Triage
Roof leak or damage? Start here.
Answer a few questions to see what to do right now and what kind of repair help to ask for. This is guidance from what you report, not a diagnosis or a price.
Guidance
Check what you see and press Get guidance.
How to use this tool
- Pick what you see: active leak, missing shingles, storm damage, ice dams or flashing problems.
- Follow the “do this now” steps first. They protect the inside of the house.
- Read who usually fixes that problem and what to ask them.
- Take ground-level photos and dates. They help the contractor and your insurer.
Leaks in Ohio and Michigan
Winter leaks here are often ice dams, not holes: snowmelt backs up behind ice at the eaves and runs under the shingles. Spring leaks often trace to flashing at chimneys, walls and plumbing boots after a season of freeze-thaw.
Repair or replace?
| Signal | Leans repair | Leans replace |
|---|---|---|
| Leak source | One known spot, like a boot or flashing | Several spots or no clear source |
| Roof age | Well within its expected life | Near or past its expected life |
| Shingle condition | A few missing or damaged | Widespread curling, granule loss or brittleness |
| Deck | Solid underfoot | Soft areas or rot at several spots |
Get a free inspection or multiple bids
Free Asset Protection Inspection
Have the roof you're worried about looked at in person, at no cost and with no obligation. Homes, commercial buildings and HOA communities in Ohio and Michigan.
Inspections are done by our founder, Jonathan Blake, or, if you allow it, by the independent roofing and exterior contractor he works for.
Get three comparable bids
- Save or print this tool's result so every contractor starts from the same numbers.
- Ask at least three contractors for a written proposal on the same scope.
- Compare line by line: area, tear-off, repairs, materials, permits, warranty.
Why plan here first
| What you get | Midwest Roof Calculators | National cost websites | A first number on the doorstep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for Ohio and Michigan weather and permits | Yes | Rarely | Varies |
| Shows the formula and every assumption | Yes | Sometimes | Rarely |
| See results before giving contact details | Yes | Often not | No |
| Ranges labeled with what they include and exclude | Yes | Varies | Varies |
| Questions to ask every contractor | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| Replaces an in-person inspection | No, and we say so | No | No |
General comparison of approaches, not of any named company.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when my roof is leaking?
Keep people away from wet electrical fixtures, catch the water, move belongings and take dated photos. Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof.
Can you tell me what the repair will cost?
No. Leak sources are often hidden, and a repair can range from a single shingle to flashing and deck work. The tool tells you what kind of help to ask for; the price comes from an on-site inspection.
Should I call my insurance company?
That is your decision. Coverage depends on your policy and the insurer. Keep dated photos and storm dates either way.
Do I need a roofer or a different trade?
The results list likely service categories. Flashing and shingle problems go to a roofer; chimney masonry goes to a mason; ice dams often involve insulation and ventilation.
Request a repair visit
Photos help a roofer prepare, but they are optional. Take them from the ground or indoors.