Sarah & Matt - Roofing and Gutter Project

Challenge

After a summer hailstorm, Sarah & Matt noticed ceiling spotting and granules in the gutters. Their roof was 18 years old and nearing end-of-life. The immediate concerns:

• Active leak during storms (living room ceiling)
• Insurance uncertainty: "Is this covered? What’s the process?"
• Timing before the next round of rain
• Curb appeal expectations from neighbors/HOA

They needed a contractor to stabilize the leak fast, confirm storm damage, and handle the claim while guiding smart long-term choices (repair vs. full replacement).

Solution

1. Emergency Stabilization (Day 1–2)

• Same-day tarp over damaged slope to stop water intrusion
• Photo & video documentation (shingles, soft metals, gutters, downspouts) for the claim
• Moisture check inside to prevent hidden damage

2. Insurance Support (Days 2–10)

• Assisted the homeowner in filing the claim
• Met the adjuster on-site to walk the damage, discuss code requirements (ice & water, ventilation), and provide a professional scope
• Submitted line-item estimate with materials, labor, and code upgrades

3. Material & Design Choices (Days 7–10)

• Helped select architectural asphalt shingles (high-wind rated), color-matched to the neighborhood
• Upgrades discussed: ridge venting, synthetic underlayment, ice & water shield beyond minimum code, and new boots/flashings

4. Expert Installation (2 Days)

• Full tear-off down to decking; replaced compromised boards
• Ice & water shield at eaves/valleys; synthetic felt elsewhere
• New drip edge, step flashing, pipe boots, and ridge vent
• Magnetic sweep of lawn/driveway; photo verification of clean job site
• Final walkthrough + warranty and care tips

Project Specs

• Roof size: ~2,300–2,600 sq ft (typical two-story suburban home)
• Material: Architectural asphalt shingles (limited lifetime manufacturer warranty; installation warranty by 1st Home)
• Ventilation: Continuous ridge vent + proper intake
• Flashings: New step/chimney flashing as needed
• Add-ons: Optional gutter tune-up and guards (homeowner declined for now)

Before / After (What Changed)

• Before: Missing/damaged shingles, active leak, inadequate attic ventilation
• After: Code-compliant system with modern underlayment, ridge venting, and high-wind-rated shingles; improved durability and curb appeal

Homeowner Benefits

• Peace of mind: Leak resolved, warrantied system installed
• Insurance handled: Clear scope, faster approval, less stress
• Comfort: Venting upgrade improved attic temps on hot days
• Resale & curb appeal: Fresh, clean roof with aligned color and profile

What We Learned Together

• If your roof is 15–20+ years old and storm-damaged, replacement often beats patching. It avoids serial repairs and brings your entire system up to current code.
• Ventilation isn’t optional. Proper intake + ridge venting helps shingles last longer and keeps your home more comfortable.
• Documentation wins. Clear photos, slope-by-slope notes, and meeting the adjuster speed the claim and reduce back-and-forth.
• Tidy site = trust. Homeowners notice nails in lawns and debris; zero-left-behind cleanup matters as much as the shingles.