Homeowner Learning Center
Roofing Questions, Answered.
From roof leaks and repairs to installation mistakes and replacement decisions, get straightforward answers from the people who work on Hampton Roads roofs every day.
Real Questions. Real Roofing Answers.
Short videos from Marc and the crew. Each one loads only when you press play.
Why is my roof still leaking after a repair?
Marc shows the flashing mistake behind many leaks that keep coming back.
Chimney leak still there after a recent repair?
What we found when a chimney kept leaking after someone else had already worked on it.
how can I tell if my roof was installed badly
A look at installation problems we found on a real Hampton Roads roof.
Browse Questions by Topic
Roof Leaks & Repairs
Why does my roof keep leaking after it’s been repaired?
Often the repair fixed where the water showed up, not where it got in. Water can run along the decking and rafters before it stains a ceiling, so the entry point can be several feet away. The usual suspects are failed flashing at chimneys, walls, skylights, and valleys, along with exposed nail heads and old sealant. A lasting fix traces the leak to its source first.
What is the most common cause of roof leaks?
Flashing is a very common one. It’s the metal that seals joints where the roof meets a chimney, wall, vent, or skylight, and if it’s missing, bent, or poorly installed, water finds the gap. Shingles that are worn out, lifted, or damaged cause leaks too, but the details around openings are where we look first.
What should I do if I think my roof was damaged in a storm?
From the ground, look for missing or lifted shingles, debris on the roof, and damaged gutters. Check ceilings and attic for new stains or dampness. Take photos, and if water is coming in, keep indoor items protected. Please don’t climb onto a wet or damaged roof yourself. Have someone inspect it before the next rain.
Roof Replacement
How do I know when it is time to replace my roof?
Widespread curling, cracking, or missing shingles, granules collecting in gutters, repeated leaks, and sagging areas all point toward replacement. Age matters, but condition matters more. The roof’s condition, not its age alone, is what decides it.
Can a roof be repaired instead of replaced?
Sometimes, yes. If the damage is limited, the rest of the roof is in good shape, and the cause is something like flashing or a few damaged shingles, a repair can make sense. If problems are spread across the roof or keep returning, replacing it is often the more practical path. We’ll tell you which one fits your home.
What does a roof replacement involve?
The old roofing comes off, the deck is inspected and any damaged wood is addressed, then underlayment, flashing, and new roofing go on, followed by cleanup. Ask any contractor how they protect landscaping and handle debris, and what happens if hidden damage turns up.
Installation & Materials
How can I tell if my roof was installed badly?
Look for shingles that are crooked or uneven, exposed nails, flashing that is loose or sealed only with caulk, and leaks that started soon after the roof went on. Many installation problems aren’t visible from the ground, so an inspection by a second contractor can be worthwhile.
What roofing materials work well in Hampton Roads?
Asphalt shingles are the most common choice here, and metal roofing is another option. Coastal weather means wind, humidity, and strong sun, so installation details and fastening matter as much as the material. The right pick depends on your home, budget, and how long you plan to stay.
Ventilation
Why does roof ventilation matter?
A roof needs airflow so heat and moisture don’t build up in the attic. Poor ventilation can contribute to excess heat, damp insulation, and wear on the roofing materials. Intake and exhaust need to be balanced, which is something to check whenever a roof is replaced.
How do I know if my attic is not ventilating well?
Signs include a very hot attic in summer, damp or musty smells, frost or condensation on the underside of the deck in cold weather, and mildew. An attic inspection is the best way to tell whether vents are blocked, missing, or unbalanced.
Costs & Estimates
What affects the cost of a roof?
Roof size and pitch, the material you choose, how many layers need to come off, the condition of the deck underneath, flashing and ventilation work, and access to the home. Because every roof is different, accurate pricing comes after someone looks at yours.
What should a roofing estimate include?
A clear scope of work, the materials by name, how flashing, underlayment, and ventilation are handled, what happens if damaged decking is found, cleanup, and the terms. If two estimates look very different, compare what’s included before comparing price.
Siding, Windows & Gutters
How do I know if my siding needs attention?
Cracked or loose panels, warping, soft spots in trim, fading, and stains on interior walls are the common signs. One damaged area doesn’t always mean the whole house needs new siding, but it’s worth checking whether moisture reached the wall behind it.
Do gutters really matter for my roof and walls?
Yes. Gutters carry water away from the roofline, siding, and foundation. Clogged, loose, or pitched-wrong gutters can let water spill down walls or back up under shingles at the edge.
Can a window leak be mistaken for a roof leak?
It can. Water from failed window flashing or sealant can show up as stains that look like a roof problem, and the reverse is true too. Tracing where the water enters is the only reliable way to know which one needs the fix.
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How Reitzel Does Things Differently
There's a Reason We Show You the Details.
We believe homeowners deserve to understand what’s happening with their homes. So we show you what we find, explain what it means, and let you decide with the full picture.
Honest Explanations
We tell you what we see and what it means, in plain language.
Proper Installation
The details under the shingles are the ones that keep water out.
Property Protection
We plan staging and cleanup so your home and yard are respected.
Understanding Your Options
Repair, replace, or wait: you get the full picture and decide.
Need Someone to Take a Look at Your Roof?
Videos can help you understand the possibilities. When you’re ready for answers about your own home, our team is here to help.