Roofing Q & A

You are considering to replace your roof of your home and of course you want the best at a price you can a. You want quality work done in a timely manner and looks great. We believe you should know as much as possible about your choices of roofing materials and colors available. You should know about different warranties for each roof material and which gives more bang for your buck.

How long should your roof last? 

Like all things, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration of how long your roof will last. Maintenance, weather, and quality of materials are all main components of determining how long a roof will last. So how long should a roof last? The average acceptable timeframe is about 20 years, but better workmanship and materials can increase the lifespan dramatically. Some clay or slate tile roofs have been known to last as long as a century.

Do roofs have warranties?

Warranties are based on the type of shingle you choose and warranties vary according to manufacturer and type usually up to 20 years.

Why does your roof leak?

Often a roof leaks for the simple fact that it is getting old and the waterproof layer is cracking. Sometimes the sealer can separate or was placed wrong, but a warranty from the installation company helps protect against human errors while material warranties cover the actual shingles. Yet, damage from installation can happen and not always found until the first rain. Learning about warranties and keeping them in a safer spot is something to be considered to save potential headaches later.

When is the best time to install a new roof?

The best time to install a new roof is when the temperatures are above freezing and below 80. Also dry times of the year and free of wind are the safest and least likely time to run into difficulties. Obviously there may come a time when emergencies happen. In these situations, extra care is taken and there may be different products used for the installation.

How do I know when to change my roof?

Every roof is different but knowing the basic life span of your roof is a good starting point. The most obvious sign that repair or replacement is needed is leaking. Other factors to consider are loose shingles, and high winds that pulled shingles off. This when you should have someone inspect your roof to determine if it can be repaired or needs replacing.

Considering covering your existing roof?

Covering the existing roof is ok under certain situations. If there is only one other roof, then it’s not an issue, but if there is rain damage beneath then it must be removed regardless. Also depending on the materials used, you must consider the weight and whether to roof can handle it. Obviously, a clay tile roof cannot have a second layer of roofing, but normally asphalt shingles can be layered safely.

What is the algae seen on some roofs?

Along the coast and in moister areas, algae can grow on shingles. It is known to stain shingles, but if you have concrete or tiles shingles, it’s easy to pressure wash off every several years or so. If you are concerned about algae in your area, there is a mixture that can be spread on your roof containing copper that lower or eliminates staining.