Answers to Common Questions

Because you don’t want to wait until your roof is leaking or has another serious problem, twice-a-year inspections are recommended. Look for these important signs.

• Cracked, warped, or missing shingles
• Loose seams and deteriorated flashing
• Excessive surface granules in the gutters or downspouts
• Other visible signs of roof problems

Inside your home or commercial property, other signs may appear.

• Cracked paint
• Discolored plasterboard
• Peeling wallpaper

Either a complete replacement of the roof system, which involves tearing off the old roof, or a re-cover over the existing roof, which involves the installation of a new membrane and surfacing.

If your original roof has already been re-covered once, we will check to see if your deck can support a second re-cover.

Because leaking can result when some flashings have come loose or when only a section of the roof has been damaged, a total replacement may not be necessary. If your roof fails, however, the damage is usually irreversible. This kind of failure often follows improper installation or the wrong choice of materials. It may also reflect the installation of an inappropriate roofing system.

In most cases, no. As professional roofing contractors, we’re trained to maintain safety while efficiently repairing or replacing your roof. If you don’t have the experience, you can easily harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and, of course, can severely injure yourself by falling off the roof or through it.

Your contribution to roof maintenance should be confined to spring and fall roof inspections (see above) and to cleaning the gutters when they fill with leaves, twigs, and other debris. If you feel like you must examine the roof for yourself, be sure to use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Also, please wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder and do not climb on the roof if at all possible.

A lot depends on your local environment and the care your roof receives over the years. Different roofs have different lifespans, but the American Society of Home Inspectors offers some general observations.

• Asphalt shingles last about 15-20 years
• Wood shingles or shakes last about 10-40 years
• Clay or concrete tiles last 20+ years
• Slate lasts anywhere from 30-100 years
• Metal roofing lasts from 15-40+ years

Warranties differ with the different roofing product manufacturers, so be sure to take a close look at those warranties to see what the makers say about their responsibilities and financial obligations when and if their products fail to perform properly.

Many variables come into play regarding new roof costs.

• Materials used
• Contractor expectations
• Local labor rates
• Home style and roof shape
• Time of the year
• And other factors

Your best bet is to get three or four estimates from licensed and experienced contractors in your area. Research their varying levels of expertise and craftsmanship and pick a contractor with a good reputation and commitment to quality work.

Remember that cost must be balanced against other issues, such as the quality level of the materials you choose and the workmanship that goes into the roof installation. Differences should correspond to the price you’re paying.