots and vents, and the gutters. Where we can reach the attic, we look at the underside of the deck for water marks, soft wood and signs of poor ventilation.

Everything we find is photographed, and we go through the pictures with you. More detail is on our roof inspection page.

No. There is no charge for the visit and no obligation to hire us afterward. You keep the photos and the written quote either way.

In writing, within 24 hours of the inspection.

What we found, what we recommend and why, the materials, the price and an expected schedule. It is written so you can set it beside another roofer's quote and compare the two line by line.

Yes. We provide written reports with photos of the roof, which buyers and sellers use to understand its condition before closing. Copies of any photos we take are available on request.

Heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the upper roof, and the water refreezes at the cold eave. The ridge of ice holds back the next melt, which then works under the shingles. Ice and water shield along the eaves, attic ventilation that keeps the deck cold, and insulation are what stop it. Our ice dam guide for Utica homes explains each one.

Stay off the roof and away from downed lines. Catch any water coming in, move belongings out of its way, and photograph the damage from the ground and inside the house. Then book an inspection. If the roof is open, we tarp it to keep water out until the repair is made. See storm damage roof repair for how the repair works.

Put a bucket under the drip and towels around it, and move furniture and electronics away. If the ceiling is bulging, keep people out from under it. Take photos with the date. Do not climb onto a wet or icy roof yourself.

Some repairs can be made in cold weather when the roof is clear and dry. Shingles and flashing cannot be put on over ice or snow, so a leak from an ice dam is usually contained first and repaired properly once the eave is clear.

Most homeowners aim to have a new roof on before the first heavy snow, so late spring through fall is the usual window. The written quote includes an expected schedule for your roof.