The truth is, roofs are an easy part of your home to forget about all until the point when something goes wrong. And when that happens, it can be difficult to get all the information you need and the fix that you can afford.
Because of this, we have decided to feature ten of the toughest and most commonly asked questions we hear from our clients. You can check them out below.
- 1. What is the cost of a new roof?
This is probably the toughest one of all to answer – mostly because every home is different and with that, every roof is different. The best way to get your estimate is by calling us – we offer a quote at no additional cost!
- 2. How long can I expect my roof to last?
There are again many factors that go into consideration when it comes to roofing – all of which can lengthen and shorten the time of your roof. However, in general, an asphalt roof has a lifespan of 20 years while a metal roof lasts a 50 years on average.
- 3. Can my roof be insured?
What many homeowners don’t know is the fact that their roof is generally protected from major unexpected damage (vandalism, fire etc.) with the homeowner’s insurance policy. When it comes to minor issues, cracks and curling shingles, most roofs come with a warranty of about 10 years. Since most roofers provide different warranties and work with different roofing materials, it is always a good idea to take a few bids and see what they are offering.
- 4. Is it possible to roof over existing shingles?
The new shingles need to be laid as flat as possible in order to be effective. And while technically this is common, the new roofing system won’t be as effective. Also, it is important to remember that the shingles are heavy in their own right which might cause problems if the roof decking is not cleared to handle such a load – and could potentially lead to a collapse.
- 5. How long does it take to install a new roof?
Again this is dependent on the shape of your home. Generally speaking, a new roof can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. For a more concrete answer on this question, make sure to contact us and get a full answer.
- 6. How can I clean the black mold-like stains on my roof shingles?
Even though it looks like mold to you, these stains are likely colonies of algae that have fed off the moisture and grown in your shingles. The problem with them is that as they eat the limestone filler agents in your shingles, they also dig into and break down your roof’s structure.
To clean their stains, do not use bleach or a pressure washer. Instead, use a non-corrosive and non-toxic roof cleaning solution that is properly diluted.
- 7. Should I consider DIY roofing if my roof has minor damage?
We don’t recommend DIY roofing in any case, no matter how tempting it is for you. Even the smallest leak in your roof demands a certified and licensed team of professionals. Not only you will get a roof that is functional – you won’t risk yourself getting injured or suffer from any long-term damage.
- 8. My roof is leaking – do I need to replace it completely?
The truth is – you don’t need to replace a roof completely because of one leak – especially if it is new or restricted to one location. However, this also doesn’t mean that you will never need to replace your roof just because of a leak. If it has done extensive damage on your roofing structure, you might have to consider replacing it.
- 9. How can I spot a failing roof?
The first thing you should note is its age. For example, an asphalt roof that is older than 20 years is overdue for replacement.
On top of this, you should consider heading to the attic to check for holes where light peeks through, usually located near the chimney and stack vents. If your roof is beginning to fail, you will see a lot of pinholes of sunlight peeking through.
- 10. I have heard of homeowners being scammed by fake roofing contractors – is this something to worry about?
Yes, it is true and something you should worry about.
But instead of worrying, we advise you to always look for a certified and licensed roofing companies that use legitimate practices, have loads of testimonials and are professional about everything, from maintenance to inspection times.
We hope that this article answered most of your questions regarding roof leaks, choosing a roofing company and learning more about roofing in general.
Whether you have additional questions or need more information about roofing or our professional roofing and construction services, contact us today.