Step 1: Discuss When and Where You Notice the Leak
We start by listening. When did you first notice it? Does it only drip during rain, or also during snowmelt or wind-driven storms? Where is the stain? Those answers narrow things down fast. A leak that only appears in blowing weather points somewhere different than one that shows up days after a snowfall.
Step 2: Inspect the Interior Evidence
Where it makes sense, we look at the inside before we go up. That means the ceiling stains, the attic, and any visible decking. We follow the moisture pathways, since water often runs along a rafter or the underside of the deck before it drops. Damp wood, dark staining, and wet insulation all help us work back toward the source.
Step 3: Inspect the Roof
Then we go up and look at the whole roof, not only the area above the stain. We check the roofing materials, flashing, valleys, vents, penetrations, ridge caps, and roof transitions where one section meets another. Leaks like to hide at those joints and edges, so that’s where we spend a lot of our time.
Step 4: Trace the Likely Entry Point
This is the step that matters most. We use what we saw inside and on the roof to find where the water first gets in. Fixing only the stain, or the spot directly above it, is how leaks come back. Our focus is the original entry point, even if it sits several feet from where the water showed up.
Step 5: Explain the Repair Options
Before any work starts, we tell you what we found and what we recommend, in plain terms. If a small repair will solve it, we’ll say so. If the damage goes deeper, we’ll explain why and what your options are. You get a clear recommendation, and the decision stays with you.
Step 6: Complete the Appropriate Repair
The repair depends on the source. Depending on what we find, that can include replacing:
- damaged shingles
- tiles
- flashing
- vent or pipe components
- damaged underlayment
- damaged decking where required
We fix what’s causing the leak and leave the rest of your roof alone.
Step 7: Final Check
When the work is done, we look at the repair once more. We confirm the new materials are seated and fastened correctly, the flashing and seals are in place, and the surrounding roofing is secure. We also make sure the work area is clean. Then we go over what we did with you, and tell you what to watch for during the next rain.