Start from inside your attic with a flashlight. Look for water stains, mold, or daylight. The tricky part: water often enters in one spot and travels along rafters before dripping down, so the ceiling stain may not be directly below the leak. Professional roofers are trained to trace leaks to their source—it's worth having an expert diagnose rather than guessing.

Absolutely. If damage is isolated to a specific area and your roof is otherwise in good condition, partial repairs make sense. A good contractor will tell you honestly whether repair is sufficient or if widespread issues make replacement the better investment.

Consider replacement when: your roof is over 20 years old, damage covers more than 30% of the surface, you're having repeated repairs in different areas, or the deck underneath has structural damage. At some point, continued repairs cost more than replacement—and you still end up with an old roof.

A quality repair should last the remaining life of your roof. Replaced shingles will match the lifespan of surrounding shingles. Flashing and sealant repairs typically last 10-20 years. If repairs are failing quickly, it's usually a sign of underlying problems or poor workmanship.

For safety and quality reasons, we recommend professional repairs in almost all cases. Roofs are dangerous—falls cause serious injuries. Beyond safety, improper repairs often make problems worse or void warranties. The exception: if you're comfortable on a ladder and just need to reseal a small area or replace a single shingle, these are manageable DIY tasks.

Insurance covers damage from covered events (storms, hail, fallen trees) but not wear and tear or neglected maintenance. For storm damage, document everything with photos and file a claim promptly. For smaller repairs, weigh the cost against your deductible—filing a claim for minor damage may not be worth potential premium increases.

Most repairs can be scheduled within days and completed in a few hours. Emergency situations like active leaks can often be addressed same-day or next-day with temporary repairs, followed by permanent fixes when conditions allow. For urgent needs, mention this when requesting quotes.