Field Notes

Roofing contractors guides, each starting from a real question. 10 published.

10Guides
Split screen showing an old roof with missing shingles and visible rot on one side, a newer roof with intact shingles on the otherCommon repairsHow do I know if my roof needs replacing or just repair?If your roof is over 20 years old, has multiple leaks, or shows widespread damage across more than 30 percent of the surface, replacement is usually cheaper than repeated repairs.Interior ceiling with water stain and a bucket catching drips, showing damage progressionEmergenciesWhat should I do immediately after discovering a roof leak?Move water away from the leak indoors by placing buckets, tarping affected areas, and stopping the flow into walls, then contact a roofer within 24 hours.Three different roof profiles showing simple pitch, steep pitch with dormers, and complex multi-level roofCostsWhy do roofers charge so differently for the same job?Quote differences usually come from variations in material quality, labor rates in your region, roof complexity, debris removal scope, and whether the old roof gets removed or layered.Gutters packed with leaves and small branches, showing water overflow at the edgeMaintenanceHow often should gutters be cleaned if I have trees around my house?If trees hang over your roof, clean gutters at least twice yearly in spring and fall, and once more mid-summer if leaves shed heavily, or monthly during peak drop season.Close up of deteriorated or rusted metal flashing where a chimney meets a roofCostsHow much does it cost to replace flashing around a chimney or vent?Flashing replacement typically runs from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the flashing type, roof complexity, and whether the roofer must remove shingles and seal underneath.Hands applying grey roof cement to a cracked shingle using a putty knifeCommon repairsCan I patch a roof leak myself or do I need a professional?You can patch a small, clearly visible hole with roof cement and a shingle patch if you're comfortable on heights and the roof isn't steep or wet, but any leak you can't pinpoint the source of, or that's large or in a complex area, requires a professional.
Prev12Next