Plain answers about roofing in Washington
Most roofing questions here land in four places: what to do when water is coming in, why ice builds at the eaves, whether a permit is needed and how to check a roofer. Short answers below, each linked to the page that goes deeper.
- Roof repair and full replacement
- Ice dams, leaks and storm damage
- Connected to an independent local roofer
Get a fast quote
Fastest: call (833) 751-2102. Or send this and we call you back.
When water is coming in
How do I find where a roof leak starts?
From inside, follow the stain upward and look in the attic for damp insulation, dark tracks or daylight. The roofer then confirms the opening from the roof, since the stain and the entry point rarely line up.
Should I put a tarp on the roof myself?
No. Wet and icy roofs are dangerous, and a badly fastened tarp can tear. A roofer decides whether one can go on safely. See emergency roof tarping.
Are your phones answered at night?
Yes, 24/7, and the call is put through to a roofer as soon as one is available. No arrival time can be promised.
Winter, wind and storms
What causes an ice dam?
Heat from the house melts snow on the roof, and the water refreezes at the cold eave. The cure is attic air sealing, insulation and ventilation, not the gutters. See ice dam removal and prevention.
Do I need an ice barrier under new shingles in Warren County?
New Jersey Bulletin 07-3 limits the ice-barrier requirement to areas where the January mean temperature is 25 F or less, which it says is Sussex County only. In Warren County it is good practice. Confirm the current edition.
Does a severe thunderstorm warning mean my roof is damaged?
No. A warning is a forecast. A March 11, 2026 warning for southern Warren County named roofs among possible damage, but it is not a damage report. Look from the ground afterward.
Permits and paperwork
Do I need a permit to replace a roof?
Published guides say a full replacement usually does and minor patching often does not, but the rule belongs to your municipal construction office. Ask before the tear-off. See the permit guide.
Does historic review apply to roofs in Hope?
Whether the Hope Historic District's rules cover roofs is not established here. Ask the township before changing a roof there.
How many roof layers are allowed?
IRC R908.3 does not allow a third roofing layer over two, which forces a tear-off. Confirm with your construction office.
Choosing and checking a roofer
Does New Jersey license roofers?
There is no general roofing licence. Roofers doing home work register as home improvement contractors with the Division of Consumer Affairs, and the number begins with 13VH. Check the current rule.
What about a roofer in Pennsylvania?
Contractors register with the Attorney General once annual work reaches $5,000, and contracts over $500 need statutory terms and the registration number.
Can this line promise my insurance claim will pay?
No. Your insurer decides, based on your policy. See insurance storm claim help.
Question not answered here?
Call and ask. A technician will give you a straight answer, even if the answer is that you do not need us.