Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) – With roofing season underway, a southern West Virginia contractor is offering homeowners guidance on spotting roof damage, knowing when to replace, and avoiding unqualified contractors.
Joshua Whetzel, owner of Rise Roofing in Oak Hill, says some of the most serious damage is never visible from the outside. He highlighted one case where everything seemed normal at a glance, but underlying damage was hiding below.
“When we looked at it, the shingles, everything looked fine,” Whetzel said. “As soon as one of the guys got on the roof, his foot went straight through to the guy’s living room. You didn’t even realize it was rotted, but no one was checking it. No one was doing inspections.”
To catch hidden leaks before they worsen, Whetzel recommends homeowners inspect their attics each spring.
“Definitely get in your attic in the spring,” he said. “Look around on the OSB plywood, see if there’s any black spots, any dampness. Check your insulation. If the insulation in the ceiling is damp or wet, then there’s a really good indication that you have a leak in your roof.”
When it comes to deciding between a repair and a full replacement, Whetzel said the number of problem areas and the age of the roof are the key factors.
“A repair is going to be more of a single area,” he said. “If you have leaks in multiple places in the roof and the roof is ten, fifteen years old, it’s probably time to look at a replacement.”
As warmer weather brings more door-to-door contractors, Whetzel urged homeowners to verify credentials before allowing anyone to begin work.
“If it’s a legitimate person, they’re going to put on the contract proposal that they’re licensed and insured,” he said. “If they don’t have that contractor’s license and they don’t have insurance, you don’t want them on your roof.”
For those gathering multiple quotes, Whetzel said comparing bids requires more than looking at price. He said homeowners should ensure every quote covers the same materials and installation specifications, since a lower bid may reflect skipped steps that lead to bigger problems later.
West Virginia contractor license numbers can be verified online. Whetzel recommends confirming a license is active before signing any agreement.
Rise Roofing is based in Oak Hill and serves the southern West Virginia area.
