FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
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The following are things that may indicate that your roof needs replacing:
- Missing, cracked or curling shingles
- Shingle, sheathing or siding decay
- Sagging roof areas (possibly rotting wood)
- Leakage in the attic after heavy rains
- Stains on interior walls or ceilings
- Appointments made at customer’s convenience.
- Roof estimates are free.
- We are experienced, licensed and insured.
- We treat your property with the respect you deserve.
- We stand behind our work with service warranties.
The answer to this question depends on many factors, including the material chosen and the size of the roof. For a commitment-free quote, please contact us.
The time required to replace a roof depends on the size, type and difficulty of the roof and can take anywhere from a few days to more than a week. The time involved is substantially affected by the weather as well as the number of inspections required by the city. Before we begin each job we advise the client on how long we expect the job to last.
Yes. You can apply new shingles over existing shingles, but it depends on the condition of the roof and city ordinance. If the roof has one layer of shingles that are laying flat and the deck is in good condition, the existing shingles typically do not have to be removed. Check with local officials to make sure that building codes are being followed.
All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections often can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.
You have two basic options: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of your existing roof system, or re-cover the existing roof system, involving only the installation of a new roof system. If you’ve already had one re-cover installed on your original roof system, check with a professional roofing contractor. In many instances, building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete replacement is necessary.
Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.
Most work should not be done yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace roof systems. You can damage your roof system by using improper roofing techniques and severely injure yourself by falling off or through the roof.
Maintenance performed by home and building owners should be confined to inspecting roof systems during the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles and cleaning gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must inspect your roof system yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof system), if possible.
Most new roof systems are designed to provide useful service for about 20 years. Some roof system types, such as slate, clay tile and certain metal (e.g., copper) systems, can last longer.
Actual roof system life span is determined by a number of factors, including local climatic and environmental conditions, proper building and roof system design, material quality and suitability, proper application and adequate roof maintenance.
Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities and financial obligations manufacturers will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lives.