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There should be small gaps between your roof and the walls of your home, and other buildings. These small gaps let building materials shift, expand, and contract with weather and other outside forces, and they prevent moisture from wicking down walls from roofing and gutter systems. Without these strategic gaps, your home’s exterior and its finishes can sustain water damage, decay, peel, delaminate, and crack. However, there is a fine line between a smart gap and a problematic gap—all  gaps should be small, intentional, and covered or filled in with foam insulation to prevent pests from using them as access points.

Yes, installing a skylight can impact your roof’s structural integrity and may void the roof warranty if not done correctly. Cutting into the roof weakens its waterproof barrier, and improper flashing or sealing can lead to leaks and long-term damage. Many roofing manufacturers require skylights to be installed by certified professionals to maintain warranty coverage, so it’s important to check your policy before installation.

While you can technically install new roof sheathing over an old layer, it is generally not recommended for several reasons. Installing new sheathing over old can trap moisture, which may lead to future problems, especially in humid climates. It also adds significant weight to the roof structure and prevents you from inspecting the original sheathing for rot, mold, or other damage.

However, in some cases, if the old sheathing has been thoroughly inspected and is in excellent condition with no signs of rotting, warping, or damage, a roofer may install new sheathing over it to add strength and stability. Despite this, the more common and recommended practice is to remove the old roof sheathing entirely before installing a new layer, as removing it is not a difficult task.

Roof leaks can go undetected for months or even years. A smaller leak that doesn’t cause visible signs in your home’s living area may allow water intrusion for a long time before you notice it. The longer a leak goes undetected, the worse the damage will be, so it’s important to frequently check for signs of a leak to keep a small problem from getting much bigger.