Some homes, like those with flat roofs, may not have eaves at all. Some contemporary-style homes also lack eaves, although many may have abbreviated eaves to divert water and protect the walls and foundation. Homes without eaves often have specific types of gutters affixed directly to the edge of the roof to provide adequate drainage.

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.

During the framing process, builders connect the roof to the walls with materials, including metal connectors, plywood panels, and wood blocks. These roof-to-wall connections are important and provide weatherproofing, noise and temperature insulation, protection against pests, and home integrity. The type of connector and method used will vary, depending on your home’s construction and needs, and each has pros and cons in terms of cost, noise insulation, longevity, and reliability. Talk with your home or roofing contractor about the best connectors for your roof and walls, and what they recommend for your home.

The installation may have been done correctly. However, improperly installed gutter guards can easily damage your shingles. Also, cheap gutter guards rarely come with installation fixtures. In the worst cases, they simply ask you to nail the guards in, which would sabotage your roof’s water resistance and thus void the warranty. To be sure, always check with your home warranty provider before making any modifications.