Roofing info for Baltimore homeowners

Types of roofs, common terms, gutters, DIY limits, critters, scam alerts, and myths. Written for regular homeowners.

I'm often up on a roof, so a text usually reaches me fastest, but call anytime.

Types of roofs

Around Baltimore you'll see asphalt shingles on most homes, flat roofs on rowhouses and porches, slate and copper on older north-city houses, and some wood shake, tile, and torch-down.

If you're not sure what you have, see what kind of roof do I have or send us a picture.

Roofing terms in plain English

Flashing is the metal at chimneys, walls, and vents. Underlayment sits under the shingles. The fascia is the board at the roof edge. The soffit is under the overhang. A valley is where two roof planes meet.

You don't need to memorize these. They're here so estimates and inspection notes make more sense.

Types of gutters

K-style and half-round are the common shapes. Aluminum is most common. Copper shows up on older homes. Seamless runs have fewer joints.

Clean gutters matter as much as the roof surface. See gutter cleaning and repair.

Can I DIY roof work?

Light debris cleanup from the ground and a look in the attic are fine. Walking a steep roof, tearing off shingles, or working at a chimney is where people get hurt and make leaks worse.

If you're unsure, send pictures first. We'll tell you what's safe to leave alone.

Critters in the roof

Squirrels, raccoons, and birds use open soffits, loose vents, and uncapped chimneys. The damage is often the hole they make, not just the nest.

We repair the opening and can add a chimney cap when that is the entry.

Scam alert

Storm chasers who knock after a big wind event, demand a big deposit the same day, or refuse to put MHIC numbers on paperwork are red flags.

Ask for their MHIC license number, proof of insurance, and the work in writing. It's fine to take a day to think it over. Ours is MHIC #154344.

Roofing myths, busted

Myth: a small leak can wait until spring. Truth: water works on the wood every rain.

Myth: a brand-new roof is always the answer. Truth: many roofs need a repair, not a tear-off.

Myth: gutter guards mean zero maintenance. Truth: we haven't found a style we trust enough to sell.

Want help reading your roof?

Call or text 443-900-4815 with a few pictures. We'll tell you what we're looking at.