If you’ve got lots of angles, make sure whoever you hire has experience with “detail work”—that’s where things can go sideways.
Couldn’t agree more. I manage a few older buildings and the weird roof shapes are always the trouble spots. Even with rubber, if the flashing isn’t done right around chimneys or vents, you’ll get leaks eventually. I’ve seen “general” roofers miss those details and it’s a pain to fix after the fact. Upfront cost stings, but chasing leaks every spring is worse.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had some luck with “general” roofers—at least for basic repairs. On one of my flatter roofs, a smaller outfit did a solid job just patching up seams and flashing. Maybe it’s just that not every building needs the high-end specialist? Still, I totally agree that on anything with valleys or dormers, you want someone who’s seen it all. Those weird angles are leak magnets...
Still, I totally agree that on anything with valleys or dormers, you want someone who’s seen it all. Those weird angles are leak magnets...
Man, those valleys... they're basically the Bermuda Triangle for leaks. Here’s my quick-and-dirty post-winter roof check: grab a pair of binoculars (no need to climb up if you don’t have to), scan for cracked shingles, missing flashing, and any weird stains. Pay extra attention to those valleys and around chimneys—water loves to sneak in there. If you spot anything sketchy, even just a little gap, get it patched before the next rain decides to move in. General roofer or pro, just depends how wild your roofline gets. Flat roofs? Sure, patch away. But if your roof looks like origami, maybe call in the big guns...
Valleys are a pain, no doubt. I get why people say to call in a pro for anything complicated, but I’m always a little skeptical about how much of that is just contractors wanting more business. That said, I’ve patched a few things myself over the years—simple stuff like a popped nail or a cracked shingle—but the valleys and dormers? That’s where I draw the line. Last spring, I thought I could handle a minor leak near a dormer, but after two tubes of caulk and a lot of cursing, it still dripped every time it rained sideways. Ended up paying a roofer anyway.
I do wonder, though—how much can you really spot from the ground? I use binoculars too, but sometimes stains or soft spots don’t show up until you’re actually up there. Anyone else ever miss something obvious because you didn’t want to climb a ladder? I’m not saying everyone should risk it, but sometimes I feel like the “don’t go up there” advice is a bit overblown, especially if you’re careful and the roof isn’t crazy steep. Maybe I’m just stubborn...
I totally get the hesitation about climbing up there—I've seen plenty of folks miss stuff from the ground, especially around flashing or in those tricky valleys. A few years back, I thought I had my roof under control just by scoping it out with binoculars after a rough winter. Missed a tiny split shingle near a valley and only caught it when water started dripping into the attic. Sometimes you just can't spot soft spots or hidden leaks unless you're actually up there poking around. Still, I agree—if the roof isn't too steep and you're steady, sometimes it's worth a careful look. But those valleys... yeah, they're always the troublemakers.
