Roof & Exterior Problems
Roofing, siding, gutters, and foundations—your home's first line of defense.
You notice a brown spot on the ceiling. Just a small one. You tell yourself it's nothing. A week later, the spot is bigger. There's a bubble in the paint. And every time it rains, you wonder if today's the day it comes through.
Roof problems don't announce themselves politely. They whisper first—a stain, a loose shingle, a little granule loss in the gutters—until one day you've got water pouring into your living room. Or your siding is flapping in the wind. Or the gutters are sagging like a clothesline weighted with bricks.
This section helps you spot the early warning signs, understand what's fixable from the ground and what requires someone with a harness, and know when a repair is enough versus when it's time to re-roof the whole thing.
DIY Repairs
You can probably handle this yourself:
- Cleaning gutters — Scoop out the gunk, flush with a hose. Do this twice a year. Clogged gutters cause water damage, ice dams, and foundation problems.
- Inspecting from the ground — Use binoculars to spot missing or curling shingles. Don't climb on the roof yourself.
- Caulking around windows and vents — A tube of exterior caulk and 30 minutes can prevent water intrusion.
- Trimming branches away from the roof — Keep trees at least 6 feet from your roof. Branches abrade shingles and give squirrels a highway to your attic.
- Touching up paint on siding — Small chips and cracks let water in. Sand, prime, paint.
When to Call a Pro
Call a roofing professional:
- Any work that requires getting on the roof — Falls are deadly. Professionals have harnesses, scaffolding, and insurance.
- Missing or damaged shingles — One or two might be DIY for the brave, but proper repair requires matching shingles and proper nailing patterns.
- Leaks or water stains inside — By the time you see water inside, damage has been happening for a while. A pro can find the source.
- Sagging roof deck — Visible sagging from the ground is structural. This is not a DIY fix.
- Gutter replacement or major repairs — Proper slope and attachment matter. Badly installed gutters cause more problems than no gutters.
- Chimney issues — Mortar joints, flashing, and crowns all fail over time. Chimney work is specialized.
What to Expect
Cost Ranges
- Gutter cleaning: $150–$300
- Minor roof repair (few shingles): $200–$500
- Flashing repair: $200–$600
- New roof (asphalt shingles): $8,000–$15,000 for average home
- Siding repair: $300–$1,000 per section
- Full siding replacement: $10,000–$25,000
Timeframes
- Gutter cleaning: 1–2 hours
- Minor repairs: Half day
- Full roof replacement: 1–3 days
- Siding replacement: 1–2 weeks
Questions to Ask a Roofer
- "Can you show me photos of what's wrong?"
- "Is this a repair that buys me time, or do I need a full replacement?"
- "What's the warranty on materials and labor?"
- "Do you pull permits for this work?"
- "How do you protect my landscaping during the job?"
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a new roof or just a repair?
If your roof is under 15 years old and damage is isolated, repair makes sense. If it's 20+ years with widespread issues, replacement is usually more cost-effective.
Should I worry about a few missing shingles?
Yes. Missing shingles expose the underlayment, which isn't designed for prolonged sun and water exposure. Small problems become big leaks quickly.
Why are my gutters sagging?
They're clogged, improperly installed, or the fascia boards are rotting. Any of these needs addressing before water damages your home's structure.
What do granules in my gutters mean?
Some granule loss is normal. A lot means your shingles are deteriorating. If you see bare spots on the shingles, replacement is coming.
Can I put a new roof over my old one?
You can do this once (most areas), but it voids some warranties, hides existing damage, and adds weight. A tear-off is better for long-term value.
Why does my roof leak only in heavy rain?
Likely wind-driven rain finding a weak spot—flashing, vent boots, or compromised shingles. Light rain doesn't push water in, but storms do.
How long do asphalt shingles last?
3-tab shingles: 15–20 years. Architectural shingles: 25–30 years. Premium shingles: up to 50 years. Climate and installation quality matter.
Common Roof & Exterior Problems
Need a roofer? Get help now.