Baltimore Rowhouse Roof Repairs and CHAP Review

Establish What Is Actually Leaking

Ask the roofer to document the roof covering, drainage points, wall junctions and any rooftop penetrations. Record where the interior stain appears, but do not assume that point sits directly below the entry location. Water may travel before becoming visible.

Separate immediate weather protection from permanent repair in the written scope. If the condition is urgent, ask the relevant city office how emergency work is handled while preserving a record of the damage. Avoid committing to a full exterior redesign on the strength of a single leak photograph.

Check CHAP Before Changing Visible Details

Baltimore’s current CHAP site provides applications and rules, regulations and design guidelines. Use the property address to establish whether CHAP review applies and which application fits the proposed work. A citywide assumption about all old rowhouses would be too broad.

Describe changes to parapets, cornices, gutters or other visible roof features separately from membrane repairs. Include photographs from the street and any public view. Ask whether the proposed material, profile or equipment location needs review before ordering products that may be difficult to return.

Document Shared Edges and Access

Have the contractor identify which walls and drainage components serve the property and which touch an adjoining building. Obtain appropriate access arrangements before crews need to cross another roof or enter a neighboring yard. A shared-looking detail is not enough to establish ownership or permission.

The estimate should explain how flashing at adjoining structures will be repaired without leaving an unassigned gap between trades. If masonry is deteriorated, ask whether a mason must complete work before the roof covering is installed. Include safe debris handling and protection of the narrow access route.

Tie Payment Milestones to the Defined Work

Request photographs of prepared surfaces, repaired flashing and completed drainage details. Establish who coordinates applicable city permits, CHAP documentation and inspections. Retain the final product information and warranty terms alongside the actual installed scope.

At the walkthrough, review where water is intended to flow and which access points must remain clear. Ask how the contractor will assess any continuing leak and distinguish it from a separate wall or plumbing issue. Keep the interior repairs on a coordinated schedule so unresolved water entry is not hidden behind fresh finishes.

• Which roof edges and masonry repairs are included?
• Has the address and visible scope been checked against CHAP requirements?
• Who arranges neighboring access and documents completed flashing?

Sources And Local Resources

Official sources checked October 17, 2026. Confirm current requirements with the authority responsible for your property.

• Baltimore CHAP ApplicationsCurrent city route for historic property applications and project review.
• Baltimore CHAP Rules and Design GuidelinesPublished preservation standards and guidelines; property designation and project applicability require confirmation.