Browse all guides

Map the end rather than the whole roof

At ground level, note the lower end of the wall, the nearby gutter and the first surface the water reaches. Record whether water spills over a gutter lip, shoots behind siding or simply falls where no gutter exists. Do not go outdoors during hazardous weather to collect evidence. A post-rain photo of the path is enough to begin the discussion.

Ask which detail is appropriate here

The Building America Solution Center illustrates a kick-out where a sloping sidewall meets an eave, directing water away from the wall. A freestanding masonry chimney higher on a roof can have a different geometry. Ask the roofer to identify the actual assembly before adding a generic diverter to a chimney estimate. Clarify whether the gutter or cladding work is included.

Choose a closeout view

A close-up of new sheet metal will not show whether the discharge reaches the intended receiver. Ask for one wide photo showing the junction and the outlet together, plus the condition of the adjacent finish. Keep the original view as a comparison. If interior dampness persists, the exterior improvement alone does not establish its cause.