Q: What should I do if I think my roof needs to be replaced?
A: "If you think your roof has a problem that requires a complete replacement, call us and we’ll come assess the roof, tell you how much life it has left, provide an estimate and let you make a decision. We can also repair the roof and extend its life by a few years if you want to hold off on replacement."
Q: What are my choices when it comes to roofing materials?
A: "Composition shingles are the most popular choices for residential roofs. Wood shakes were once very popular, but they’re a fire risk, so most existing wood roofs have been converted to composition shingles. Single-ply roofs are popular because they’re mandated by the government to meet fire ratings and energy standards. We’ll help you choose the right type of roof based on the features and benefits you want."
Q: What’s the average life of a roof?
A: "The actual life of a roof is about 20 to 25 years, but new shingles often come with a limited lifetime warranty. Even if your roof comes with a warranty, you still have to read the fine print. The language may say ‘lifetime,’ but a lot of it depends on meeting maintenance requirements."
Q: How can I maintain my roof?
A: "A roof needs to be maintained just like a car—it may come with a warranty, but that doesn’t mean you should walk away and forget about it. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations, which usually include clearing gutters and drains, surveying areas that are more likely to leak (chimneys, plumbing penetrations, eves), and looking for areas of general wear and tear. Look at the flashings and see if they’re rusted. Clean out your gutters twice a year, or at least in the fall after the leaves come down off the trees."
Q: Can you fix problems caused by less experienced roofing companies?
A: "We can take care of many problems, like improperly installed or leaking roofs. If we find a structural problem when we’re tearing into a roof, we’ll use our resources to bring in an expert."