Can Lightning Strike Your Roof and Cause a Leak Without Leaving Obvious Damage?
Yes, lightning can strike your roof and cause a leak while leaving only a small, easy-to-miss hole. The entry point is often no larger than a pencil, but the damage to your shingles, decking, and surrounding area can be more widespread than it looks from the outside. A homeowner in Sidney, IL recently called us …
Why Are Squirrels Getting Into My Attic Through a Gap at the Roofline?
Squirrels typically enter an attic through gaps where the fascia, soffit, or gutter system has pulled away from the roofline. In older homes especially, settling over time can create openings large enough for wildlife to squeeze through. Closing that gap means addressing the underlying fascia and soffit damage, not just stuffing mesh into the corner. …
How Do I Know If My Roof Boots and Attic Vents Are Causing Problems?
Damaged pipe boots and missing or inadequate attic vents are two of the most overlooked causes of roof and home problems. Cracked boots let water in around your plumbing pipes, while poor ventilation traps heat and moisture that quietly destroy your roof from the inside out. A professional inspection can catch both issues before they …
Do I Need a Full Roof Replacement If My 18-Year-Old Roof Has a Leak?
An 18-year-old roof with a leak does not automatically mean you need a full replacement, but it often makes sense. At that age, asphalt shingles are near the end of their typical lifespan. If the damage is isolated, a repair may hold. But if the roof is showing widespread wear, a full replacement usually saves …
When You Replace a Roof, What Should Happen Where an Addition Meets the Original Building?
When replacing a roof on a building with an addition, the junction where the two structures meet needs a careful flashing inspection before any new materials go down. Even if there are no active leaks, existing flashing at that transition point may need to be replaced or upgraded to perform correctly under a new roof …
Can Siding That Looks Wrong After a Repair Actually Let Water In?
Yes, siding that was not properly repaired or reinstalled can absolutely allow water to get behind the wall. Even a small gap, misaligned panel, or missing wrap underneath can create a direct path for moisture, especially during heavy rain. If something looks off, it probably needs attention before it becomes a bigger problem. A homeowner …
Do You Have to Tear Off Old Shingles Before Installing a Metal Roof?
In most cases, yes. While it is technically possible to install a metal roof over existing shingles, doing so prevents proper underlayment installation and voids most manufacturer warranties. A full tear-off gives your new metal roof the clean, stable foundation it needs to perform correctly for decades. A homeowner in the Champaign County area recently …
Why Is My Metal Chimney Pipe Flashing Leaking Into My Garage Roof?
A leaking metal chimney pipe is almost always a flashing problem. The flashing is the metal collar that seals the gap between the pipe and your roof surface. Over time it shifts, corrodes, or simply was not sealed well enough to hold up against repeated rain and temperature swings. Reflashing the pipe usually stops the …
Heavy Leaf Buildup from Maples and Oaks: How to Protect Your Gutters This Fall
When Autumn Beauty Turns into a Gutter Nightmare There’s nothing quite like fall in Champaign County, IL. The streets are lined with red and gold leaves from towering maples and oaks, creating postcard-worthy views. But for homeowners, this seasonal beauty comes with a challenge: heavy leaf buildup in gutters. Clogged gutters are more than just …
Roof Maintenance for Fall in Central Illinois
Why Fall is the Best Time for Roof Maintenance As summer storms wind down and cooler air rolls into Central Illinois, homeowners should turn their attention to roof maintenance. Fall is the ideal season to inspect and repair your roof. The weather is mild enough for thorough work, and more importantly, addressing small issues now …