"From Leaks to Longevity: Roofing with Artie"

Betty had the chance to sit down with Artie, Co-owner and President of Landmark Roofing, she expected a quick chat about shingles and storm damage. Instead, she walked away with a masterclass on how to care for one of the most critical parts of your home — the roof.

Here’s what Artie had to say about common roofing issues, maintenance tips, how to spot serious problems, and the right way to handle insurance claims.

What’s the Most Common Roofing Issue You See Day-to-Day?

According to Artie, leaks are hands-down the most frequent issue. And they’re usually caused by a few common culprits:

• Missing or damaged shingles

• General wear and tear due to age

• Storm damage (wind, hail, heavy rain)

What seems like a small issue — one shingle out of place — can quickly escalate into significant structural damage if left unchecked. Prevention and early action are key.

What are Simple, Cost-Effective Ways to Maintain Your Roof?

Artie shared a handful of easy ways to extend the life of your roof without breaking the bank:

• Keep Gutters Clean: Blocked gutters can lead to water damage. We learned that Landmark offers gutter and gutter guard replacements to help homeowners stay ahead of the mess.  

• Trim Overhanging Branches: These can cause physical damage and lead to debris build-up, which holds moisture and leads to rot.

• Do Visual Inspections: Take a walk around your property and look for missing shingles or any signs of sagging.

• Schedule Regular Inspections: Ideally once a year — especially after major storms (think hurricanes, hail, or heavy snow). If your area had a mild winter, you may be able to go a little longer. “Think of it like changing the oil in your car,” Artie says. “You don’t wait until the engine fails — same logic applies to your roof.”

What Should a Professional Roof Inspection Include?

Artie says a thorough roof inspection will typically check for:

• Flashing failures around plumbing vents and chimneys

• Loose or missing shingles

• Signs of hail or wind damage

It’s better to catch issues early than wait for them to cause expensive damage. 

Repair or Replace? How to Know When It's Time

Artie broke this down clearly:

• Age matters — Anything older than 15 years might be harder to repair without compromising the entire system.

• Multiple leaks in different areas often signal that the roof is past its prime.

• Localized issues (like one missing shingle) can typically be repaired.

A quick winter test? “If snow melts unevenly — faster in one section than another — it could be a sign of heat escaping due to damage.” 

What are the Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Choosing Materials or Contractors?

Artie mentioned a few common pitfalls:

• Choosing the cheapest materials – They won’t last.

• Hiring unlicensed or uninsured contractors – This can lead to poor workmanship and zero legal protection if something goes wrong.

• Skipping the research – Always check references, reviews, and credentials.

• No written contract – Every job should come with a detailed agreement outlining the scope of work and materials used

“In Maryland, both the business and the salesperson must be MHIC licensed,” Artie warns. “If not, your contract may be null and void — and you’ll have no legal recourse.” 

What About Insurance?

“If you’re going the insurance route, make sure your roofer is truly working for you,” Artie emphasizes. That means helping you navigate the claim, documenting the damage properly, and ensuring you get what you’re entitled to — not just what’s cheapest or quickest.

Roofing might not be glamorous, but it’s crucial to protecting your home and your investment. With regular maintenance, good decisions, and the right contractor by your side, your roof can last decades.

Big thanks to Artie Hendricks from Landmark Roofing for sharing his insights! Need a roof inspection or advice on your next roofing project? Reach out to Landmark Roofing! Click here to reach out to Landmark.