Roofing questions, answered straight

Look for water stains on ceilings, peeling paint high on walls, damp attic insulation, or daylight through the roof boards. A stain rarely sits directly under the opening, because water runs along the decking and rafters before it drips. Most leaks start at flashing, pipe boots, valleys, or damaged shingles rather than the middle of a slope. We trace the water path back to the source during a free roof repair inspection.

Often, yes. If the rest of the roof is sound, a leak at a pipe boot, a flashing joint, or a few damaged shingles can usually be repaired on its own. Replacement makes more sense when leaks come from several places, the decking is soft, or the shingles are worn out across the roof. We show you photos and recommend the smaller fix when it's enough. More in our post on fixing a leak without a new roof.

They mean the roof is losing its weather seal and should be checked soon. Missing shingles are usually wind damage and leave the underlayment exposed. Curling or cupping edges typically point to age, heat, or poor attic ventilation, and cracking points to brittle, aging shingles. A few blown-off shingles on a newer roof are a simple repair, while widespread curling usually means the roof is near the end of its life. See when to replace your roof.

Some granule loss is normal, but heavy loss is a warning sign. Granules shield the asphalt from UV, and a new roof sheds loose extras in its first months. Piles of granules at downspouts, bare or shiny patches, or dark spots after a hailstorm mean the shingles are wearing out or may be hail-bruised. We check granule loss slope by slope, and if a storm caused it, we photograph it at a free storm damage inspection.

Dark streaks are almost always blue-green algae, not dirt or fire damage. Humid North Carolina summers and shaded lake lots make it common, especially on north-facing slopes. The streaks are mostly cosmetic, but moss holds moisture and can lift shingles, so it should be addressed. Skip the pressure washer, which strips granules. On a new roof, GAF StainGuard Plus™ shingles like Timberline HDZ® carry a 25-year algae limited warranty, and UHDZ carries 30 years.

A sagging roofline usually means the decking or framing underneath has weakened, most often from long-term moisture caused by a slow leak or poor ventilation, or from the weight of extra shingle layers. It isn't cosmetic. Stay off the roof and have it looked at soon. The fix may be replacing rotted decking during a tear-off, or a structural repair before the roof goes back on. Schedule a free inspection and we'll tell you which it is.

Yes, ventilation matters a lot. A roof needs balanced intake at the soffits and exhaust at or near the ridge so air keeps moving. Without it, summer heat and humidity get trapped, condensation forms under the decking, and you get mildew, rusty nails, and shingles that age early. GAF's limited warranties exclude problems caused by inadequate ventilation, so we size intake and exhaust on every replacement. See how that ties into your GAF warranty.

Because those are the joints in the roof, and joints are where seals fail first. Rubber pipe boots crack and shrink in the sun, and chimney and wall flashing can loosen or get patched with caulk that dries out. These are some of the most common leak sources on any shingle roof, and they're usually repairable without replacing the roof. We replace the boot or rebuild the flashing properly. See roof repair.

They're uncommon here but do happen during winter storms, when snow sits on the roof, melts over a warm attic, and refreezes at the colder eaves. The trapped water backs up under the shingles and can leak into soffits and ceilings. The best defense is balanced attic ventilation and insulation, plus leak barrier along the eaves and in valleys. We'll show where leak barrier belongs in the written scope for your GAF roofing system.

Many asphalt roofs around here last roughly 15 to 25 years, but condition matters more than age. Heat, humidity, poor attic ventilation, and hail all shorten real-world life, while good ventilation and quality installation stretch it. GAF backs its Timberline® and Designer shingles with a Lifetime limited warranty against manufacturing defects, which is not a promise of how long a roof will last in the weather. See signs it's time to replace.

Repair when the problem is isolated and the rest of the roof has good life left. Replace when wear is widespread or leaks keep coming from different places. Other signs that point to replacement include soft decking, curling or granule loss across several slopes, and storm damage on an older roof. We show you photos, explain the options in plain language, and recommend the smaller fix when it's enough. See repair vs. replacement.

No. We always do a full tear-off and never install new shingles over an old roof. See what the NC code says about re-covers. Stripping the roof to the deck lets us inspect the decking and replace any rotted boards, then install the qualifying GAF accessories that GAF's enhanced warranties call for. It also keeps the weight of a second layer of shingles off your roof framing. See how we build a complete GAF roofing system.

We don't. Every CPR roof, shingle or metal, starts with a full tear-off to the deck. That lets us inspect the decking and replace soft or rotted boards before the new roof goes on. See metal roofing.

UHDZ is GAF's premium upgrade. It has the patented Dual Shadow Line, a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating on UltraMat™-labeled packages, and a 30-year StainGuard Plus PRO™ algae limited warranty. HDZ, which GAF calls its #1-selling shingle, is rated Class 3 and carries a 25-year algae limited warranty. Both use LayerLock® technology. With Golden Pledge®, non-prorated workmanship coverage is 25 years on HDZ and 30 years on UHDZ. Compare HDZ and UHDZ.

They're worth a look if you want extra hail protection. Class 4 is the top UL 2218 impact rating. In GAF's lineup that includes Timberline UHDZ® (UltraMat™ packages) and Timberline® AS II, and Brava composite tiles are also rated Class 4. No roof is hail-proof, and GAF's limited warranty doesn't cover hail damage. See our hail damage guide.

It's one of GAF's top enhanced limited warranties, and only GAF Master Elite® contractors like us can offer it. It requires qualifying Timberline® or Designer shingles (Timberline NS excluded) plus at least five qualifying GAF accessories, registered by the contractor. It includes a 50-year non-prorated Smart Choice® period, tear-off and disposal when necessary, and non-prorated workmanship coverage of 25 or 30 years depending on the shingle. Details on our warranties page.

Every GAF shingle comes with the Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty. A full GAF Roofing System, meaning Lifetime shingles plus at least three qualifying accessories, adds lifetime coverage on those accessories. Enhanced tiers need a certified contractor and registration. System Plus extends non-prorated coverage to 50 years, Silver Pledge™ adds 10 or 15 years of workmanship coverage, and Golden Pledge® goes further. We confirm which tier your roof qualifies for at the estimate. See GAF warranties.

GAF's WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty has no maximum wind speed limit. It applies to GAF Timberline® shingles with LayerLock® Technology installed with four GAF accessories: starter strips, roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles, and either leak barrier or attic ventilation. It lasts 15 years, covers the shingles only, and needs no registration. GAF's warranty documents set the full terms. See GAF warranties.

Designer shingles are GAF's luxury asphalt lines that give you a wood-shake or slate look without the weight or upkeep of the real thing. We install Grand Sequoia® for an oversized rustic shake look, Camelot® II for a European slate-inspired look, Slateline® for a bold slate look, and Woodland® for a hand-cut shake look. They qualify for GAF's enhanced warranties, including Golden Pledge® when a Master Elite® contractor installs them. See Designer Shingles.

Yes. GAF is our primary brand, and we also offer CertainTeed. We hold CertainTeed's ShingleMaster PRO credential. We usually recommend a GAF system because our Master Elite® status lets us offer GAF's enhanced warranties like Golden Pledge®. If you prefer CertainTeed or need to match an existing CertainTeed roof, we'll quote it and explain the warranty that comes with it. See our roofing services.

Brava makes polymer composite roof tiles that look like slate, Spanish barrel tile, or cedar shake and weigh far less than the natural materials. Brava rates its tiles Class 4 for impact under UL 2218 and backs them with a 50-year limited warranty, with terms, transfer rules, and exclusions set by Brava. We're a Brava Authorized Contractor, and we offer Brava when a home calls for that look. See Brava roofing.

Neither is better for every home. It depends on budget, style, and how long you plan to stay. Standing seam metal costs more up front, but it offers long life, low maintenance, and concealed fasteners, and it works on some lower-slope sections where shingles can't go. Architectural shingles cost less and pair with GAF's enhanced warranties. We install MRS architectural and structural standing seam with Kynar 500® finishes. See metal roofing.

It depends on the metal, the finish, and the installation, so we point you to the manufacturer's warranty rather than a guess. For its Kynar 500® (PVDF) finish on Galvalume®, galvanized, or aluminum panels, MRS gives a 40-year limited warranty against chipping, cracking, and peeling, and 30 years against excess chalking. See metal roofing.

Yes. Our team is VELUX certified, and we install new skylights, replace old ones, and repair leaks. Most skylight leaks come from failed or improvised flashing or an aging unit, not the glass itself. A roof replacement is often the right time to swap an older skylight for a new VELUX unit with the correct flashing kit. Options include fixed, Fresh Air vented, and Sun Tunnel® models. See skylights.

On most tree-covered lots, yes. Oak leaves and pine needles clog gutters fast, and overflowing gutters can rot fascia and send water toward your foundation. RainDrop gutter guards are available as an option on new or existing seamless gutters, and we'll tell you whether they fit your home. We install 5-, 6-, and 7-inch and half-round profiles sized to your roof. Guards cut down on cleaning, but no gutter is completely maintenance-free. See gutters and RainDrop guards.

A FORTIFIED Roof™ is built to a standard from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to help protect homes from severe weather like high winds and hail. An independent certified evaluator verifies the work before IBHS issues a designation, which lasts five years. Ask us whether building to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard makes sense for your home.

Hail damage usually isn't visible from the ground, so start with what you can see safely. Look for dented gutters, downspouts, or AC fins, dings on mailboxes or cars, and heavy granules at downspouts. On the roof, hail leaves dark bruises where granules were knocked off, plus cracked or punctured shingles. Please don't climb up yourself. We'll inspect and photograph it for free, and you can check public storm reports on our storm damage page.

Wind damage usually shows up as missing shingles, creased or lifted tabs, exposed nail heads, or shingle pieces in the yard. Creased shingles are easy to miss. The seal has broken even though the shingle is still there, which can let water in during the next storm. Damage is most common along ridges, rakes, and eaves. After a severe thunderstorm with strong gusts, a free inspection will document what we find. See roofs after storms.

Storm damage is sudden: hail bruises and punctures, creased or missing shingles after high wind, and dented gutters and soft metals. Normal wear builds slowly: granule loss across the whole roof, curling, cracking, and brittle shingles on an older roof. At a free inspection we photograph what we find and tell you which is which, in plain language. Questions about your policy go to your insurance company.

We inspect the whole roof system, including shingles, flashing, vents, pipe boots, and other penetrations, plus gutters and soft metals, and we check for interior leak signs when needed. We photograph what we find, explain it in plain language, and tell you honestly if we don't see storm damage. See our storm inspection process.

Yes. Every free storm inspection includes clear photos of what we found and a plain-language repair-or-replace recommendation you can keep for your records. See how our storm inspections work.

It's a full tear-off down to the deck, never new shingles over an old roof. We replace damaged decking, install new underlayment and flashing to code, and put on a complete GAF system with our Master Elite® crew. You get an honest scope and price, and you can ask about financing options at your inspection.

Call as soon as it's safe. The sooner the roof is inspected and photographed, the sooner you know where you stand. If there's an active leak, we'll talk through temporary protection like a tarp. Once you decide on repair or replacement, we schedule the work and keep you updated. Request a free storm inspection.

Move valuables and electronics away from the drip, catch the water, and take photos of the leak for your records. Please don't climb onto the roof. Call or text (704) 280-5996: our hours are Monday–Friday, 8–5, and for storm emergencies you can call or text and we'll respond as soon as we can. If there's an active leak, we'll talk through temporary protection like a tarp.

Roof size and pitch drive most of the price, followed by the shingle line, how many layers come off, how much decking needs replacing, and details like chimneys, skylights, valleys, and ventilation upgrades. Steep or cut-up roofs take more labor and safety setup. Every home is different, so we don't publish a one-size price. Your free estimate itemizes materials, ventilation, flashing, and cleanup in writing.

Yes, financing is available. Ask at your free inspection and we'll go over options that may fit your project. We don't list lender names online. Military homeowners can ask about our military appreciation savings, and GAF's 2026 Roofs for Troops program offers eligible U.S. military a $250 rebate for installing a qualifying GAF roofing system and purchasing an Enhanced Warranty, under GAF's terms. We'll always show you a clear written scope first, so you know exactly what you're financing. See financing.

Many single-family shingle replacements are finished in one to two days once work starts. Larger, steeper, or more complex roofs take longer, and metal or Brava installs often take several days. Weather is the main variable, and we won't tear off ahead of rain. You'll get a scheduled start date and an expected duration with your estimate, and we'll keep you posted if weather moves it. See roof replacement.

The crew tears off the old roof, then inspects the decking and replaces any damaged boards. Next comes underlayment, leak barrier, flashing, ventilation, and the new shingles. We clean up daily and run magnets for nails. At the end we do a final walkthrough with you, and on qualifying systems we register your enhanced GAF warranty. Plan to keep cars out of the driveway and pets inside. See how a CPR roof goes on.

Often not for a straight re-roof of a single-family home. North Carolina law (G.S. 160D-1110(c) and G.S. 143-138(b5)) exempts work costing $40,000 or less from building permits unless it involves load-bearing structure, adds new roofing, or hits another listed exception. The State Fire Marshal's office reads that exemption as covering the replacement of roofing plus up to 15% of the existing roof deck (OSFM guidance, Oct. 2023; NC Residential Code R908.3). Larger jobs, structural work, or new roof area need a permit, so we check with the county or town inspections office and pull a permit whenever one is required. Ask us about your project.

Yes. Campbell's Precision Roofing LLC holds North Carolina Licensed Contractor #101889, is licensed and insured, and provides a certificate of insurance on request. We've been BBB Accredited since 2016, rated A+. 2016 is also the year Daniel H. Campbell III founded the company in Denver, NC. We're happy to send license and insurance details before any work starts. Learn more about us.

It's GAF's top residential contractor certification, and GAF says only about 2% of roofers in North America hold it. It's also what lets us offer the Golden Pledge® warranty. We're a GAF President's Club award winner. Campbell's Precision Roofing LLC holds NC Licensed Contractor #101889, and homeowners have left us 150+ Google reviews. Read our reviews.

We're based in Denver, NC and serve Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Catawba, Iredell, and Cleveland counties. That includes Denver, Lincolnton, Gastonia, Cornelius, Huntersville, Mooresville, Hickory, Statesville, Davidson, Concord, Sherrills Ford, and Charlotte, plus the communities around Lake Norman. If you're not sure whether we cover your street, call or text and we'll tell you. See areas we serve.

Yes. Along with residential repair and replacement, we install commercial low-slope roofs using GAF EverGuard® TPO and PVC single-ply systems. We also roof new builds for builders and homeowners, starting with a plan review so details like valleys, penetrations, and ventilation are right before the first shingle goes down. See commercial roofing and new construction.

Call or text (704) 280-5996, or request an estimate online. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For storm emergencies, call or text and we'll respond as soon as we can. Inspections are free, and you'll get photos and a plain-language recommendation, whether that's a small repair, a new roof, or nothing at all. Get a free roof estimate.