Frequently Asked Questions
HOW CAN I TELL, AS A HOMEOWNER, THAT IT’S TIME FOR A NEW ROOF?
In most cases, roofing problems are discovered after damage has occurred from a leak. However, not all leaks produce visible damage immediately. Some leaks can occur for up to a year before showing any signs of damage. To avoid this problem, it is important to have your roof inspected at least once a year or after harsh weather events by a qualified roofing contractor. 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. For example, you may see excessive granules running down the downspout, shingles in the lawn, or excessive curling and cupping of the asphalt shingles on the roof or on flat roofs you may notice cracks or holes in the seams of the roof or flashing. Exposed nail heads are another place where water can get in and cause damage. You can also check for a ring of dirt or discoloration to the rocks or gravel that may signify a low spot in the roof where water tends to puddle. Check these spots for signs of cracks or holes as well.
CAN I JUST DO THE WORK MYSELF?
Most roofing work should not be a do-it-yourself project. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof. Do-it yourselfers can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and can harm themselves by falling through a roof even falling off a roof.
HOW LONG SHOULD MY ROOF LAST?
The life of your roof depends on a few factors-roof type, pitch/slope of the roof, ventilation, installation, maintenance, and weather. As a general rule of thumb, basic three tab fiberglass shingles last 15 to 25 years. Flat roofs generally last 5 to 15 years. 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 they will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lifetime.
HOW CAN I DETERMINE MY ANNUAL ROOFING COST?
Annual Roofing Cost = Total Cost (Materials & Labor)/ Life Expectancy of the life of your roof depends on a few factors-roof types, pitch/slope of the roof, ventilation, installation, maintenance, and weather. As a general rule of thumb, basic three tab fiberglass shingles last for 15 to 25 years. Flat roofs generally last 5 to 15 years. 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 they will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lifetimes.
WHY DOES A ROOF NEED VENTILATION?
Ventilation helps remove the heat that builds up during the summer months and helps reduce moisture buildup under your roof. This helps your roof and shingles last longer by preventing the rooting of the wood and curling or distortion of your shingles.
HOW LONG SHINGLE ROOF LAST?
Depending on the system selected, every technology has a good, better and best option with varying degrees of longevity. Your roof will definitely last longer with proper maintenance. Routine maintenance, along with a well designed and properly installed system can as much as double a roofs life from 20 to 40 years.
WHAT TYPE OF WARRANTY SHOULD I GET ON MY ROOF?
Non prorated warranty. You can get best warranties form the certified contractors through extended warranty programs.
WHAT TYPES OF ROOF STYLES ARE AVAILABLE?
Tile is often known as red and round. However, roof tiles come in many colors, profile shapes and sizes. Concrete and clay roof tile manufacturers produce tiles that emulate such styles as authentic Tile roofs may be clay or cement (concrete) tile roofs
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO FIND MATCHING TILES FOR HISTORIC OR OBSOLETE TILE ROOFS?
Various Companies that salvage and/or reclaim old roofing tiles are few and they are located throughout the country. Most of these will have a large variety of old roof tiles available and will also have a large database of smaller companies that have roof tile inventories. Through the search and match process more often than not, a roof tile match can be made. It always better to keep some extra tiles while installing the new roof.
HOW DOES THE COST OF TILE ROOFING COMPARE WITH OTHER ROOFING MATERIALS?
As a general rule, concrete tile roofs cost much less than slate, about two times more than wood shakes, and approximately three times more than heavy-weight asphalt shingles. Clay roof tiles cost slightly more than concrete. Compared to other roofing materials, both concrete and clay tile can outlast the life of the structure, which makes tile a cost-effective choice over the long-term.
HOW LONG SHINGLE ROOF LAST?
Depending on the system selected, every technology has a good, better and best option with varying degrees of longevity. Your roof will definitely last longer with proper maintenance. Routine maintenance, along with a well designed and properly installed system can as much as double a roofs life from 20 to 40 years.