Resources
Straight answers about roofs
Each guide opens with the short answer, then explains the why, what you can check yourself, and when to call a roofer.
Leaks & repair
Roof leaking right now? What to do in the first hour
Catch the water, protect what's below it, and switch off electricity to any wet fixture. If the ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole at the lowest point to drain it into a bucket. Then photograph everything and call a roofer to tarp or repair once it's safe. Don't go onto the roof during the storm.
Ice dams: why they form and what to do about them
Ice dams form when heat from the house melts snow on the upper roof and the water refreezes at the cold eaves. Right now, rake snow off the lower roof from the ground and catch any drips; have the dam removed with steam. To stop them for good, air-seal and insulate the attic so the roof deck stays cold.
Storms & insurance
How to tell if hail damaged your roof (without climbing up)
Check the things around the roof first: dents in gutters, downspouts, vent caps and AC fins, granules piled at downspout outlets, and damaged screens or patio furniture. Those confirm hail size and direction. A roofer then checks shingles for bruises, cracks and granule loss in test squares on each slope.
How a roof insurance claim works, step by step
Get the roof inspected and documented, file the claim with your insurer, meet the adjuster on the roof (with your contractor if you like), review the estimate, and schedule the work. You pay your deductible. On replacement-cost policies, withheld depreciation is usually released after the work is finished.
Roof checklist after a hurricane or major windstorm
Once it's safe, walk around the house and photograph the roof from every side. Look for missing shingles, lifted ridge caps, damaged soffit, fallen limbs and dents, then check the attic and ceilings for water. Tarp any openings quickly, notify your insurer and schedule an inspection.
What is a FORTIFIED roof, and is it worth it?
A FORTIFIED Roof is a re-roof built to a standard from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): a sealed roof deck so water can't pour in if shingles blow off, stronger deck attachment with ring-shank nails, and enhanced edges. A third-party evaluator verifies it, and some states and insurers offer grants or premium discounts.
Maintenance
Wildfire-resistant roofing: what makes a roof safer
Most homes ignite from wind-blown embers, not the wall of flame, and the roof is the largest target. A Class A rated roof assembly, ember-resistant vents, and clean gutters and valleys make the biggest difference. Class A options include many asphalt shingles, metal, clay and concrete tile, and some treated products.
Black streaks or moss on your roof: what they are and what to do
Black streaks are almost always an algae called Gloeocapsa magma, which thrives on humid, shaded roofs and is mostly cosmetic. Moss is different: it holds water and lifts shingles. Soft washing with a roof-safe cleaner removes both, and zinc or copper strips and algae-resistant shingles slow their return.
Why is my attic so hot (or damp)? Roof ventilation explained
Attics overheat in summer because the sun heats the roof deck and the air has nowhere to go, and they collect frost and moisture in winter when warm, humid household air leaks in. Balanced ventilation, with intake at the soffits and one type of exhaust near the ridge, plus air sealing, fixes both.
Replacement
Repair or replace your roof? How to decide
Repair when the roof is still well within its expected life for your climate, the problem is isolated, and the shingles are still flexible. Replace when the roof is near the end of its life, damage is spread across several slopes, leaks keep coming back in different places, or a covered storm claim pays for it.
How long does a roof last? It depends on your climate
Architectural asphalt shingles typically last about 15 to 30 years, standing seam metal 40 years or more, clay and concrete tile 50 years or more (with underlayment replaced sooner), and flat membranes about 15 to 30 years. Hot, sunny and storm-prone regions sit at the low end of those ranges.
Are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles worth it?
Class 4 shingles are worth pricing for most homes being re-roofed in hail-prone states. They cost more than standard architectural shingles, but they resist hail better and insurers in many hail states discount premiums for them, which can recover part of the cost over time.
Talk to a local roofer today
Same-day inspections when a roofer is available. One call connects you with an independent roofer who serves your ZIP.