Get matched with top chimney inspectors in Marshall, MO

If you see rust spots or streaks or any physical damage to the chimney cap from the ground, you should hire a professional to inspect and replace it. If it’s safe to get up on your roof or near your chimney cap with a ladder, you can perform a closer inspection to identify issues. Additionally, if you know your chimney cap is nearing the end of its life—usually five to ten years—or you’re seeing evidence of water damage or pest infestation in your chimney, it’s a good idea to replace the cap.

You should avoid walking on a slate roof. Though the material is highly durable, it can crack under the pressure of your feet, and the surface of the slate tiles can become extremely slippery when they get wet. Walking on a slate roof is, therefore, more dangerous than walking on something like asphalt shingles, both in terms of personal injury and property damage. If you do have to work on your slate roof, hire a pro. Most contractors use special equipment to avoid putting pressure on slate tiles.

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.

Before hiring a roofing contractor, it's wise to ask several key questions. Inquire if they are licensed for roof replacement and repair and if they hold any special certifications. Ask if they will be completing all the work themselves or subcontracting parts of it. It's also important to understand the project timeline, whether they will remove the old roof or place new shingles on top, and how they will handle cleanup after the project is complete. Finally, ask about warranties for both work and materials, what recourse you have if issues like leaks arise, and if they can provide customer references.