Local roof repair for Pittsburgh homes

Know your Pittsburgh house

Canton Avenue in Beechview, with a 37 percent grade, is billed as the steepest public street in the country. Pittsburgh Water has been working through records and neighborhoods to find and replace lead service lines.

Lawrenceville and Polish Hill are packed with brick row houses built for mill and factory workers. Older buildings may have slate or tile roofs, which call for specialized repair skills.

Ice dams form when heat melts snow that refreezes at the eaves, forcing water under shingles. Insulation and ventilation help. Squirrel Hill and Shadyside have larger early-1900s houses on tree-lined streets.

Problems people call about

You may want a roofing contractor if you notice any of these:

• Water dripping or stains on the ceiling
• Missing or curled shingles
• Leaks around a chimney or skylight

What happens after you call

1. Tell us what is wrong and how urgent it is.
2. We look for an available roofing contractor near Pittsburgh and connect you.
3. They confirm timing, price and any fees with you directly.

Utilities, permits and licensing

Under Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, most home improvement contractors, roofers included, must register with the Attorney General's office. A full replacement usually needs a permit from the Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections, and the contractor normally pulls it. Ask for the scope, materials and cleanup in writing before the first shingle comes off.

What to have ready

Clear access to the attic so the roofer can check from inside.