Roofing & chimney questions from Rochester homeowners

Common signs include leaks in more than one spot, shingles that are curling, cracked or missing across large areas, granules collecting in your gutters, soft or sagging spots, and a roof that's around 20 years old or more. Rochester's freeze-thaw winters and ice dams speed up that wear. The surest way to know is a roof inspection — we'll tell you honestly whether you need a roof replacement or just a repair.

Every roof is different, so we don't quote prices without seeing it. Cost depends on the size and pitch of the roof, how many old layers need to be torn off, how much damaged decking needs replacing, the shingles you choose, and details like chimneys, skylights and valleys. We'll inspect your roof and give you a clear, written estimate — free and with no pressure. Contact us.

Many homes are finished in one to a few days. Larger or more complex roofs, extra layers to remove, decking repairs and weather can add time. We'll give you an expected timeline with your estimate and keep you updated if rain or snow changes the schedule.

Often, yes. Isolated leaks, a few missing shingles, damaged flashing or a cracked vent boot can usually be fixed with a targeted roof repair. If your roof is near the end of its life or has widespread damage, repeated repairs can end up costing more than replacing it — we'll explain the options and let you decide. Regular roof maintenance also helps a roof last longer.

Yes — flashing is one of the most common leak sources we find. Flashing seals the joints where your roof meets chimneys, walls, vents and skylights. When it rusts, lifts, or was only tarred or caulked on the surface, water gets underneath. Leaks next to a chimney are frequently a flashing problem; see chimney flashing repair.

Watch for crumbling or missing mortar, bricks that are flaking or loose, a cracked chimney crown, white staining on the brick, a leaning chimney, or water stains on ceilings or walls near the chimney. Small problems get worse each Rochester winter as water freezes inside the masonry. Learn more about chimney repair and chimney rebuilding.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends chimneys be inspected once a year. It's also smart to have the outside of your chimney checked after a major storm, before buying a home, or whenever you notice leaks or damage. Our chimney inspection focuses on the brick, mortar, crown, cap and flashing — the parts exposed to the weather.

The most common causes are failed or poorly installed flashing, a cracked or missing chimney crown, a missing chimney cap, and porous or deteriorating brick and mortar. Water that gets in can show up as stains on nearby ceilings, damp attic wood, or damage inside the chimney. Because we work on both roofs and chimneys, we can find which part is leaking and fix it.

It depends entirely on your policy and your insurance company — coverage, deductibles and exclusions vary, so check with your insurer or agent. What we can do is inspect the roof, document the damage with photos, and give you a written estimate you can share with them. If you've had wind, hail or fallen-branch damage, see storm damage roof repair.

Call us at (585) 266-7663 — we're open 24 hours, 7 days a week — or fill out our quick contact form. We'll set up a time to look at your roof or chimney and give you an honest, no-pressure estimate.

We serve Rochester and nearby communities including Brighton, Pittsford, Penfield, Webster, Irondequoit, Henrietta, Chili, Gates, Hilton, Victor and Canandaigua. See all of our service areas.