FAQ

Many different kinds of damages that can compromise a roof system. It can be hard to know where to begin to look and, often, homeowners aren’t really sure what they are looking for. That’s why it is a smart investment to hire a roofing professional to perform a roof inspection periodically (at least once a year). He will know what kinds of damage to look for and where to look for them.

You have 2 options: a) a full roof replacement OR b) a re-cover of the existing roof system.

A complete roof replacement requires that your entire existing roof system be redone. This involves a “tear-off” of your existing system and is a full-blown roofing process. Cost depends on the type of shingle, style and warranty/durability you choose. Talk to your local roofing professionals to get advice on what best suits your needs and your budget.

A re-cover of your roof system is the less demanding option. This process involves only the installation of the new roof system, meaning that it is a far more expedient and cost-friendly re-roofing option. However, building code requirements do not always allow for multiple re-roofs so if you’ve done this more than once before, then you may need a complete roof replacement. Talk to your local roofing professionals to ask about local building code requirements.

20 Years. That is the life expectancy of the average roof system.

The life span of a roof system is determine by a number of factors, like: roof system design, building structure, material quality, material suitability, proper installation, periodic maintenance, local climate, and much more. Material quality is especially important because some roof system types such as clay tile, slate and (certain) metal can last longer.

When choosing the materials for a new roof (or when hiring a professional, make sure to check the warranties on the materials. Most roofing manufacturers offer warranties on their products and you should be wary of any manufacturer that doesn’t.

A) The first thing to consider when evaluating the cost of your roofing project is to determine whether you will need a complete roof replacement OR a re-cover of your roof. The former is a far larger roof project and thus more expensive, while the letter is a smaller project and therefore less expensive.

B) The next question to consider is what material you will use. Roofing materials range in aesthetic appeal, durability and cost. Shingles, for example, are an inexpensive roofing solution, while high-end slate will cost a pretty penny. Do your research on what fits your aesthetic appeal (you’re going to be living with this roof for a long time) and then determine if it is within your budget range.

C) Finally, you’ll want to consider your houses architectural style. The more “valleys,” angles and “hard-to-get” spots you have, the more your roof project will cost.

While some small jobs can be tackled by DIY homeowners, major work or a roof replacement is a pretty complex process that requires training and thus should be left to the professionals. Professional roofing contractors goes to through training and certification by the manufacturer of the materials in order to obtain extended manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer won’t offer (or void) the warranty if the roof is repaired by a person he is not trained by the manufacturer.

Severe weather, direct sun, algae and mildew growth can all be factors in what causes a roof to wear out. Hail stones striking the roof and removing some of the granules are also a problem. Darker colored roofs tend to wear out slightly faster than lighter colored roofs as well.

There are a lot of factors that go into whether or not the hail is damaging to a roof. The age and condition of the roof can greatly impact how large a hail pellet needs to be. In general, however, pea and marble sized hailstones do not typically cause damage to a roof without high winds also being involved.