We recently got a comment on our Facebook page that asked, “Do you install metal roofs?”

The answer is yes, but we don’t always recommend it…

What is with these black streaks appearing on roofs in Western New York?!

No, it’s not dirt. It’s not defective shingles. It’s actually blue-green algae that grows on the north side of your roof, where the sun hits less and where moisture hangs around. The algae feeds on part of the filler in your shingles, making your roof a great home for them.

Could you imagine this happening to you? Mary Lou came home to a sunken roof!

After realizing what had happened, there was no time to waste before giving William C. Rott a call.

When it comes to roofing, not all jobs are the same. Each job presents its own difficulties; some more than others. As we look through our extensive catalog of jobs completed, two roofs in particular stand out: East Aurora House and West Utica House. These houses were especially difficult because of the unique shapes and angles.

A lot of people ask, “Why will you only replace two shingles during a Roof Tune-Up??”

Steve’s answer?

Because he said so. Just kidding!!

When it comes to roofs, minor issues can cause major problems. It is often the leak you are unaware of that causes the most damage—rotting out rafters or even walls. Identifying these problems is essential for proper roof maintenance.

My kids would rather assume the worst of each other and hunker down for an all out, “I am right, and you are wrong!” hoedown throwdown!

So consequently, it seems like it’s fight night every night at the Rott house. 

We have been in the business of roofing since 1909. With over 100-years of experience, we have learned that damage done by winter can also be fixed in the winter.

Yes, that’s right, we will do what many will not attempt, and we guarantee that it will be done well!

Why repair a roof in the winter and not wait until spring or summer? The answer is that there is a problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

This past Saturday my daughter Angela, feeling sick, slept downstairs on the couch. In the morning, she informed me that our 6-month-old dog had bitten her foot—her big toe to be precise—during the night.

An initial inspection seemed to confirm, that indeed, some act of violence had been perpetrated against her person. Dried blood was smeared in the troubled area. She testified to having seen the dog’s mouth still upon her foot when she woke.

Except for what seemed like the most obvious evidence ever presented, with an eyewitness to boot, I would have not believed it.

I struggled to imagine why this very peaceful, loving pup would thus turn savage during the night past.

Well, you know what?  Turns out, things are not always as they seem. The evidence lied. What? Yes!

Upon cleaning the affected area, all that remained was a partially opened blood blister.

With the revised view of the situation, and a few moments of re-reflection, we surmised what really happened.

Turns out, my daughter had gained a blister the previous day at basketball. And as it had begun to open, our dog found it and began to lick the wound, administering the only healing balm she knew how.

That’s a lot like roofing.

As we open up roofs, we find types of blood blisters formed by previous bad roofing work.

And it seems like we are the cause and culprit when, in fact, we are only finding and addressing the injury to make it whole once again.

Who do you know that needs the medicine man of roofing industry to solve problems that surely exist, but will remain unknown and never properly addressed by others?

Have them call William C Rott to shield their home.

– Steve Rott

My wife came in the house Saturday afternoon. She whispered squeamishly that she had come upon a squirrel, who appeared to be expiring in our driveway. I went outside and found a shivering, wet, and immobile little squirrel.  The poor thing lying helpless on its side. For pity’s sake, my wife thought asphyxiation would be the thing, offering to fetch a plastic bag. Even though she was probably right, I choose to err on the side of, ‘you never know’. What can I say… I don’t possess the Kevorkian gene.

So instead, we scooped him into a cardboard box, and wrapped him in a towel. It looked more than a little bleak, but he seemed to appreciate his last rights care. I checked on him a couple times, without hope. Upon the third inspection, he was up right, seemingly dry, and alert. He seems to have recovered and was very excited over our garage and care.

Similarly people may have a roof that seems to be breathing it’s last breath. Leaking more fluids than an expiring tree rodent. Others may write it off and recommend a plastic bag, but it’s not uncommon for us to save what appears lost.

That squirrel’s recovery was possible due to an answered prayer. A reminder that it is always worth a little more investigation. Now I smile when I hear the rustling tree branches around our home, a nostalgic reminder of rodent repair. A squirrely lesson to never give up.