Roof repair questions, answered

No. We're a free referral service. We connect you with independent roofing contractors who do the work, set their own prices and carry their own CSLB license and insurance.

Roofing contractors are licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The specialty classification for roofing is C-39 Roofing Contractor. You can check any license number on CSLB's website in about a minute.

We answer calls 24/7 and pass urgent requests to available local roofers right away. Roofers won't work on a roof in high wind or lightning, so storm-night help is usually about containing water inside and getting a tarp on as soon as conditions allow.

CSLB says a down payment on a home improvement job can't be more than 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. Be wary of anyone asking for more, especially after a storm.

All of Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, Cloverdale, Forestville and Guerneville.

Many repairs, such as replacing flashing or a few shingles, are done in a few hours once materials are on hand. Larger section repairs can take a day or more, and weather can push the schedule.

Roofers try to match, but older shingles fade and some products are discontinued, so a repair may be visible. Ask to see the replacement material first.

Wind direction matters. Wind-driven rain can push water sideways under flashing or shingles on one side of the house, so a leak may show up only in storms from a certain direction.

Usually not permanently. A roofer may do a temporary fix or tarp, then make the permanent repair when the roof is dry.

If water is coming in, arrange emergency protection first, then report the claim promptly. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage.

A tarp is a stopgap, not a winter-long fix. UV and wind wear tarps out, and every storm is another chance for water to get in. Schedule the permanent repair as soon as a roofer can do it.

Many homeowners policies cover reasonable emergency measures to prevent further damage after a covered event. Check your policy and keep the invoice and photos.

Yes, but the method differs. Tiles break easily underfoot and metal panels can be slippery, so it's a job for an experienced roofer.

Sometimes building codes allow a second layer of certain materials, but many roofers recommend a full tear-off so the deck can be inspected. Your building department and roofer can tell you what's allowed.

Many single-family reroofs take a few days once work starts, depending on size, material and weather. Permits and material lead times add time before that.

Often an hour or two for a typical house, longer for large, steep or complex roofs.

No. A certification is a written statement, often for a home sale, that a roofer expects the roof to perform for a stated period. Ask what the document covers.