Expert Insight from Gary Tantanella:
"At Ohio Roofing & Restoration, we help homeowners understand why leaks happen, how to spot real risk, and what to do next. Led by Gary Tantanella, our team prioritizes safety, honest guidance, and proven repairs that protect your home and your budget."
Why Winter Roof Leaks Happen
Ice dams form when heat from your home melts rooftop snow, then refreezes at the eaves. That ridge of ice traps water, which can back up under shingles. Even with code-required ice and water shield at the roof edge, capillary action can draw water past that barrier. The result is a leak, often visible where a ceiling meets an exterior wall.
We stand behind our work. If we installed your roof, we include a 10-year labor warranty. Ice damming itself is excluded by manufacturers, and like most roofers we do not warrant isolated repairs, but we do everything possible to solve the issue at its source.
Important realities:
Shingle manufacturers do not warrant damage caused by ice damming.
We cannot safely send crews onto icy, snow-covered roofs. When conditions allow, we can carefully remove some snow and break up ice, but there is risk to gutters.
Interim steps you can take: toss calcium chloride tablets behind the dam, or fill pantyhose with calcium chloride and lay it perpendicular to the ice line. Avoid rock salt, which can stain and corrode.
Common Non-Winter Leak Sources
Not every leak starts with snow.
Pipe boots or stack collars
These protect the plumbing vent stacks on your roof. UV exposure can crack the boot, leading to a bathroom ceiling stain. We replace degraded boots and reseal properly.
Skylights
Replacing a roof is the ideal time to replace aging skylights since the crew is already there to install new flashing and shingles. If a skylight leaks on an existing roof, we remove surrounding shingles, install the correct flashing kit, add ice and water shield, and re-shingle.
Color matching matters. We leave spare shingles after a new roof for future repairs. Years later, even stored shingles may age differently, but they are usually the closest match available.
How We Diagnose and Repair
Our process is straightforward and thorough
Inspect the attic:
Rusted nail tips are a telltale sign that moisture is getting in, even if insulation hides the drip.
Identify leak patterns
Corners where ceilings meet exterior walls, around stacks, and near skylights are common.
Plan the repair
A skylight flashing kit repair often takes a day. If we uncover damaged decking, count on one to two days depending on plywood needs.
Address hidden issues
We have replaced entire roof decks that developed black mold due to long-term moisture and poor ventilation. When needed, we replace sheathing, install underlayments, and improve ventilation.
Insurance, Deductibles, and Ohio’s Matching Law
We help you make smart, stress-free decisions.
Do you need a claim
Many small repairs cost less than the deductible. We will price the work first so you can avoid filing an unnecessary claim that could count against you.
Shingle identification
When shingles are unmarked, we can send a sample to ITEL to identify the brand and closest available match.
Matching matters in Ohio
Ohio is a matching state. If a repair leaves an obvious mismatch, insurers may owe for replacement to achieve a reasonable match. We have secured full-roof approvals after a test repair revealed a black-and-white color difference.
Quick Homeowner Checklist
Do not climb on an icy or snowy roof.
Use calcium chloride to open channels in ice dams. Never use rock salt.
Photograph stains and ice buildup for documentation.
Check your attic. Rusted nail tips or damp insulation signal moisture.
Look for stains where the ceiling meets exterior walls and in bathrooms near vent stacks.
Call us for a safe inspection, clear pricing, and guidance on whether to involve insurance.
Why Homeowners Trust Us
Safety-first approach in winter conditions
Leadership and expertise from Gary Tantanella
Honest advice on claims and deductibles
Meticulous flashing, underlayment, and ventilation work
A 10-year labor warranty on new roof installations
Get Expert Help Today
If you suspect a roof leak, skylight issue, or ice dam, contact Ohio Roofing & Restoration now. We will assess the problem, recommend the smartest path forward, and protect your home with professional roof leak repair you can trust. Schedule your inspection or consultation today.
detailed quote within 24 hours.