It’s easy to take a roof for granted when there aren’t any problems with leaks or other roofing defects. But when something goes wrong, it’s important for homeowners to know what to do to act quickly and protect their home, family, and real estate investment. There’s a lot more to know about roofing than you might expect, so we’ve rounded up experts from top roofing companies to answer all our most pressing roofing questions to empower you with everything you need to know to keep your roof in top shape. Read on for everything you ever wanted to know about roofs but were afraid to ask… straight from the roofing pros!
What are the best ways to maintain my roof and keep it in good shape?
One of the easiest ways to assure that your roof is performing correctly is by looking for curling, loose, or missing shingles. It’s also highly recommended to do a routine check every 3-5 years for things such as attic moisture. A little bit of time here and there can go a long way in protecting the life of your roof. When doubt, always make sure to consult an expert in your area who has the proper roofing credentials.
– DaBella
How long does it take to replace my roof?
The amount of time it takes to replace a roof can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including roof size, height, and pitch, complexity of the overall job, any related deck, terrace, or balcony repairs, type of shingles used, current weather conditions, landscaping obstacles, and access requirements.
What’s the best time of year to repair or replace my roof?
In a perfect world, the best time to replace or repair your roof would be before it starts to leak. This is likely to save homeowners a sizeable sum on interior repairs. Sadly, many people don’t realize there’s an issue until the damage is done. For those consumers who are being proactive instead of reactive, we suggest considering spring or fall for roofing replacement. At that time, ambient temperatures are optimal for handling roofing products.
When the temperatures are too cold, the shingles may become brittle and could break as they are being installed, too hot and the asphalt tends to lose more granules. As a GAF Master Elite Contractor, we offer a free comprehensive roof inspection that will inform homeowners of issues before a roof leak occurs.
– Infinity Home Improvement Inc.
How do I choose what type of roof I should get for my house?
When choosing the right type of roof for your home, it’s important to consider performance, longevity, and curb-appeal. Asphalt shingles tend to be the most popular, durable, and versatile choices for most homeowners. The best part about asphalt shingles is that there are many colors and textures to choose from, and they’re able to withstand even the harshest climates. It’s also important to choose a company that offers a long-lasting warranty that will give you peace of mind for years to come.
Is there anything I should do before a roofing company starts to work on my new roof?
Yes! Here are some tips and things to consider before you start a roof installation project:
- Make sure that your vehicles are out of the garage and driveway, as the installers will probably need to park a dumpster there.
- It’s a good idea to take delicate or fragile objects off interior walls to protect them from falling due to roofing works in progress.
- Shut all windows in the house because tearing off the old roof will create a lot of dust and airborne matter.
- Keep pets and children inside while roofing work is underway.
What should a roofing contract include?
When you look at a roofing contract, the basics can easily be overlooked. When homeowners are dealing with a binding contract (such as a roofing contract), everything must be accurately represented. If there are any inconsistencies, companies may, unfortunately, look to those misrepresentations as a way out of contract with the homeowner. Here are some tips about what to specify and include in a roofing contract:
- Define the specific materials that will be used
- Understand the expected timeline, including the start date—and more importantly—the finish date
- The price should be clearly stated, including if there’s a required down payment, and, if so, the date of when that’s expected
- Include information about how a contractor would handle any adjustments or changes during an installation.
- The contract should include a right to rescind clause—it provides the homeowner with time to absorb the information regarding their project after signing the agreement. This allows homeowners the ability to cancel the agreement within a specific amount of time, if needed.
- The roofing warranty information (if any) should also be addressed and defined in the contract.
- A largely overlooked part of a roofing contract is defining what are the buyer’s and what are the contractor’s responsibilities. Examples include getting the permit(s), removing waste from the roof, and even purchasing materials. A common issue with smaller contractors is that homeowners will need to buy all the materials—not the contractor—leading to unplanned spikes in the overall project price.
What are signs that my roof should be updated/replaced?
From the ground, you can perform a safe roof inspection with the help of binoculars. Look on the ground for pebbles that have fallen from shingles and look for shingles that are pulling up, cracked, or missing. Check for rust spots, which might mean that the drip edges are starting to fail. Look for cracked caulk or anything out of the ordinary, including missing, damaged, or bent flashing. Keep an eye out for missing or exposed fasteners; if nails or fasteners are compromised, your roof will be susceptible to water damage. From the attic or top floor, look at the underside of the roof for any leaks, rotted wood, exposed areas, or loose fasteners. Call in an expert if you discover any of these issues.
How can homeowners ensure that their roofing contractor is responsible for purchasing materials and not unplanned spikes in the overall project price?
To ensure that the roofing contractor is responsible for purchasing materials, it’s essential to define their responsibilities in the contract. This includes specifying the materials to be used and ensuring that the contractor is responsible for purchasing them. A common issue with smaller contractors is that homeowners may need to buy all the materials, leading to unexpected price increases. To avoid this, homeowners should look for signs that the contractor is not willing to take responsibility for material purchases or is hesitant to provide proof of insurance and licensing. Additionally, homeowners should verify the contractor’s credentials and check their reputation through the Better Business Bureau and social media sites. By doing their due diligence, homeowners can ensure that their roofing contractor is responsible for purchasing materials and avoiding unexpected price increases.
– Perimeter Roofing
When you know the right questions to ask, and you can rely on information from trusted pros, it’s easy to get ahead of roofing issues before they become major (and costly) issues. Regular and proper roof maintenance and addressing minor repairs will help extend the life of your roof and protect your home for years to come.
