Roofing questions
How do I know if a leak needs a repair or the whole roof needs replacing? The age of the roof and how many separate leak points exist matter more than the size of any single stain on the ceiling. A young roof with one bad valley is a repair. An old roof with granule loss and leaks in more than one spot is usually a replacement conversation, which is why the first visit is always an inspection rather than a quote over the phone.
Can I put a new layer of shingles over the old ones instead of tearing off? Code allows up to two layers in most cases, but we rarely recommend it. A second layer hides any rot in the decking underneath, adds real weight to the structure, and often voids a shingle manufacturer's warranty. A tear off costs more up front and avoids all three problems.
What causes ice buildup at the roof edge during a cold snap? Warm air escaping from the attic melts snow or frost on the upper roof, and the meltwater refreezes once it reaches the colder eave. More attic insulation and balanced soffit to ridge ventilation address the cause; heat cables only treat the symptom each time it happens.
Tree and storm questions
Will insurance cover a tree that falls on my roof? Most homeowner policies cover roof damage from a fallen tree, though coverage for removing the tree itself sometimes differs from coverage for the roof repair. Dated photos from the time of the damage make that claims process considerably easier, which is part of why documentation is standard on every storm call we run.
How urgent is a leaning tree near the house? A tree that has started leaning noticeably, especially after a period of heavy rain that has saturated the soil, should be assessed promptly rather than watched over a season. Root failure in saturated clay soil, common across parts of Chesterfield and Henrico County, does not always give much warning before a tree comes down.
Do you work with insurance adjusters directly? We provide photos, a written scope and, where useful, direct communication with an adjuster, but the insurance claim itself is between the homeowner and their carrier. Our job is to document the damage accurately and repair it correctly once the claim is settled.