I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on heat cables, only to have them half-melt a trench through the ice and call it a d...

Had a job last fall where the homeowner thought they could just “wait for a dry spell” before calling anyone about a slow drip over their kitchen. By ...

I’ve replaced more “lifetime” boots than I can count—usually it’s the rubber that goes first, just like you said. Metal collars seem to hold up better...

Insurance is a mixed bag, honestly. I’ve seen them cover a slow drip if you can prove it’s “sudden and accidental,” but if it looks like old damage or...

I hear you on the pine needles, but I’ve seen some of the newer micro-mesh guards actually do a halfway decent job with them—at least compared to the ...

Mixing green roof sections with traditional stuff like metal or shingles is doable, but it’s not as simple as just laying them side by side. I’ve seen...

You nailed it with the “lipstick on a pig” bit. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out to look at “mysterious” attic moisture or shing...

Ridge vents are solid advice, but honestly, I've seen plenty of roofs without them that held up fine—depends a lot on climate and attic insulation. St...

Drone footage definitely helps. Had a client last year whose adjuster kept insisting the damage was "pre-existing" (whatever that means...). Once we s...

Haha, moisture meters are handy but they're not foolproof. Had a similar situation last year—homeowner called me out after an inspector gave the roof ...

I've been down that road more times than I'd like to admit—trusses can definitely test your patience. A few years back, I was working on a client's at...

I've seen heated cables last a good 5-6 years when installed properly, but you're right—they're not a real fix. Had one homeowner swear by them, but t...

I've used nibblers a fair bit, and yeah, the metal bits can be a pain. They're tiny and sharp, and they get everywhere—boots, clothes, even stuck in y...

Galvanized can be hit or miss near saltwater, honestly. Had a job a few years back right on the coast—homeowner insisted on galvanized fasteners to sa...

I've had mixed experiences with galvanized steel, even the coated stuff. Installed one near Cape Cod about five years back—looked solid at first, but ...