Roof Leaks and Water Damage

A wet spot on the ceiling is worrying, and most people call the first roofer they find. You don’t have to. Call us first. We’ll help you figure out how urgent it is and send a vetted roofer who fixes leaks, often by the next day.

What to do right now

1. Move furniture and electronics away from the drip and put down a bucket or towels.
2. If the ceiling is sagging or bulging with water, keep people out of the room. Don’t poke it unless a pro tells you to.
3. If water is near light fixtures or outlets, turn off power to that area at the breaker.
4. Take photos of the stain, the drip, and anything that got wet. They help your roofer and any insurance claim.
5. Call us at (315) 857-8638. Tell us where the water is showing up and when you first noticed it.

Why roof leaks are tricky

Water rarely comes in right above the stain. It can run along rafters and drip several feet away from where it got in. That’s why a good roofer looks at the whole area, not just the spot over your ceiling.

Common sources include worn or missing shingles, cracked flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights, the rubber seals around plumbing vents, and clogged gutters.

Ice dams: the Central New York leak

Here, a lot of winter leaks start with an ice dam. Heat from the house melts snow on the roof. The water runs down and freezes again at the cold edge. The ice builds a ridge, and the next melt backs up under the shingles and into the house.

• Signs: thick ice along the gutters, icicles, and stains on ceilings or walls near the outside of the house.
• Don’t chip ice off the roof yourself. It’s dangerous and it damages shingles.
• A roofer can fix the damage and tell you what would help prevent it, like better attic ventilation or ice and water shield at the edges.

How we help with a leak

1. You call, we listen. We ask where the water is, how long it’s been happening, and how old the roof is.
2. We match you. We send a roofer from our network who handles leak repairs, works near you, and can come soonest.
3. You get a clear answer. Your roofer finds the source and explains the fix and the price before any work starts.
4. We’re still here. Not comfortable with what you heard? Call us back. We’ll help you make sense of it, or send a different roofer.

Questions to ask any roofer about a leak

• Where exactly is the water getting in, and can you show me a photo?
• Is this a repair, or is the roof near the end of its life?
• Is there damage to the decking or insulation under the shingles?
• Will you put the price and the work in writing before you start?
• Do you guarantee the repair, and for how long?

Common questions

Can someone come out today?

Often the next day, sometimes sooner. When you call, tell us if water is actively coming in and we’ll look for the fastest available roofer. If it’s pouring in, ask the roofer about a temporary cover to protect the house until the repair.

Is a small stain worth calling about?

Yes. A small stain usually means water has been getting in for a while. Catching it early is almost always cheaper than fixing rotted wood or moldy insulation later.

Do I pay you anything?

No. Our service is free to homeowners. You only pay the roofer for the work you agree to.

Will insurance cover my leak?

It depends on the cause and your policy. Sudden damage from a storm is often covered; slow wear usually isn’t. Your roofer can document what they find, and you should check with your insurance company.

Can a leak be fixed in winter?

Often, yes. Many repairs can be done in cold weather, and a roofer can protect the spot until a full fix is possible. Call and tell us what you’re seeing.