I have another person coming tomorrow to give me an estimate, and another one lined up after that. These were both roofers for whom I received local recommendations. The first guy, I pulled out of the phone book. As it turns out, he didn't even go up into the attic to see what kind of water damage there might or might not be to the rafters, etc.

The main part of the house is a square box. I guess it is a hip roof - four triangles that meet in a center peak, with a small section on the rear that is attached, and is, I think, a gable and hip roof.

I was actually hoping simply to have some leaks fixed, but I think the roof is too rusted for that to be do-able. It is probably the original roof, put on in 1911. Major renovations are out of the question. I am in the process of going through a divorce. I have no idea what the final property distribution will look like, but no matter what, I think the house will have to be sold. It has appreciated so much, simply because of where we live, that neither of us could buy the other out. It is old, wood, and maintenance has been neglected. Even if none of the above were the case, I had been talking to my spouse about selling because we can not afford the upkeep on the wonderful old wreck, and neither of us are doityourselfer's in the home upkeep department.

But there is no way it makes sense, or is to anyone's benefit to let this go. The water has to be stopped.

My blood pressure and my anxiety level are coming down from reading all the helpful information you fine guys have posted so far.   

Mucho thanxo.

Janie