The most obvious and severe sign of a roof leak is the presence of wet spots on your ceilings, specifically on the top floor of your home. You can also identify a roof leak from your attic if you see sagging insulation or if you notice mold growth or water stains on the rafters or the underside of the roof deck. From the street, look for cracked or missing shingles, moss growth, and shingles that are curling upward, all of which can suggest a leak.
A chimney cap costs about $300 on average to install, with prices ranging from $75 to $1,000. The final cost depends on several factors, including the professional you hire, the accessibility of your chimney, the cap's material and size, whether any repairs are needed, and if it requires custom fabrication. Chimney caps are usually made from galvanized steel, stainless steel, or copper. Copper caps are the most expensive, followed by stainless steel and then galvanized steel. Excluding labor, average material costs are around $100 for galvanized steel, $250 for stainless steel, and $600 for copper. You may also face additional costs, such as hiring a chimney sweep to clean the chimney before the cap is installed.
Roofers most often use nails to fasten roofing shingles and other roofing materials. Nails have more holding power than staples and offer better weather resistance and longevity. However, it is possible to use staples instead of nails when installing a roof. Staples are less expensive, but not as high-quality.
Underlayment exists under your tile roof. It helps protect your home by acting as a secondary water barrier. Often, when roof tiles fall off, underlayment that's in good condition can temporarily keep water from getting into the home. However, immediate replacement of missing tiles is crucial to avoid additional roof damage.
Good news—asphalt shingles, including architectural shingles, are easily recycled. Talk to your roofing contractor to find out if recycling options are available in your area.
If recycling isn't available, your roofing contractor may recommend renting a dumpster, if your project is on the large side, or collecting the shingles in contractor bags to throw them away. Another option may be to donate new or gently used shingles to a local nonprofit.
The Marion, MT homeowners’ guide to roofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
While a steel roof can cost a significant amount, it’s a hardy roofing option with great curb appeal. Learn all the factors that influence how much a steel roof costs.
A standing seam metal roof is a long-lasting, durable option for your home. Learn how much a standing seam metal roof costs and what can affect the price.
Roof sheathing is another name for the strong layer of wood boards that are attached to your roof’s framing. Learn how much roof sheathing costs in this guide.