Roofer
Updated November 6, 2026
Pick the state
Safety
Roof work is hazardous and should generally be left to trained professionals with harnesses, ladders rated for the load, and experience walking on sloped surfaces. Homeowners should stay off wet, icy, or steep roofs entirely, avoid climbing onto a roof during high winds or storms, and never touch downed power lines near damaged roofing. From the ground, it is safe to photograph problem areas with binoculars or a phone camera, check the attic for water stains, and clear debris from gutters while standing securely on a ladder. If a section of the roof is visibly sagging or debris is actively falling, keep people and pets away from the area below.
Before the visit
Before calling, note the approximate age of the roof, the type of covering such as asphalt shingles, metal, tile, or flat membrane, and when the problem was first noticed. Take clear photos of visible damage from the ground and of any interior water stains on ceilings or walls. Clear the driveway or staging area so a technician can park and unload materials, and move vehicles, patio furniture, and fragile items away from the perimeter of the building since debris may fall during inspection. Have attic access available and secure pets indoors. Be ready to describe whether the issue appeared after a storm, gradually over time, or following a previous repair.
Repair vs replace
Repair is often the right call when damage is limited to a small section, such as a few missing or cracked shingles, isolated flashing failure around a chimney or vent, a punctured membrane, or a leak traced to a single penetration. Roofs that are relatively young, still under a material warranty, and structurally sound usually benefit from targeted repairs rather than replacement. Repairs also make sense when the underlying decking shows no widespread rot and leaks have not spread across multiple roof planes.
When to replace
Replacement is usually more cost-effective when a roof is near or past its expected service life, when shingles are curling, cracking, or losing granules across large areas, or when leaks appear in several places despite prior repairs. A sagging roofline, soft or spongy decking, widespread mold or rot in the attic, and repeated storm damage are strong indicators that patching will not hold. For mobile homes and older structures, replacing the covering can also correct chronic ventilation and insulation problems that short-lived repairs never address.
Common issues
| Symptom | Likely causes | Safe check | Stop when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water stains on ceilings or walls | Failed flashing, cracked or missing shingles, deteriorated underlayment, or a leak around a roof penetration such as a vent or skylight | Inspect the attic with a flashlight during daylight to look for damp insulation, water trails on the decking, or light coming through the roof, and note where stains appear after rain | The ceiling begins to bulge or sag, indicating pooled water that could collapse, or water is actively dripping near electrical fixtures |
| Missing, cracked, or curled shingles | Wind and hail damage, age-related wear, improper installation, or thermal cycling that dries out the shingle material | From the ground, scan rooflines and gutters with binoculars for lifted or absent shingles and look for accumulated granules at downspout outlets after rain | Large patches of the roof are bare or the underlayment is exposed, leaving the interior vulnerable to the next storm |
| Active leak during rain | Compromised membrane or shingle field, split flashing, clogged drainage forcing water back under the covering, or storm punctures | Place a container under the drip, move electronics and furniture away, and try to trace the path of moisture in the attic where it is safe to do so | Water is pouring in faster than a container can hold, or the ceiling material is visibly swelling and at risk of falling |
| Granules filling gutters and downspouts | Normal aging of asphalt shingles accelerating into advanced wear, hail impact, or heavy foot traffic on the roof | After rain, examine what the gutters have flushed out and compare the amount against past cleanings, and look for bald or darkened shingle areas from the ground | Shingle surfaces appear bare across multiple slopes, a sign the protective layer is largely gone |
| Sagging roofline or dipping deck | Water-rotted decking, failed or undersized structural supports, prolonged snow or moisture loading, or foundation settlement affecting the frame | View the ridgeline and eaves from the street for obvious dips or waves, and from inside the attic look for bowed rafters or cracked members without stepping onto the decking | The sag is visibly worsening, interior doors or walls near the area start to shift, or creaking sounds occur under load, all of which warrant immediate professional evaluation |
| Moss, algae, or dark streaks on the roof | Shaded and damp roof sections, organic debris buildup, poor attic ventilation trapping humidity, and humid climates that encourage growth | Observe growth patterns from the ground and check whether the area stays shaded and holds debris, since moss holds moisture against the covering and shortens its life | Moss has grown thick enough to lift shingle edges or has spread across most of the roof surface, which calls for professional cleaning or assessment |
| Damaged or rusted flashing around chimneys and vents | Corrosion over time, sealant failure, settling of the chimney or structure, or improper original installation | From the ground or a secure ladder, look for flashing that is bent, separated from the chimney or wall, or visibly rusted, and check for staining on the interior wall nearest the chimney | Flashing has pulled completely away leaving an open gap, or water is entering the structure with every rainfall |
| Higher energy bills and uneven indoor temperatures | Inadequate attic ventilation, damaged or compressed insulation from long-term leaks, and air leakage through gaps in the roof assembly | Compare attic temperatures against living space temperatures on a warm day, check that soffit and ridge vents are unobstructed, and look for damp insulation that no longer insulates | Attic spaces feel dangerously hot, moisture is condensing on attic surfaces, or insulation is saturated, conditions that accelerate roof decay and may require urgent attention |