Roof questions from Utica homeowners
The questions below cover the first few days after a leak or storm, the winter problems that come with the snow and thaw, and the paperwork a homeowner keeps. Each answer says what is known and what is left for the office, the insurer or the technician to decide.
- Leak diagnosis and flashing repair
- Snow load roof inspection
- Ice dam removal and repair
Get a fast quote
Fastest: call (833) 751-2102. Or send this and we call you back.
The first days after a stain or a storm
What should I do first when I see a stain?
Mark the edge with a pencil and the date, cover any drip with a towel or bucket, and call for a visit. Do not climb onto the roof in wet or icy weather.
Should I photograph the damage before cleaning?
Yes. Photograph each side of the house and any damage inside, with the date, before anything is moved or repaired.
Can I put a tarp on the roof myself?
It is safer for a technician to place it from a safe position. Keep the receipt and the photographs of the temporary cover.
Ice and snow over the winter
Why does ice form at the eave?
Heat from the house melts the snow on the roof, and the meltwater refreezes at the cold overhang. The ridge of ice holds back the next melt.
Should I rake the snow off my roof?
A plastic or foam rake from the ground can pull the lowest snow down. Do not climb onto the roof or use metal tools on the ice.
Does a heavy snow mean the roof will fail?
Not by itself. The structure, the pitch and the condition of the roof decide the load, and a technician checks the roof rather than relying on the snow depth.
Permits, insurance and paperwork
Does my roof project need a permit?
That is for the building office that covers your address to confirm. Ask before any structural change begins.
Will my insurer pay for a storm repair?
The homeowner's policy and the insurer decide. A roofer's dated report and photographs help the claim, but do not decide it.
Who keeps the written findings?
You do. The findings, with the photographs, are given to you so the next check can compare the roof with its condition now.
Visits and the schedule
How soon can a technician come out?
The team confirms the time when the call is taken, based on the weather, the access and the people available. No arrival time is promised in advance.
Can a visit cover the attic and the gutters too?
Yes. Each visit covers the roof, the attic and the gutters, and the findings list each item separately.
Is a check needed in the middle of winter?
A check after a heavy snow or a thaw is useful. The roof walk waits for a safe, clear surface, and the attic can often be checked sooner.
Question not answered here?
Call and ask. A technician will give you a straight answer, even if the answer is that you do not need us.