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Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the category to learn more about our most frequently asked questions.
Insurance
Will I have a lower insurance premium with an Aluminum Roof?
The Perfection Aluminum Shake is a type of Class IV shingle, that can reduce a homeowner’s insurance premium by as much as 30%.
What can a homeowner do if their roof has suffered storm damage?
The first thing to do is immediately contact your insurance company. Usually, they will advise you to make sure your roof is watertight immediately. We can provide any necessary service to make your roof watertight. This includes laying tarps or installing sheeting or plywood as needed for temporary repairs. This is just temporary and works to repel water until work on permanent repairs can begin. Do not try removing debris such as tree limbs from your roof. Allow professionals to do this. You risk injuring yourself and further damaging your roof.
According to the insurance adjuster, on the first inspection, he said there wasn't any hailing damage. I asked the estimator from The Roofing Company to give him a call and ask for a re-inspection and walkthrough. The adjuster concluded after the re-inspection that there had been hail damage and ended up totaling the roof. Why did his mind change so drastically?
There are numerous reasons why that happens so frequently. At times the adjuster will examine the roof too soon following the damage and there hasn’t been time for hits to weather. At other times the adjuster might be inexperienced. They might have been tired after examining many roofs in one day. Or sometimes they simply make a mistake. Usually, the best results that are beneficial to the homeowner come when the insurance adjust walks through an inspection with an experienced roofer and informs the adjuster of any damage he picks up.
My insurance company on my adjustment deducted money for depreciation purposes. What does that mean?
The amount that is held back for certain things will be will be called different things by different insurance companies. Some companies will refer to it as depreciation, while others will charge removal and dump fees. It is the amount of money that is held back by the insurance company until a signed contract is received from a contractor and you for the work that is being done. Once they get a signed contract, another check will be sent to you for the amount that has been held back.
Why does my estimate show that more shingles are needed to replace than must be removed?
The number of shingles that need to be removed from a roof is the number of square feet it takes for your roof to be shingled. However, when shingles are put on, some will need to be cut to fit valleys, hips, ridges, and dimensions. So that is why 10% will be added by the insurance company to a regular ridge roof, ado for a hip and ridge roof 15% will be added to account for a loss in shingles.
Will a homeowner's insurance policy pay to install a new roof?
That will depend on the kind of homeowner’s insurance that you have, in addition to the extent of damage that was caused by rain or hail. We have contractors available that can check your roof for damage and provide consultation to you what your chances are for claiming homeowner’s insurance to get a new roof installed.
What should I do if I believe I may have hail damage?
Give your insurance company a call and ask to have an adjuster come out to your to inspect your roof for any hail damage. Contact a reputable Frisco roofing company and request an inspection. If there are discrepancies between the roofer’s findings and adjuster’s findings you might call to have a re-inspection done where the roofer and adjuster meet and together examine your roof. Re-inspections are quite common.
Two things must be determined by the insurance company when assessing how much your loss is:
Was the roof sufficiently damaged to declare it to be a total loss (This is usually determined by there being 10 verified hail hits for every 100 square feet.)
How many shingles and what size roof will be needed for replacing the roof.
How can I tell if my home has suffered hail damage?
Some of the important signs to look for are pitting, discoloration, as well as dislodged asphalt granules leaving the asphalt and fiberglass exposed to elements. Review your insurance policy if you are worried that your roof might have sustained hail damage and ask for an adjuster to come out to your house to evaluate your roof for you.
Roof Replacement
What should I do to prepare for my new roof installation?
All loose items should be removed from your shelves and walls because constant hammering might cause enough vibration that those items are shaken down. Be sure to clear items that are directly surrounding your house and your driveway. Also, make sure that the electrical power is available outside of your house during the project.
Just how long does it take to do a reroofing job?
The length of time it takes to finish a reroofing project relies on the complexity of the roof, the size of the roof, the season, the weather, the size of the crew, unforeseen issues, and whether or not the old roof has to be removed. A roof that is small and uncomplicated might need just a few days. On the other hand, a complicated and extensive roof that has many issues might take a number of weeks to get done. Call our roofing experts if you’d like a better estimate.
Is it possible to install a new roof on top of the old one?
This possibility is alluring to many building or homeowners, and why not? It seems like it would take less labor, get done faster, and prove cheaper. Unfortunately, you’re also setting yourself up for some future headaches and costs further down the road. Your newer roofing system is likely to fail sooner unless your existing roofing system is free of issues and only has one functioning layer of shingles. Quite a few roofing contractors might be willing to nail new shingles on top of the older ones, but we always recommend the older materials be stripped off, down to the decking, before new materials are added. There are some situations where you need to remove your old roof before having a reroofing service done: First, shingles that are mossy, split, curled or just missing. Second, your roof decking is sagging because of deterioration or rot. Third, new shingles are lighter than your existing roofing shingles. That causes ridges and bumps to show in new roofing materials. Fourth, your current roofing system has multiple layers of shingles.
How much is a new roof system?
The costs differ because several factors influence the pricing. Some of these factors include the type of building and its location, the contractor hired, local labor rates and when the work is to be done. You can have a rough idea of how much you will spend if you try to source several proposals (3 – 4) from top contractors in your town. Do not place the chances of success and desirable results on the pricing because the level of workmanship and quality of materials are equally crucial. The materials have graded qualities, and this corresponded with their prices. They also come in various shapes, sizes, and styles. As such, you need a full product range to know what is available so that you can make the best choices based on your needs and budget. Regarding workmanship, the roofing profession all types of professionals with different levels of expertise. Therefore, you should only give the job to reputable and experienced contractors who are keen on delivering quality work.
How do I know if my roof is okay to be repaired or if an actual replacement is needed?
There are a number of signs that can indicate a roof needs replacement.Multiple shingles that are curled up are a signal that damage might be past the point of repair, as are stains on your interior ceilings. If you have multiple bare shingles that are missing their rock material, then that’s a good sign of the excess age of your roof. Cracked, loose, or missing shingles are other indicators that a roof might need replacement.
What should I know when it is time to replace my roof?
You are sure that your home needs re-roofing but are not sure where to start. Probably you had the home re-roofed before, and this is a repeat job, and thus you are keen on avoiding past mistakes. You feel that you should brush up on the latest roofing products and procedures. All these issues are well called for when it comes to roofing, and we have some blogs posts that we believe will be helpful. They can enlighten you on much of what you want to know about replacing your roof.
What are my options regarding re-roofing my home?
You have two options for this. You can opt for a complete replacement which will require the roof system to be torn down and a new one put in place. Alternatively, you can choose to re-cover the existing roof which is relatively invasive and inexpensive than the first option. However, it is prudent to consult with a reputable roofing contractor who will assess your roof system and advice you accordingly on the best re-roofing option. Keep in mind that building code requirements place restrictions on re-covering a roof, where this can be done once before a complete replacement is required.
How do I know if my roof needs replacing?
According to extensive research, a roof starts to age soon after installation and the aging progress its first curing phase and continues although its tenure. Loss of granule and formation of small blisters occur during this stage. Curling may also start, often at the edges of the shingles and it is most prominent during cold weather and subside when the temperatures are hot. Fortunately, most shingles, if correctly installed, will age gracefully after the curing phase and with little to no issues lasting for many years.
Roof Leaks
If my ceiling has wet spots on it, does that mean that there is a leak in my roof?
There is a good chance that your roof could be leaking if there is evidence that there is moisture inside of your home, especially on your walls or ceilings. That can be a sign that there is inadequate ventilation on your roofing system. Many issues with roofing system are related to it having poor ventilation, meaning there aren’t enough vents that are moving air up from the bottom via the top part of the attic.
Will long-term damage occur if my roof leaks?
It is important not to ignore a leaking roof since it frequently causes severe damage to other parts of your house, and can also cause mold. You should have a leaking roof looked at right away. Apex can inspect your house, free of charge, and provide you with our honest opinion.
Do I need to replace my roof if it is leaking?
It depends on the severity of the problem. The issue would be due to a loose shingle or a lightly damaged section of the roof in which case minor repairs will fix the problem. However, cases of complete failure of the roof system due to factors such as the use of inferior materials or improper installation warrant the need for a new roof since the problem at hand is irreversible.
The underlayment was installed on my roof last night, and it rained; now it is wet and wrinkled. Will it have to be replaced?
What matters most is the severity of the wrinkling. If it is not that pronounced, then it will not affect the installation of the shingles or make them appear buckled afterward. The contractor may note the wrinkling and opt to use heavier weight shingles than initially planned to aid in minimizing the effects of the wrinkled underlayment.
How can I know my roof system has problems?
Most homeowners will discover their roof have issues when the notice leaks or when there is some severe damage. Period roof inspections (at least twice a year) can help uncover hidden problems such as missing shingles, deteriorated flashings, warped or cracked shingles, and excess accumulation of surface granules in the gutters, among other things that point to existing problems that need an immediate address. A moist ceiling, stained plasterboards, cracked or peeling paints, wet walls and peeling wallpaper are also signs of existing issues in the roof system that need to be repaired.
Storm Damage
Our roof leaked last winter due to extensive ice damming forming along the eaves, which caused extensive interior damage. Why did that happen and what can be done to prevent it from reoccurring?
In general, ice dams will form following a heavy snowfall, and then have an extended length of time where there is freezing weather. Houses that are under-ventilated or poorly insulated are more prone to the problem. When heat escapes the home it warms up the attic space, especially along the wall lines, when it is a small attic space. As the roof deck beings warming up from the attic, it causes the snow to melt and then it starts running down the roof, where it then refreezes over the soffit area that is unheated. The thawing and freezing effect results in ice building up and rolling into the eaves. This creates a dam eventually with more melting snow, which traps water and forces it underneath the shingles, which creates an interior leak.
Solutions:
When attic insulation is increased, it decreases the amount of heat loss in the attic which minimizes the thaw and freeze cycles that cause the ice dams to form.
Increase ventilation in the roof deck and soffit will allow cool dry air to flow inside of the attic and also allow the escape of hot moist air to prevent the thaw and freeze cycle.
Leaks can be prevented by the roof underlayment, even when an ice dam occurs. A peel and stick membrane is recommended by Edmunds, like placing the IKO Stormtamer membrane along the lower three feet, to seal out water, and then place a synthetic membrane over the rest of the roof for additional security.
As a last resort, heating cables offer a band-aid solution. They prevent the formation of ice along the eaves and soffits. Underlying problems such as poor ventilation and insulation are not addressed by this product. Wind and hail are the largest threats in our area. Pine straw and other debris buildup cause water to run in a horizontal direction instead of down a slope vertically, which ultimately runs in between leaking and water bonds.
What does a hit of hail look like?
When a shingle has been hit by hail it will have a dark spot or have a bruise-like appearance where the shingles granules were knocked off, with the asphalt underlayment being exposed as the fiberglass mat as well at times. There is a shiny appearance to a new hail hit since the asphalt has been newly exposed and there hasn’t been time for it to get a dull color and become weathered.
What damage does hail inflict on your roof?
Shingles are designed to in a way that the UV of the sun is blocked by the granules and keep the asphalt underlayment protected. Over time, as the shingles continue to age, granules start to fall off. As the asphalt continues to be exposed by the UV, it starts drying out with shingles beginning to resemble potato chips with the corners starting to curl up.
At the very end of the shingle’s life, it will have a bubbled appearance and will feel brittle. The manufacturer will warranty a 20-year shingle to have a 20-year useful life under optimum ventilation conditions.
Several things are done by hail:
Granule loss is accelerated.
Shingle aging is accelerated.
The manufacturer’s warranties are voided.
Results in other related problems.
Do you have any tips for temporarily protecting a roof that has been damaged in a storm?
This is information we definitely could have used last year during the hurricanes. Anyone who lives where there are regular threats from tornados or hurricanes needs to know how to do emergency repairs. Some of this same knowledge can also be helpful in other areas of the country as well. For example, it doesn’t take a lot to have a heavy tree limb to break and take out a portion of a roof. Basically, you want to take a woven plastic tarp to cover up the damage and hold it in place using 1 x 3 strips of wood. Here is how I would do it. First of all, roll one end of the tarp to twice around a long 1 x 3 at least, and then screw it into the part of the roof that is undamaged. You should have this 1 x 3 roll against the roof to prevent debris and water from collecting. The rest of your tarp should go over the roof ridge and then down the other side of your roof that is several feet past the damage. Then roll out the opposite end of your tarp around another 1 x 3 strip and screw it into the roof sheathing, with the roll side facing down. Then you just need to use more 1 x 3 stips and screws in order to hold the tarp’s sides down. They don’t need to be rolled into the tarp. Although a blue roof doesn’t look very pretty, it will help to keep out the weather until the damage can be repaired. Having said all of this, it is better to leave this kind of emergency repair to a professional who has the skill and equipment to safely do it. Roofs are very treacherous, especially when it is wet, and even when they are dry tarps are slippery. You also don’t want to try to wrestle with a tarp in high winds. It is best to submit a property insurance claim instead of your family needing to submit a life insurance claim.
Why is it a problem to have wind-driven rain happen?
Rain driven by wind can make roof coverings that are sloped to lift and shift. Rain is then easily able to get under the covering, straight to roof deck that is unprotected, where it creates leaks and interior damage.
Metal Roofs
Why are more individuals deciding to put a metal roof on their house?
Metal is an excellent choice for a home in snow country, in addition to agricultural areas. Steel is available in many different types, including high-end copper and low-end galvanized, with a number of different options in between. In addition, there are many different types of metal roofing, that range from standing seam to several kinds of metal shingles. A metal roof is very durable even in extreme condition, can help to improve your home’s efficiency and is long lasting (a majority of metal roofs are able to last as long as 50 years).
Will the resale value of my house be affected by an Aluminum Roof?
Perfection Country Manor Shake increases your home’s value but not every new roof will. There are some that might hurt its resale value. That might sound frivolous. However, the main reason that a roof increases the resale value of your house is when it makes it more attractive. This is referred to as curb appeal by realtors. Your home’s two most dominant features are roofing and landscaping. If the car doesn’t stop, you won’t sell your house, no matter how must you have done on the inside of the home.
Is it okay to walk on my Aluminum Roof?
Yes, it is, with an optional foam backer, a perfection aluminum roof is among the few roofs that can be walked on without any permanent damage being done. With a steep roof, traction is better compared to other types of roofing products, so wear soft-soled shoes.
Steel and composition roofs lose critical protective granules each time they are stepped on. Steel caves in or dents, if the battens are not stepped on. Walking on those types of roofs voids the warranties as well. Wood shingles split, and concrete or clay tiles will break when stepped on.
Is there added noise when there is an Aluminum Roof on my house?
Perfection aluminum roofing actually makes your house quieter. It is installed over existing decking and roofs. We will usually install a foam backer. Insulation and attic space add sound barriers as well. Your house will be quieter given all of the various sound barriers between the outside and you.
Will my house be made hotter by an Aluminum Roof?
It is the reverse. Ninety percent of the radiant heat of the sun is reflected by aluminum roofs and makes your house cooler. It is claimed by our aluminum roof customers that they see 25-30% savings on their electric bills after an aluminum roof is installed on their house. Billy Ellis Metal Roofing Systems are energy efficient roofs.
Several things are done by hail:
Granule loss is accelerated.
Shingle aging is accelerated.
The manufacturer’s warranties are voided.
Results in other related problems.
Is Aluminum more expensive than other types of roofing products?
There are aluminum roofs that were installed more than 30 years ago that are in good condition still and can outlast the house. At the current scrap aluminum price, some old aluminum roof’s that we have installed have a salvage value that would be higher than the roof’s original cost. Practically all other roofs that were installed more than 30 years ago have since been replaced at least a few times. Many are in need of being replaced now. When the energy savings are added in, Aluminum roofing pays instead of costs.
How much more does metal cost?
It depends on a number of factors, including the existing roofing material being removed, if you are removing anything, but a metal roof might run you twice as much as a medium-grade asphalt composite. The reason behind this is because the physical materials run roughly double. Also, the installation process might take triple or even quadruple the time an asphalt composite would take.
Asphalt Shingles
How do will I know the estimates of replacing my asphalt shingles when I got quotes with prices that vary significantly?
Look at the prices and overlook any quotes with rates that are much higher or lower than the others. Most of the roofing contractors that give below-cost bids are often fly-by-night technicians who provide substandard work and are often uninsured. The reputable contractors will quote prices, and are off each other by a few dollars and give an itemized detail of the roof estimates
What is best asphalt shingle to use?
The performance of the asphalt shingle will depend on the quality of the material, the quantity and the compatibility of the fillers while also taking into consideration the surface granules and reinforcements used. Your options will be organic shingles or fiberglass shingles. The organic type has excellent wind resistance, ideal for areas with cold temperatures and has a high tear resistance. Fiberglass shingles, on the other hand, have excellent moisture and fire resistance compared to the organic ones. The asphalt shingles to be installed should meet the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. The specification for fiberglass shingles is ASTM D 3462 which is set for glass felt shingles that are surfaced with mineral granules. The specifications for organic shingles is ASTM D 225 which is set for organic felt shingles that are surfaced with mineral granules. The selection of roofing products and roof systems should not be based on the tenure of a roofing warranty. The warranty is not an assurance of getting satisfactory services. The NRCA consumer advisory bulleting shed more insights on the role of roofing warranties.
On the other hand, self-sealing strips become inefficient in freezing conditions and will produce an insufficient bond. For a building located in an area prone to high winds and cold temperatures, applying adhesives beneath the shingles in quarter-size dabs is recommended. It helps to keep the shingles in places when the winds blow making them last until the warm days during when the sealing strips can be checked and set correctly.
Second, you should expect the roofing contractor to hand you a warranty on his craftsmanship and services. The warranty should cover the installation of the roof and other matters. It should detail what is included and what is not as well as what will render it void. Most roofing contractors give a warranty with around 1 – 2 years of coverage. Keep in mind that the industry has not set standards for the workmanship warranty.
What is the industry's standard for asphalt shingle roof system warranties?
First, you should know that you will come across different warranties for roofing projects. For the asphalt shingles, the warranty covers issues of defects in the shingles with are attributed to manufacturing and will have a validity of around 20 years to a lifetime. You should read the NRCA consumer advisory bulleting to know more about roofing warranties. Remember to ask the contractor for a certificate of service after the work is completed.
Second, you should expect the roofing contractor to hand you a warranty on his craftsmanship and services. The warranty should cover the installation of the roof and other matters. It should detail what is included and what is not as well as what will render it void. Most roofing contractors give a warranty with around 1 – 2 years of coverage. Keep in mind that the industry has not set standards for the workmanship warranty.
If I installed a 30-year shingle for my roof, I don't have to replace that for 20 years, yes?
No, sadly that’s not the case. Manufacturer’s warranties can be rather deceiving. The warranty listed, be it 25, 30, 40, or lifetime, is only for manufacturing defects. Many new roof systems are only designed to be useful for 15 to 25 years. Metal or slate systems might last longer though. The actual life cycle of a roof is determined by many factors, some of which are local environmental or climatic conditions, appropriate building design, suitability, quality, proper application, and adequate roof maintenance. So, a 30-year shingle isn’t probably going to last three actual decades. We’ve seen 30-year shingles needing replacement in just a decade thanks to severe weather and harsh climate. Roofing product makers feature a wide variety of different warranties across the product line. Look at such warranties closely to see what the specific financial obligations and responsibilities are assumed by the manufacturers should their products not live up to their expectations.
My home has a single layer of shingles that have to be replaced. Do those shingles have to be removed before the new roof can be installed?
The building code allows you to cover existing shingles with another layer. However, it isn’t recommended. It is cleaner, faster, and more cost-effective, but the potential problems that come with the original layer being left on the roof of your house definitely outweighs the benefits that it provides. A majority of roof decks that have been built over the past 40 years are constructed out of 3/8 inch plywood along with truss supports that are centered at 24 inches. Although that is adequate, extra long-term weight loads (like a second shingle layer) are not supported by this roof design. This often results in sagging occurring in between the trusses, and that creates a rolling effect that is unattractive. Sometimes the trusses might warp. The air spaces and gaps in between these two layers also result in a softer surface being created, which tends to make the singles age more quickly. Frequently the underlying shingles will reflect through the new shingles, which will result in the roof having a very unattractive appearance. When the original shingle layer is not removed, it makes it impossible to inspect the roof deck for any decay or repairable flaws. A suitable underlayment also cannot be applied to provide sufficient storm and winter protection. Removing the singles might increase the overall roof replacement cost by 25%, but the improved appearance, superior performance and longer life of the application justified the higher cost.
Do lighter-colored shingles last longer than their darker counterparts?
Dark shingles usually last as long as light shingles, if they’re installed on top of a house with an attic that has proper ventilation. Appropriate attic ventilation is crucial to a roof lasting a long time.
Why are there tiny stones in asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles are a type of soft shingle. They become even softer whenever the summer sun shines on them. A thin layer of tiny stones is added to help create a surface that is stronger to deflect hail or falling raindrops and reflect some hot sun as well. Without the small stones, it is most likely that your shingles melt into a big gooey mess on the roof. Another benefit is they enhance the appearance, to provide a textured look for your roof. As shingles age, the small stones wear away and change your roof’s appearance. When there are black “splotches” seen on your shingles, then it indicates that your roof is close to needing to being replaced.
There are shingles missing on my roof, will a leak develop?
If there are missing shingles on the roof, there is a good chance that a leak will develop. It is highly recommended that you call professional roofers in to replace any shingles that are missing before any long-term damage to your roof occurs.
Roof Underlayment
Are two layers of asphalt saturated underlayment the same as one layer of heavy underlayment?
No. the two layers will produce was knowns as a Double-Layer of underlayment, and the two layers have an overlap of around 19 inches between them. For heavy underlayment, variety is one sheet made from two compressed layers to form a Single-Layer of underlayment with an overlap of 2 inches between the compressed layers. According to the recommendations of the NRCA, the double-layer of underlayment is ideal for roofs with a slope of between 14 degrees and 18 degrees.
Which type of underlayment should I use for my roof?
According to the recommendations of the NRCA, roofs with a slope greater than 18 degrees (4:12) require a single layer of asphalt saturated underlayment. Roofs with a slope that is between 14 degrees (3:12) and 18 degrees (4:12) require at least two years of the underlayment. A heavier underlayment is ideal if you are installing heavy shingles that will provide long service.
What is the life expectancy of my roof?
Most of the new roof systems are designed to last for around 20 years. Slate and clay tile roof systems, as well as some that are made of certain metals, can last more than 20 years. Several factors determine how long a roof can last and these include installation, material, and the environmental and climatic conditions or the location. A roof can offer an excellent service if they are made from quality and durable materials and have regular maintenance done. Check the warranty on your roof system to see what the manufacturer says and find out the responsibilities and financial obligations the manufacturer assumes if your roof falls short of its life expectancy.
Why does roofing use felt paper?
Typically felt paper is used in a majority of roofing for release in between asphalt and wood. It was used years ago on roofs because when sap came out of wood, the back part of the asphalt shingles would be broken down and cause the shingles to deteriorate. However, that is no longer a problem. I also view it as a form of lightweight protection against all types of damage during a storm. So during a storm, if a tile or shingle should break, if there is a felt paper layer over it, then there will be some protection that can resist the rain for a while at least. Depending on what kind of roofing product you use, a different weight of felt paper will be needed.
The underlayment was installed on my roof last night, and it rained; now it is wet and wrinkled. Will it have to be replaced?
What matters most is the severity of the wrinkling. If it is not that pronounced, then it will not affect the installation of the shingles or make them appear buckled afterward. The contractor may note the wrinkling and opt to use heavier weight shingles than initially planned to aid in minimizing the effects of the wrinkled underlayment.
What exactly are roofing underlayments?
Roofing underlayments are known as ‘ice and water shields’ or ‘felt papers’. They get installed underneath shingles to prevent the penetration of water. Without these, water driven from rain and wind might get under the roof covering and hurt the roof or even the interior of the home. Roofing underlayment isn’t a total guarantee against water issues. For instance, ice dams might still cause problems. In the area we serve, an ice and water shield or felt paper are code requirements.
Roof Ventilation
What exactly is a ridge vent?
The ridge is the name of the top of the entire roof. It runs parallel or level to the surrounding ground without a slope. Your ridge can be possibly covered with ridge caps, which are short shingles laid together in a straight line. However, we often recommend the installation of a full-length ridge vent to help maintain a proper balance of the roof temperature.
Do I need a ridge vent if I already have two single static vents?
The suggestions of the NRCA are there be a balance between the ridge and the eaves for adequate attic ventilation. The objective of this is to ensure there is an equal volume of ventilation at the soffit or eave and near or at the ridge. Around one-half of the ventilation area should be close to, or at the ridge for there to be a balanced and properly functioning ventilation system in the attic. Proper ventilation in the attic is one of the least understood elements of installing residential roofs. Check out Mark Graham’s “Principles of Attic Ventilation” to know more about this.
Other Questions
Am I able to do the work on my own?
You shouldn’t do most work on your own. You should remember that roofing contractors and professionals have training in efficiently and safely repairing or replacing roof systems. You might even damage your roof system if you use improper roofing techniques. In fact, you might fall off your roof or through it and seriously hurt yourself. If you own a home or building, the scope of your maintenance should be limited to roof inspections in the spring and fall where you check for curling or cracked shingles or just cleaning your gutters of dead leaves or other debris. If you need to inspect your roof on your own, make sure that you use a ladder that has rubber safety feet and is tied off or braced firmly. Stay on your ladder instead of your roof whenever possible, and wear shoes with rubber soles.
What is the best roof system for my flat-roofed house?
No roof is designed to fit all applications even if it has the best of materials and structural design. What matters the most is the installation without which the roof will leak and crumble when battered by storms. Proper installation is a matter of exceptional knowledge and craft that accounts for every detail such as drainage and flashing, which are as essential as the materials used for roofing. Moreover, maintenance also plays a vital role in preserving the structural integrity and aesthetics of the roof. Also, remember that most of the manufacturers who make low-slope roofing materials will not offer warranties for their products. As such, the warranty for such roofing will be the one provided by the contractor for service guarantee. As such, it is essential that you hire an experienced and reputable roofing specialist who will evaluate your home to determine the best roofing option. Read the guide on “Buying A New Roof And Getting Your Money’s Worth” for more information and recommendations.
What are the differences between roof windows, sky windows, and skylights?
Not much. Any kind of glazed assembly that allows natural light in through a roof may be referred to as a skylight. The term “roof window” is used by some manufacturers to describe a fairly large skylight that is positioned low enough to be able to see outdoors and view a landscape. So if all you see is the sky, then it is a skylight I guess, but if you are able to see both land and sky, you could refer to it as a roof window. In general, roof windows usually are large enough to in the event of a fire to be an egress. With a skylight, that is usually not the case. “Sky window” is a term that isn’t as common as the other ones are. There is one manufacturer t least that uses the term to describe a very large glazed area within a flat roof. A majority of skylights are intended for a roof that has a slope of 15 degrees at least.
Recently a friend mentioned that he thought that some of my roof's flashing looked like it was in rough shape. So what is roof flashing exactly?
Flashing is simply material – which is usually galvanized steel or aluminum – it is used over wall construction and joints in the roof to prevent water from seeping in which can cause significant damage. Depending on your home’s roof style, you probably have it around the pies and chimneys in the valleys, and any skylights or windows. A majority of damage shows up in deteriorating flashing due to oxidizing and weathering, or in loose flashing. Without examining your roof, I can’t know for sure. However, a majority of flashing problems may be fairly easily repaired or patched. Typically professional roofers shape and cut flashing out of sheet metal, however many of the most common pieces of flashing come pre-formed as well and may be applied without a lot of problems using roof cement or caulking. Warning: Since there is danger involved, I don’t ever recommend that homeowners work on their roofs unless they happen to be a professional or are very familiar with being on a roof. So if any significant repairs need to be made to your flashing, you should think about hiring a contractor who can do the work for you.
What's better, a roof that has a shallow pitch or one that has a steep? Do I need a pitch?
It seems like a steep hillside erodes faster than a low slope does, so I think that the roof shingles on a steeply sloped roof will wear out faster. A steep roof, on the one hand, isn’t as likely collect debris and leaves that holds moisture on the shingles and promotes the growth of algae and moss. However, the same roof that faces south in an unshaded area will take the sun’s full brunt, which is tough on any roof. Factors except for pitch have a stronger effect on the durability of the shingle. The side that faces the worst weather will typically fare much worse compared to the leeward side. Also, a roof system that is improperly vented will build up the heat under the roof will have a shorter life compared to one that is properly vented.
What are the signs of a failing roof?
When you are attempting to determine the health of your roof, the first thing that you want to note is the age of the roof. When an asphalt roof is more than 20 years old, then it is overdue to be replaced. That is the easiest way that you can get ahead of damages that are associated with a roof that is aging. However, a younger roof also can develop problems, and that is why it is a good thing to have your roof inspected once a year at least. Inspection is easy to do given that it can be done from the ground if you have a decent pair of binoculars. Keep an eye out for curling shingles, places where they are missing or cracked, or shingles that have granules on the top that are missing. On a sunny day, you may also consider going up to your attic to check to see if there are any holes where there is light peeking through from the underside part of your roof. There is a tendency for problem spots to be close to the stack vents and chimney. If your roof starts to fail, there will be pinholes of sunlight shining through, that indicates that your roof might need some maintenance. While you are in the attic, make sure to check for any wet spots on the ceiling. If there is anything suspicious that you see, immediately call a roofer since it can be a serious problem to have water damage seeping all the way into the attic.
How frequently and when should my roof be inspected?
A yearly inspection reveals whatever correction actions that need to be taken in order to prevent small problems from turning into disasters. Interior framing and insulation can be damaged by even small leaks and might cause mold and rot to develop in attics or walls. Inspections may be conducted any time during the year unless the roof has ice or snow on it. Spring is an excellent time for checking for ice and snow damage to your home’s roof.
Will the metal flashing need to be replaced?
Only if there is deteriorated metal or the flashing was improperly installed.
Is the color of my roof important?
Yes, it is. On an uneven deck, dark colors don’t show as many defects, but shadows may show with a lighter color roof.
Will my utility bill be lower with the new roof?
Yes, if the roof on your home is properly home that helps to keep your house cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter, it will help to reduce your utility bills.
Why does it seem like one particular side of my roof wears down faster than the other?
This is true in most cases, as the southern-facing slope of a roof will get more sun exposure. As such, it usually wears down faster. Over the life cycle of any roofing system, the UV rays of the sun will start slowly breaking down the exposed roofing materials on the southern slope more so than other roof slopes.
What should I do to maximize the life cycle of my roof?
Do your roof a favor the same time as your wallet by just taking good care of the roof. Have it cleaned annually, inspect in every six months or so to help prolong its life cycle.
What can be done with older roofing debris?
It depends on the municipality you live or work in, but most of the time, the proper disposal means taking it to the landfill or scheduling the right waste management service to pick it up.
What sort of material warranties are typically available?
Manufacturers are the ones that issue material warranties, often ranging in periods as short as 5 to as long as 40 years in length.
Do I have to remove my solar panels to have a new roof installed?
In most cases, the answer to this is yes. Some rare exceptions to the rule exist, but the majority of solar panels either are bolted or mounted onto existing roofing material, meaning they have to be taken out for a new roof to get installed. Since solar panels get charged by using a kind of antifreeze, they need to get removed and then put back in by any solar panel company that can ensure proper work.
What color roof should I pick?
Your roofing material color needs to blend in with and even complement your home. It shouldn’t be a focal point. Bosworth Roofing and Remodeling has a number of shingle samples, color boards, brochures, and even home addresses you can personally drive by to get a sound sense of just what color you should put on your roof.
What roof products qualify for ENERGY STAR certification?
An ENERGY STAR qualified roof product can save you energy and money by cutting down on how much AC you need for interior comfort, possibly making you eligible for tax rebates. This happens because they are reflective materials which lower roof surface temperatures by almost a hundred degrees, reducing how much heat gets transferred into a building or home.
What sort of roof should go on my house?
In short, whatever you think is going to look good. It’s a big financial decision, but the aesthetic value is crucial too. You want to be able to think “that’s a good-looking roof” when you drive into your lot. There are quite a few styles you can pick from.
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