Guides
Not sure whether to repair or replace, what to choose or what a price should cover? These guides explain what to look for and what to ask before roofing and gutters work starts.
Guides
What would you like to know?
Choose the question closest to yours. Each guide explains the choices, the limits of what you can tell by looking and the details worth checking before you pay for work. You don't need to learn the trade's own words before calling us. Use these pages to understand an estimate or make a list of questions. We still need to come out before recommending work for your own house. Shorter, dated notes from active jobs live on the blog.
Roofing
Roof repair or replacement
A repair is worth considering when the damage is limited and the surrounding roof is in good condition. Replacement becomes more likely when wear or moisture damage extends across the roof. Ask the inspector to show you what has failed, how far it reaches and why the proposed work is enough.
Rain gutters
5-inch or 6-inch gutters
Gutter size depends on the roof area feeding each run, the roof's slope and the outlets available to drain it. A larger gutter can help where runoff is concentrated, but it won't clear a blocked downspout. The choice should follow a look at the whole drainage route, not the house size alone.
Rain gutters
When gutter guards are worth it
Guards can be useful when nearby trees keep filling the gutters or cleaning access is difficult. They still need maintenance, and the gutter underneath must already drain properly. Before deciding, compare the debris on your roof, the upkeep a guard would need and the cost of continuing with regular cleaning.
Rain gutters
Oak, pine and eucalyptus on a roof
Leaves and needles can collect on the roof before they ever reach a gutter. Valleys and the upper sides of skylights and chimneys deserve attention as well as the channels below. Oak, pine and eucalyptus leave different kinds of debris, so cleaning needs to account for what is actually gathering.
Rain gutters
How often to clear gutters, by tree
Start with the trees above your roof and the debris found at the last cleaning. Leaves may arrive in a seasonal drop, while needles and bark can keep collecting between visits. Plan a check before sustained rain and adjust the schedule if outlets are filling sooner than expected.
Rain gutters
Repair the gutters or replace them
A repair can make sense when a joint, support or short section has failed and the rest of the gutter is sound. Replacement is worth discussing when the metal has deteriorated more widely. Either way, check the fascia board behind the gutter and the drainage layout before deciding what to keep.
Rain gutters
Seamless or sectional gutter runs
Sectional gutters join shorter lengths along the roof edge. Seamless gutters are formed in a continuous length for each run, leaving fewer joints to maintain. Both still need proper supports, slope and outlets. If you're replacing old gutters, check those details at the same time rather than focus only on the seams.
Skylights
Why skylights leak after a re-roof
A leak that appears after roof replacement needs an inspection of the flashing, the supporting curb and the surrounding roof. The skylight itself may still be sound. Contact the roofer with the timing and location of the leak, and ask what was fitted around the unit before agreeing to replace it.
Free estimate
Find out what it costs
Tell us what's happening at your property, one step at a time. We'll review your request during business hours and arrange a free inspection.
What happens after you send it
- We call during business hours to set a time.
- A free visit. We measure on site and nothing is signed at the door.
- The proposed work and the price, in writing.
- (925) 555-0100Phone
- Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMHours
Sat by appointment · Sun closed
100 Example Road, Brentwood, CA 94513 · office@example-roofing.demo
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