AAR Expert Wendy Marvin explains why your home's exterior system and the interior system are inseparable partners. 

Most homeowners focus on what they see: shingles, gutters, the curb appeal. But some of the most important work in your home is happening above your head, invisibly tucked inside your attic. It affects your energy bills, your roof’s lifespan and even the very air you breathe. Let’s look at this important system.

Your roof needs to breathe

A well-designed attic ventilation system does one thing, it moves air. Fresh air enters through intake vents typically along your eaves, circulates through the attic space and exhausts near the ridgeline. Simple yet surprisingly easy to get wrong. When it works well you barely notice it. When it doesn’t consequences stack up fast.  

Too little ventilation – A silent destroyer

An under-ventilated attic traps heat and moisture. In summer, attic temps can soar past 150 degrees Fahrenheit, accelerating the breakdown of your shingles from the inside out. This intense heat causes that premium roof you invested in to age prematurely, sometimes years ahead of schedule.

Trapped moisture is equally unforgiving. Without proper airflow, condensation builds up on the underside of your roof (sheathing) creating conditions ripe for mildew and even mold. What starts as a ventilation issue can escalate over the years into structural issues when wood decays.

Too much ventilation – Also a problem

Aggressive ventilation feels like a logical fix. However, over-exhausting your attic can pull conditioned air from your living spaces. Your HVAC system works harder, your energy savings evaporate and the comfort you’re paying for flows right out through the roof.

The hidden culprits

Here are two common issues we see frequently that throw attic ventilation off balance and neither is obvious.   

Insulation or animal nests blocking eave vents. Insulation is essential for keeping heated and cooled air inside your living spaces. But when it shifts, is moved or settles and covers intake vents, airflow is disrupted and heat or moisture build.  The fix? Finding and removing blockages to allow airflow intake.

Disconnected interior exhaust fans. Bathroom and kitchen fans are designed to push moist air out of your home. When ducting becomes disconnected from its roof vent, that humid air dumps directly into your attic instead. This is one of the easily fixed, reasonably priced and yet most overlooked sources of attic moisture damage. Reconnect the vents to their exhaust using heat/moisture sensitive tape to prevent further issues.

Roofing pros - What a good roofing professional actually does

A truly skilled roofer doesn’t just deal with your shingles; they look inside your attic too. They understand that the exterior system and the interior system are inseparable partners. A watertight roof over a poorly ventilated attic is a growing problem with large consequences.

When a professional walks your roof, and inspects your attic, they’re evaluating your home’s system and ensuring it works best for you. Even if your shingles are new – having an inspection to know that your home is working as it should, breathing, exhausting and removing damaging extremes – is worth the peace of mind. Information is available online, but ventilation calculations are technical and confusing – that’s why finding a trusted pro who can evaluate and fix any small issues, is worth every penny.   

By Emma Peterson. 

Step into the world of roofing with our top February 2026 articles!  

We understand that the world of roofing can be overwhelming – getting a new roof is not a common scenario for most home and business owners. But while the process of reroofing might be new to you, it doesn’t have to be intimidating! Everything we do here on AskARoofer™, from our podcasts to our resources, is aimed to help demystify roofing. If you’re interested in learning more about the roof over your head, a great place to start is with the top-read articles of each month!  

These articles covered a variety of topics, from roofing tips to heartwarming stories. In particular, our friend Nick Post (of KPost Company) shared tips for homeowners recovering in the aftermath of a storm while Wendy Marvin (from Matrix Roof and Home and one of our AAR Experts) gave advice on how to find the right roofing contractor for your project. 

As for heartwarming stories, we reported on a community effort to replace the roof on Family Renewal Shelter in Washington state involving PABCO, Kitsap Roofing, ABC Supply and Pioneer Builders Supply Co. We also had an article from one of our newer crew members, Alberto Torres, that highlighted how Statewide Roofing helped a Korean War veteran and his wife stay safe with a new roof.  

Check out all the February 2026 top articles 

5 – 5 things not to do after a severe storm by Nick Post 

4 - How to choose the right roofing contractor: An owner’s guide to smart hiring by Wendy Marvin 

3 - PABCO Roofing Products and Kitsap Roofing team up to protect families with a roof replacement for a local domestic violence program 

2 - Severe weather and temperature swings: Is your facility protected? by Greenwood Industries 

1 – Roof it forward by Alberto Torres 

AAR Expert Wendy Marvin says your first line of defense should be getting eyes on your roof to check for weather preparedness.

As trees bud and the promise of warmer days arrives, spring also ushers in the season of powerful storms. For homeowners and building owners, now is the perfect time to ensure your roof is ready to handle what Mother Nature has in store.  

Why prep?

Your roof’s primary job is simple yet critical: move water away, quickly and efficiently. Spring storms can dump significant rainfall in short periods, and standing or slow-moving water is your roof’s worst enemy. When water pools and/or slows instead of draining, it has a way of finding every tiny vulnerability, which can lead to leaks, structural damage and costly repairs later.   

Inspect – Every spring

Your first line of defense is getting eyes on your roof, whether those eyes belong to you, or ideally, those of a trusted local roofing professional. A spring inspection can catch smaller issues before they become major headaches. Here are some basic things to look for or ask about:

• Water warning signs: Dark patches or areas that appear to have stayed damp often indicate standing or slow-moving water. On sloped roofs, moss growth can signal moisture problems. On flat roofs, those telltale “dry puddles” or darker stains where water repeatedly pools, deserve immediate attention.
• Inspect vulnerable penetration points: Anywhere something punctures your roof – vents, chimneys, skylights, pipes – creates a potential entry point for water. These areas need special inspection to ensure the moisture inhibitors are still fully functional. Inspect silicone pipe boots, sealant and even ventilation vents to locate any small cracks or issues. Fixing a small issue is preferable to costly repairs later.
• Examine roof materials: Shingles should lie flat and uniform across the roof. Lifted edges, curling corners or exposed white threading all can signal potential trouble. Sometimes critters even stash food underneath causing shingles to lift and water to enter your home. Flat roof membranes should be fairly even, without cracking or excessively worn areas.
• Remove debris: Remove branches, leaves, acorns and even surprise items like toys from the neighborhood kids.  Don’t forget to check gutters and drains too. The amount of soda cans and firework debris we’ve removed from gutters over the years is astounding. Even small things can cause issues if they get lodged in the wrong areas.

Bottom line

Preventative attention now can avoid thousands of repair dollars later. Spring preparation isn’t about perfection, it’s about effort and awareness. If you spot anything you’re unsure of, or if you’d simply appreciate the peace of mind that comes from hiring a professional, reach out to your trusted local roofing contractor. Most offer reasonable inspection services that could be your best investment this season.   

Remember – Your roof protects you, your loved ones and all your important possessions inside. This spring, give your roof your best efforts and assist it in being ready for Mother Nature and her spring storms.

AAR Expert Wendy Marvin says the best contractor will combine safety and technical expertise with transparency and genuine care for your property.

After nearly two decades owning a roofing company, I’ve seen it all – both the good and the unfortunate. I started my business because I experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to find trustworthy contractors. My philosophy was simple, show up, be transparent and genuinely help people understand their roofing needs. That approach has served my clients well, and today I want to share what I’ve learned about selecting the right roofing contractor.   

The reality of today’s world 

We’re living in a “buyer beware” era. Gone are the days when you could hire someone based solely on a handshake and good intentions. For building owners, hiring a roofing contractor ranks among the most challenging decisions you’ll face. The technical jargon, varying opinions and significant investment all contribute to the confusion.   

While asking your neighbor or friend for a recommendation is a natural starting point, it shouldn’t be your only vetting method. Even if their experience was positive, it doesn’t replace you doing your own homework.   

Essential steps for evaluating contractors 

• Get three bids - minimum
  Collect quotes from at least three different contractors. Look for companies certified by major manufactures. While certification isn’t foolproof, it’s a solid starting point for finding reputable contractors who’ve been vetted by industry professionals.

• Standardize your comparisons 
  Do your best to level the playing field. Requests bids using the same manufacturer or similar quality materials.  Read up online about each manufacturer. This creates an apples-to-apples comparison that makes your decision much clearer.

• Check references thoroughly 
  Don’t just collect references – contact them. Ask about their experience with communication, contract fulfillment, cleanup and how smoothly the final inspection went. These conversations often reveal what working with the contractor is really like.

• Read the contract 
  This is crucial - give yourself time to review the contract thoroughly. That means NO signing on the spot. If a contractor pressures you to sign immediately, see that for what it is – a red flag in the trust department. You can use AI to do an informal evaluation but know that it’s not perfect and can’t protect you legally.  

• Do your research and ask questions  
  Read up online to build a basic understanding of the roofing process. While internet knowledge is far from perfect, it helps you ask informed questions. Questions like how long will it take aren’t rhetorical, they’re necessary to understand the process. If your contractor isn’t patient or dodges your questions, that’s a sign to look elsewhere. Your curiosity and attempt to understand isn’t a burden, it’s your right as an owner.   

Making your final decision 

Once you’ve narrowed your choices to several qualified contractors who all look good on paper, the decision often is based on one simple thing. Who do you feel the best to work with?   

Choose to work with the contractor who makes you feel seen and heard. A roofing project should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. This is YOUR home, and YOUR hard-earned money. Find someone you can genuinely trust.   

Trust your instincts 

The best contractor will combine safety and technical expertise with transparency and genuine care for your property. Don’t apologize for asking hard questions. Your home deserves protection and you deserve peace of mind when completing a very non-transparent project. The right contractor will welcome your questions and work alongside you every step of the way. 

AAR Expert Wendy Marvin says understanding cost drivers, maintaining your roof and partnering with a reputable contractor protects your home and budget for years to come.

If you’re facing a roof replacement or repair, understanding what drives costs will help you budget wisely and make informed decisions. Material choice, your home’s unique characteristics and especially the contractor you choose, all affect the cost of your individual job. It’s frustrating to see bids that have such a huge range, but understanding these factors can give you better perspective. Plus, there’s one secret people rarely think of, potentially saving you thousands.

Material costs are rising 

Material choices vary your cost and are the hardest to predict. Since 2019 roofing material prices – especially here in the PNW- have skyrocketed. Many materials have more than doubled in price, some have tripled. Architectural shingles, made from petroleum byproducts, follow oil prices, affecting costs beyond anyone’s control. While you still have a choice about materials, knowing that each option has its own price point and lifespan is essential to making the right decision for your home and budget. Your roofing professional should help you understand your options and the varying costs associated with each choice.

Your home’s unique factors 

Understanding your home’s unique characteristics and how they influence project costs: 

• Height: Multi-story homes require additional safety equipment and labor 
• Roof complexity: Simple roof lines cost less than designs with multiple angles and valleys 
• Hidden damage: When your existing roof is removed, unseen damage may be uncovered requiring additional repair work

Choosing the right contractor 

Not all roofing companies are equal. You’ll find solo operators offering attractive prices but facing high company failure rates (50% within their first five years), established mid-sized companies with proven track records, high-pressure sales organizations that overcharge dramatically and private equity held companies that make prioritize profits over customers and employees. So how do you choose?

Do your homework:

1. Verify current license and insurance 
2. Read reviews (make sure they’re current) across multiple platforms 
3. Ask for references and actually contact them 
4. Look for clear communication, professional documentation and enhanced systems 
5. Choose contractors to educate you to make an informed decision rather than pressure you into signing 

The SECRET to delaying your roofing project – maintenance 

Here’s what most homeowners don’t realize: regular maintenance is your best investment for controlling roofing costs. Your roof faces constant challenges – wildlife, temperature extremes, harsh weather and foot traffic. Know how to care for your roof properly (never pressure wash!) and it will reward you with extended life. A well-maintained roof can last years longer than a neglected one, potentially saving thousands in premature replacement costs.

The bottom line 

Your roof is one of your most critical investments in your home. By understanding cost drivers, maintaining your roof proactively and partnering with a reputable contractor, you’ll protect both your home and your budget for years to come. Take your time, do your research and don’t hesitate to ask good contractors. Good contractors welcome informed homeowners.

AAR Expert Wendy Marvin says protecting your roof with consistent attention will protect your business for decades to come.  

Let me be blunt with you. Small commercial property owners: If you don’t have big warranties or corporate requirements dictating your maintenance schedule, you need to read this.

Your commercial roof should be inspected monthly. Period.

Here’s the industry secret no one talks enough about: Early detection means affordable repairs. Let problems fester, and your costs don’t just increase, they skyrocket exponentially.

What’s really happening up there

You may think nothing is going on above your business. After nearly two decades in this industry, I’ve seen things that would change your mind instantly.

• Human activity – We’ve discovered people literally camping on commercial roofs. Party remnants are shockingly common as is drug paraphernalia. You’re focused on running your business assuming your roof is secure, but if there’s external access – even just a tree nearby – there’s risk.
• Debris accumulation – Debris is inevitable. Wind carries it and animals drag it up. On flat roofs especially, debris is your mortal enemy. I’ve lost count of how many soda cans and random objects we’ve pulled from downspouts after businesses experienced interior water damage. Don’t forget how ingenious animals are at finding places to stuff things for nests.  
• Structural issues – Full field inspections catch small problems before they explode. Popping plywood or nails, minor tears from friction are all easily fixed when found early, and all potentially catastrophic when ignored.  

Your essential monthly maintenance checklist 

1. Walk the entire roof – Examine seams, edges and penetrations carefully. Note where dirt accumulates as these are your low spots prone to ponding. Watch for bumps or uneven areas, especially if it’s a change from your last inspection.  
2. Check drains/scuppers thoroughly – These large, molded drains remove water from flat roofs and attract debris like magnets. Look for slime indicating standing water. Check seams to ensure they’re not cracking or separating. Spot something concerning? Schedule a professional inspection immediately.  
3. Remove ALL debris – Leaves, trash, nuts, twigs – everything should go. Bring pickers and a trash bag with you on every inspection. Make this non-negotiable.  
4. Document everything – Take dated photographs. Create maintenance reports after every inspection. Include who inspected, date and all photos. You may need to prove your diligence for warranty and/or insurance purposes. Documentation is your protection.  
5. Schedule a roofing professional to review your roof every few years (or have them do your regular maintenance if that makes you more comfortable). You’re doing well with the work, but you’re not a trained professional, and things can still be missed.

The bottom line

Regular monthly inspections aren’t options, they’re essential for maximizing your roof’s life and protecting your business. Many warranties require documented maintenance, and even without warranties, your insurance premiums may benefit from your maintenance commitment.

Your roof is a significant investment. Protect it with consistent attention, and it’ll protect your business for decades to come.

AAR Expert Wendy Marvin shares her thoughts on navigating materials, warranties and more in the roofing world.

Dear homeowners and building owners, 

It feels like we're on our own lately, doesn't it? Constantly navigating pushbacks just to get what we need and deserve for our properties. 

Understanding the reality of roofing warranties 

The roofing industry isn't out to harm you, but here's an uncomfortable truth: manufacturer warranties represent best-case scenarios. When a product is rated to "last 30 years," that figure comes from controlled laboratory testing under ideal conditions. Your actual roof faces relentless sun, driving rain, temperature swings, wind damage and biological growth — none of which exist in a lab. 

The lifespan you'll actually get depends on your local climate, installation quality and most importantly, regular maintenance. That last one is where you have real control. 

Catch small problems before they become expensive disasters 

Whether you own a single-family home or manage a commercial building, your roof never gets a break from the elements. The good news? An annual inspection can save you thousands by catching critter nests, small punctures, loose shingles, early moss growth and clogged gutters before they escalate into major expenses. 

Document everything — It's more important than ever 

Here's what many property owners don't realize: maintenance documentation is typically required by your warranty, and manufacturers are increasingly strict about proof. We're seeing more warranty claims denied due to lack of maintenance records. 

Even more concerning is what's happening with property insurance. Insurance companies now use drones to inspect roofs without warning. This year alone, my company has worked with at least 10 property owners who received letters essentially saying: "Replace your roof immediately, or we're canceling your policy." 

Some we successfully fought — their roofs had years of life left, and their maintenance records proved it. Others faced unexpected financing needs for premature roof replacement just to keep their coverage. It's an unfortunate reality of our current market. 

The simple solution: Document your maintenance 

Annual roof maintenance should include: 

• A thorough visual inspection 
• Moss prevention treatments in damp climates 
• Gutter and downspout cleaning 
• Dated, geotagged photos before and after service 

For residential properties, you may handle this yourself. For commercial buildings or if you prefer professional service, hire a qualified roofing contractor and request comprehensive documentation including photos and written reports. Keep all records organized and easily accessible. 

Whether you maintain your own property or hire a professional, documentation is your protection when warranty or insurance issues arise. Those dated photos and service records can save you thousands — or even prevent policy cancellation. 

We're in this together 

Stay proactive, keep detailed records and don't hesitate to reach out with questions about your roof or property exterior. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to protecting your investment. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Get fast, reliable roofing advice and insights from the AskARoofer Minisode series. 

One part of your home or building that you probably don’t see much of is your roof. It is out-of-sight, out-of-mind most of the time and you probably only think about it when a problem, such as a leak, occurs. But there are a lot of things you can do to avoid costly problems down the road, like roof maintenance. A great way to learn a bit more about taking care of your roof is tuning in to the AskARoofer (AAR) Minisode series!  

We designed this series to be an accessible source of roofing information for home and building owners. In each episode, which is ten minutes or shorter, we sit down with roofing industry experts and leaders to hear about everything from HOAs to roofing equipment. Here are some of the topics we covered recently. 

1 – HOAs and historical regulations 

This minisode features Kate Smith from Sensational Color. Kate, who is a color expert, shares some insights into the impact your roof can have on the appearance of your home and what you might need to consider before changing the color of your roof.  

2 – Conductor heads 

Speaking of the look of your roof, we hosted some experts from Chicago Metal Supply for a different minisode all about conductor heads, also sometimes called collector boxes, which “alleviate the water flow and help the downspouts get caught up on the distribution of water away from the building.” 

3 – Equipter, a landscape and property protection tool 

We also had a recent minisode featuring Sam Beiler from Equipter and Mario Aguilar from Lemus Construction. This expert duo came by to chat about how contractors can use a tool called the Equipter to protect homeowners’ landscaping and property.  

4 – Working with women-owned businesses 

And last but not least, we wanted to highlight a minisode that focused on celebrating the resilience, innovation and excellence of women-owned roofing companies. Hosted by Megan Ellsworth and Lauren White, this episode features incredible insights from Wendy Marvin (Matrix Roof and Home) and Jana Zavala (HER Roofing).  

Listen to the AskARoofer Minisodes on AskARoofer, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and any other streaming service you use for podcasts.

AAR Expert Wendy Marvin says that homeowners need to read the entire warranty — not just the marketing hype before signing anything.

After more than 20 years in this business, I've seen too many property owners get blindsided by warranty fine-print. Understanding your roofing warranties isn't just smart — it's essential for protecting your investment and avoiding costly surprises down the road.  

Material versus workmanship: Know the difference  

Material warranties are the manufacturer's promise that their shingles, metal or membrane won't have defects and fail prematurely. These typically run 20-50 years (often labeled ‘Limited Lifetime’). But there's an industry "secret" you should know; material warranties often depreciate over time and they typically don't cover removing a bad roof, disposal or reinstalling warranty-supplied shingles. The cost of replacement can fall on you, even when the product failed. We call the labor portion of the job workmanship.

You can avoid this coverage game by working with a vetted, approved installer who uses integrated systems-materials from the same manufacturer. They can offer a superior warranty that includes both manufacturing and workmanship. These enhanced warranties aren't available to everyone. Manufacturers carefully vet contractors, requiring proper licensing, insurance, training and a proven track record. When you're dealing with their approved contractor, you're getting coverage that's only offered to the industry's top performers.

Otherwise, the workmanship warranty comes from the installers themselves. Their paperwork should outline a guarantee that the installation was done right, typically protecting you from leaks caused by improper flashing, inadequate ventilation or installation errors for 1-10 years.

Maintenance: The make-or-break factor

Every warranty requires regular maintenance. Miss an annual inspection or fail to clear debris and you might void your coverage entirely. Document everything with dates and before/after photos. Keep these in a file. Even better, choose a roofing professional who offers this documentation, so you have proof of your commitment to roof health-whether you're dealing with the manufacturer or your homeowner's insurance company, which has started paying closer attention to roof inspections lately too.

Residential versus commercial

Residential work covers everything from shingles to flat membrane roofing and warranty plans vary by manufacturer. If you're a business owner needing commercial warranty coverage, choose wisely. Those plans tend to wrap both workmanship and manufacturing into one, but they're complex to navigate because of their high-ticket value.

My bottom line advice

Before signing anything, read the entire warranty-not just the marketing hype. Ask your contractor about integrated system warranties and whether they're authorized to offer enhanced coverage. If they don't have that option, is that the person you want working on your roof?

Quality contractors who've earned manufacturer certifications stand behind their work because their reputation and their authorization status, depends on it. That peace of mind is worth everything when you're protecting one of your largest investments.

AAR Expert Wendy Marvin says that the key to a successful historic home roofing project is thorough planning and working with knowledgeable professionals.

When replacing or repairing a roof on an older or historic home, you're dealing with unique challenges that require careful planning and specialized expertise. Here's what you need to know before starting your project.

Essential first steps

Start with an asbestos test. This is non-negotiable for older homes. Many roofing materials installed before the 1980s contain asbestos, which requires special handling and disposal procedures. Getting this test done up front will determine your project's scope and cost.

Understand your home's breathing system. Older homes were designed to "breathe" naturally through small gaps and less-sealed construction. When you install a modern, airtight roof without proper ventilation planning, you can create moisture problems, structural issues and indoor air quality concerns. Choose a contractor who understands historic home ventilation and will design a balanced system.

Know your home's status and requirements 

Research preservation requirements immediately. If your home is listed on a historic registry (National Register of Historic Places, local landmark designation or historic district), you'll likely need approval before making changes. Contact your local historic preservation office early in the planning process.

Document everything extensively. Take detailed photos of your existing roof from multiple angles, inside and outside. If your home loses its historic designation due to inappropriate roofing choices, you could face significant financial consequences and lose valuable tax incentives.

Gather historical documentation. Original blueprints, old photographs and building records can guide your material and design choices while helping you maintain historical accuracy.

Structural considerations

Expect decking issues. Many older homes have "skip sheathing" (boards with gaps between them) or minimal roof decking. Your contractor must inspect the roof structure from inside the attic before providing estimates. You may need to budget for additional decking installation, which represents a significant extra cost but is essential for modern roofing materials.

Plan for building code compliance. Even historic homes must meet current safety codes. Your contractor will need to balance preservation requirements with modern building standards, which sometimes requires creative solutions.Reroofing Historic and Older Homes:

Material options for historic homes

Slate and tile roofing offer exceptional durability and authentic period appearance. While expensive initially, these materials can last 75-100+ years with proper maintenance. However, they require specialized installation expertise and structural support due to their weight. Not all roofers have the skills to work with these materials properly.

Wood shingles and shake provide a traditional, informal appearance common on historic homes. They require regular maintenance including annual inspections and periodic treatments. In wet climates, expect more frequent upkeep. Consider pest attraction in certain regions and factor ongoing maintenance costs into your budget.

High-end metal roofing now includes products that convincingly mimic slate, tile or wood shake while offering superior durability and lower maintenance. While standing seam metal typically isn't appropriate for historic homes, these textured metal products can provide an acceptable compromise between authenticity and practicality.

Premium asphalt shingles shouldn't be dismissed outright. Modern architectural shingles can effectively mimic the appearance of slate or wood shake at a fraction of the cost. For homes where strict historical accuracy isn't required, these can be a practical solution that maintains aesthetic continuity.

Choosing the right contractor

Select a roofing contractor with specific experience in historic homes. They should understand preservation requirements, have expertise with traditional materials and know how to work within regulatory constraints. Ask for references from other historic home projects and verify their experience with your chosen roofing material.

The key to a successful historic home roofing project is thorough planning, understanding your obligations and working with knowledgeable professionals who respect both your home's history and your practical needs.