Chicago neighborhood
Cragin's blocks mix brick bungalows, raised ranches and small multi-unit buildings, often with flat rear additions.
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Cragin, Chicago
The problem: The homeowner's carbon monoxide detector kept going off.
What we found: The chimney cap was missing, and debris had clogged the flue.
How we fixed it: We cleared the flue and installed a new chimney cap.
If your CO alarm goes off, get everyone out of the house and call 911 or your gas company first, then call us.
Before you call, it helps to recognize what you're seeing. These are warning signs we check during a free inspection; flat-roof and parapet issues apply to properties that have them.
Visible dips or waves can point to damaged decking or framing, especially on older homes. A sagging roof needs a professional assessment.
Diagnose this problem →Brown or yellow rings can signal a roof leak, failed flashing or condensation. The source may be some distance from the stain.
Diagnose this problem →Sand-like buildup can signal shingle wear. We check the shingles and roof age before recommending repair or replacement.
Diagnose this problem →Loose, rusted or separated metal around chimneys, walls and roof joints can let water beneath the roofing.
Diagnose this problem →Falling limbs and branches rubbing against the roof can damage shingles or puncture a flat-roof membrane. Debris can also block drainage.
Diagnose this problem →Leaves and debris can make gutters overflow, wet the fascia and send water toward the foundation. Cleaning and flushing checks the full drainage path.
Diagnose this problem →The gutter apron directs water from the roof edge into the gutter. Missing, short or poorly fitted metal can send water behind the gutter and damage the fascia.
Diagnose this problem →Gutters that slope away from the downspout or have low spots hold water and overflow. We check alignment, supports and drainage before recommending a fix.
Diagnose this problem →Gutters without leaf protection can collect debris quickly under mature trees. We check buildup and cleaning needs; leaf protection does not replace maintenance.
Diagnose this problem →On flat or low-slope roofs, standing water after rain may point to blocked drains, low spots or inadequate slope. We check drainage and membrane condition.
Diagnose this problem →Where a flat roof has a parapet wall, cracked stone caps, open joints or failed flashing beneath the coping can let water into the wall and roof edge.
Diagnose this problem →Older drip caps above windows, doors or trim can rust, loosen or lose their seal. Water may enter behind siding or around openings even when the roof covering looks sound.
Diagnose this problem →Chicago roofing work generally requires a City of Chicago building permit. Ask any roofer whether they will pull the permit for your job.
How to verify a rooferNot necessarily. We inspect the slope, material and connection to the house to define a separate scope where appropriate.
Yes, if stains appear near it. Masonry and flashing may need checks alongside the shingles, without assuming the entire roof has failed.
