FREQUENTLY ASKED ROOFING QUESTIONS

Roof Repair or Roof Replacement?

Q: Can My Roof Be Repaired or Does It Need to Be Replaced?

A: While a lot of people think that a leaking roof needs to be replaced, this may not be the case unless the roof is old. Missing, cracked, broken, and curling shingles can be repaired and replaced to stop a leak, while older roofs or roofs with multiple leaks or widespread issues should be replaced.

 

Roof Repair Cost

Q: What Will It Cost to Repair the Roof?

A: Costs vary greatly depending on the pitch of your roof, the type of shingles you have, what condition the roof is in, and how many layers of shingles you have. The best way to find out the cost is to have a free quote done.

 

 

DIY Roof Repair

Q: Can I Repair the Roof Myself?

A: While some small jobs can be tackled by DIY homeowners, major work or a roof replacement is a pretty complex process that requires training and thus should be left to the professionals. Professional roofing contractors go through training and certification by the manufacturer of the materials in order to obtain extended manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer won’t offer (or void) the warranty if the roof is repaired by a person who is not trained by the manufacturer.

 

 

Roof Life

Q: How Long Will My Roof Last?

A: There are a lot of factors that go into how long a roof will last. While most roofs have a warranty, this doesn’t mean that your roof will necessarily go this long without needing to be replaced. Some will wear out faster due to severe weather and environmental conditions, while others could last longer. Most roofs, however, are designed to last between 15 and 25 years; some types of slate and metal roofs could last longer.

 

Q: What Causes a Roof to Wear Out?

A: Severe weather, direct sun, algae, and mildew growth can all be factored in what causes a roof to wear out. Hailstones striking the roof and removing some of the granules are also a problem. Darker colored roofs tend to wear out slightly faster than lighter colored roofs as well.

 

 

Roof Hail Damage

Q: What Size Hail Is Damaging to Roofs?

A: There are a lot of factors that go into whether or not the hail is damaging to a roof. The age and condition of the roof can greatly impact how large a hail pellet needs to be. In general, however, pea and marble-sized hailstones do not typically cause damage to a roof without high winds also being involved.

 

Q: Are All Homes in One Neighborhood Affected the Same Way By Hail?

A: No, hail storms can vary tremendously even in a small area. The roofs can all vary in terms of age and condition as well, which will impact how they are affected.

 

 

Water Leak Detection

Q: How Can I Find the Exact Location of a Leak?

A: Leaks can be tough to spot because water wants to find the path of least resistance and can travel for a while before finally showing up through your ceiling. You can try going into your attic or crawl space with a flashlight the next time it rains and tries to trace it, but your most accurate answer will come from having a professional come out to find it and give you a quote.

 

Q: My Roof Is Leaking, But I Just Had New Shingles Put On Last Year – What Could It Be?

A: The shingles may not have been properly installed, they could have been placed over an existing layer of shingles that are not giving adequate coverage, or there could be new damage due to a recent storm. The best way to find out is to have an inspection and estimate done.

 

Q: How Hard Is It to Repair a Leaking Roof?

A: The answer depends on several factors, such as what is causing the leak, and the overall age and condition of the roof. If the leak is caused by a few minor issues with the shingles or flashing, this can be repaired easily in a few hours. However, if the roof is old and subject to widespread problems, it may need to be replaced, which could take a few days.

 

 

Roof Replacement

Q: Should I Have the Old Roof Removed Before the New One Is Put On?

A: While it is technically possible to layer one set of shingles on top of another, this may be setting you up for future problems. If your current shingles are curling, cracked, missing, or are covered with moss or algae, you will need to strip them to install the new roof. Likewise, if you already have two layers on your roof, they will have to come off to install the new shingles.

 

 

Roof Replace and Repair a Roof TimeLine

Q: How Long Does it Take to Replace or Repair a Roof?

A: Every roof is different, as well as what the roofers will find when they get up there. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on the size and the scope of the job.

 

 

Roofing Underlayment

Q: What Is a Roofing Underlayment?

A: A roofing underlayment is also known as felt paper, and is installed beneath your shingles, over the wood of your roof. It helps protect your roof from wind-driven rain that can get beneath your shingles and potentially damage your home.

 

 

Roof Replacement

Q: Does the Wood Beneath My Shingles Need to Be Replaced?

A: If the wood beneath your shingles shows signs of water damage, it will need to be replaced as well.

 

 

Roof Types

Q: What Type of Roof Should I Get?

A: A few include Flat roofs, Pitch roofs, Tile roofs etc. The type of roof that you get should complement the rest of the style and features of your home. You should also take into consideration the material, how long it lasts, and the costs to make this personal decision.

 

 

What Color Roof Should I Get?

The color roofing you select should complement the rest of your home. This should be a secondary consideration to what type of material you choose for your roof. Be sure to get a color guide or brochure for the type of shingle you select to see what is available.

 

Finding a Roofing Contractor

Q: How Can I Choose the Right Roofing Contractor?

A: Be sure to get a detailed quote from your roofer and make sure it shows everything that was discussed on it. You should also ask for referrals and speak to some former customers. Make sure that the roofer cleaned up after themselves, finished the job when they said they would, addressed any issues in a timely way, and kept to the contract. Make sure that you trust whoever you hire to do the job correctly the first time.