Repair or replace your roof?

Safe first steps

• Move people and valuables away from active drips, sagging ceilings, or fallen material.
• Use a container to catch water and photograph interior signs without touching wet electrical fixtures.
• From the ground, note missing material, debris, lifted edges, damaged flashing, or overflowing gutters.
• Do not climb onto a wet, damaged, icy, or steep roof. A tarp installation is professional work.

Warning signs to take seriously

A sagging ceiling, steady water entry, daylight through the deck, widespread missing material, loose metal, fallen branches, or a soft roof surface all justify prompt professional review. Keep people away from affected rooms and exterior fall zones.

What to document

• When the issue started and whether it is getting worse
• Recent storms, freezes, power interruptions, maintenance, or repairs
• Photos from a safe position and any pattern in when the symptom appears
• The age of the roof, known material, prior repairs, and leak history

What is reasonable to do yourself?

Simple observation, cleanup that does not expose you to a fall or electrical risk, and routine maintenance performed exactly to manufacturer and product-label directions may be reasonable. Stop if the task requires climbing, opening energized equipment, releasing pressure, mixing unfamiliar chemicals, or disturbing structural materials.

When a professional opinion is worth it

Ask for help when the same issue returns, the cause is unclear, safety systems are involved, damage appears to be spreading, or a repair could affect a warranty or insurance claim. Share your notes and photos so the first conversation is more useful.