Roofing questions from Staunton homeowners and landlords
Most questions fall into four groups: what to do about a leak tonight, why valley roofs take ice and wind as they do, how permits and historic reviews work, and what an insurance claim involves.
- Repairs and full replacements
- Ice at the eaves, wind and hail damage
- Historic-district, metal and slate roofs
Get a fast quote
Fastest: call (833) 751-2102. Or send this and we call you back.
A leak tonight
What do I do with a ceiling that is dripping?
Place a container under it, move furniture and rugs, and photograph the stain. If the fixture or wiring above is wet, switch the circuit off only if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
Should I go up on the roof?
No. Ice, wet metal and steep pitches are dangerous. Describe what is visible from the attic and the ground.
Why valley roofs act up
Why does a leak show up away from the valley?
Water runs down the valley and under the shingles before it reaches the ceiling, so the stain often sits well away from the break.
Does a thaw cause more leaks than the freeze?
Often yes. Meltwater backs up behind ice at the eaves and finds its way under the covering when the snow starts to go.
Permits and historic reviews
Does a re-roof need a permit in Staunton?
Ask the city's building office. Whether your job needs one is decided there, and any fee is set by them.
Do I need approval for roof work in a historic district?
Possibly. Staunton's Historic Preservation Commission reviews exterior work in its districts, so ask before the job is agreed.
Contractors and insurance
How do I check a roofer's Virginia licence?
Virginia licenses contractors through the Board for Contractors at DPOR, by class and by specialty, and roofing is a specialty. Ask for the licence number and look it up on the DPOR lookup before you sign.
Will insurance pay for wind or hail damage?
That is decided by your policy and insurer. Photograph the damage, keep the written scope and read the claim letter carefully.
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.