Almost every roofing company offers a free estimate. But an estimate and an evaluation are not the same thing — and the difference matters.

At Welch Roofing, we provide evaluations. You'll know exactly what's going on with your roof before we ever discuss a number.

No — completely no-charge, no obligation, and no pressure. You'll receive an honest assessment of your roof's condition regardless of whether you hire us.

We believe every homeowner deserves clear information before making a decision. That's not a sales tactic — it's just the right way to do business.

Our evaluation is a full inspection of your roofing system — not just a glance at the shingles. We assess:

• Condition of existing shingles, flashings, and underlayment
• Roof ventilation — intake, exhaust, and balance
• Drainage and water flow patterns
• All roof penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights)
• Attic conditions where accessible
• Visible signs of moisture intrusion or structural deterioration

We then compare our findings to current building codes, manufacturer requirements, and industry best practices — and explain everything in plain language.

A properly installed architectural shingle roof in Connecticut typically lasts 25–30 years under normal conditions. Premium shingles with enhanced warranties can last longer.

That said, lifespan is heavily influenced by installation quality, ventilation, and maintenance. A roof installed without proper ventilation can fail in 10–15 years regardless of the shingle quality. That's one reason our evaluation always includes a ventilation assessment — it's one of the most overlooked factors in roof longevity.

Ventilation is one of the most misunderstood — and most critical — components of a roofing system. Without proper airflow, heat and moisture build up in your attic and attack the roof from the inside out.

Poor ventilation can cause:

• Premature shingle failure (curling, cracking, granule loss)
• Ice dams in winter — a common Connecticut problem
• Mold and rot in attic framing and decking
• Voided manufacturer warranties
• Higher energy bills year-round

Many roofing problems we see are not caused by the shingles — they're caused by inadequate ventilation underneath them. We always check this as part of our evaluation.

Ice dams form when heat escaping from a warm attic melts snow on the upper portion of the roof. That water runs down and refreezes at the cold eave — forming a dam that backs water up under your shingles and into your home.

The root cause is almost always an attic that's too warm — meaning the real fix is insulation and ventilation correction, not just removing the ice. Removing ice dams without addressing the source is a temporary fix that leads to the same problem next winter.

We offer full ice dam assessment to identify the underlying cause and recommend a lasting solution.

It depends on the cause of damage. Most homeowner's insurance policies cover roof damage caused by sudden events — hail, wind, falling trees, and similar weather events. They typically do not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance.

If you've had a recent storm and suspect damage, we can conduct an evaluation and document our findings. While we don't work directly with insurance adjusters, having a thorough, documented inspection report puts you in a much stronger position when filing a claim.

We always recommend contacting your insurance provider first to understand your specific coverage before moving forward.