Understand your roof before you call a crew

It depends on the material, the climate, how well the attic is ventilated and how carefully the roof was installed. Asphalt shingles commonly last into their second or third decade, while metal and tile generally last longer. A manufacturer's warranty is not a promise of that lifespan, so read what it actually covers.

Usually it is not worth the risk. Falls from ladders and roofs cause serious injuries, and a wet or steep roof is slippery. Start from the ground with binoculars and from the attic with a flashlight. If you do go up, use proper fall protection, or hand the inspection to a professional.

Policies differ, so read yours or ask your insurer. As a general pattern, sudden events such as wind or hail are more likely to be covered than wear, age or neglected maintenance, and deductibles and roof-age terms can change the outcome. Take dated photos of any damage before repairs begin.

Multiply the house footprint plus the overhang by a pitch factor. The roof area estimator on this site does the arithmetic and gives the answer in square feet and in roofing squares, where one square is 100 square feet.

Many places require one, and some waive it for small repairs. Rules are set locally, so ask your building department. If a contractor is pulling the permit, ask whose name it is under.