Everyone hopes that his or her roof will last forever, but as with all things, roof’s age and no roof ages at the same pace. One of the most important steps that you can take to maximize the life of your roof is to have it inspected regularly by a roofer. This should be a part of your total roof maintenance system and can help ensure that you derive the most benefit from your roof.

If your experienced roofing contractor determines that materials need to be replaced, you should not attempt to do the work yourself. You should always have an experienced roofer handle your roofing needs, including replacing or repairing aging or damaged roofing materials. By having your roofer repair shingles as they become damaged, you will delay the need for a complete roof replacement.

Ask a Roofer:
Click on a questions below to see the answer.

• Do I need to be home to obtain an estimate?
• Do I need to be home while the work is in progress?
• What weight felt paper should be used?
• Do I need to protect items inside my house from possible damage?
• Should I have my chimney looked at before I have roof work done?
• Is it better to remove the old Asphalt shingles, or lay the new shingles on top?
• Should I worry about Ice Dams?
• Can I just do the work myself?
• How can you recognize when a roof has problems?
• How long can I expect my roof system to last?
• How long does it take to replace a roof?
• What are some aging signs in shingles?

For additional questions or information please feel free to contact us.

Ask a Roofer

Do I Need To Be Home To Obtain An Estimate?

When you are considering hiring a roofing contractor for your roofing project, it is important to obtain an estimate. Typically a homeowner will contact several different roofers and compare estimates. Since many homeowners work, they may feel that it is best to obtain several estimates while they are at work and then compare the estimates at a later time. This isn’t always the best decision.

It is important to actually interview the roofers first hand. Many people feel more comfortable when they hire roofing contractors that they have spoken with in person. Part of the reason why you should obtain an estimate is to choose a roofer that you feel is trustworthy as well as knowledgeable. When you receive an estimate, you should be there so that you can meet the roofer and ask them any questions that you may have directly.

Though it may seem like you will save time by having several estimates performed while you are not at home, you may end up regretting that move later. If you choose a roofing contractor based upon an estimate that you received or that the roofer gave you over the phone, and later have issues with the roofing contractor, you may discover that you could have avoided any problems or misunderstandings by speaking with them in person.

A roofer must look at your roof first hand to make a proper estimate. They may also need to take a look at your attic; therefore you should be home to give them access to this area. Roofers will inspect your home thoroughly to give you an accurate estimate, therefore you should be present to make sure that you can answer any questions that the roofer may have for you as well. The roofing contractor may also need additional information regarding your home to provide an accurate estimate. Therefore, if possible, it is always best for both you and the roofer to be there during your estimate.    to top

Do I Need to be Home While The Work is in Progress?

When you hire a roofer to work on your roof, you should ask them if you need to be home while they work. Typically, they will tell you that you do not need to be home. First of all, you should realize that any work or repair on your roof is going to be noisy. Due to this reason, many people prefer to leave their homes and return when the work is complete. Some people simply do not feel comfortable leaving their homes while any work is being performed. It is up to the homeowner to ask the roofing contractor what their preference is, and then decide for themselves whether or not they will remain home.

Some roofers need to use inside power to perform the work. Other roofing contractors may use an outlet that is outside while others may use a generator. If the roofer is going to use an indoor plug for their power source, many homeowners may feel more comfortable staying home while the roofing contractor completes the work. Again, this is a matter of personal preference.

If you are going to leave your home and the roofer will have access to the inside of your home, you should ensure that you feel that the roofing contractor is trustworthy. Checking references and hiring reputable, bonded, and licensed roofers can help ensure that your roofer is trustworthy.

You should take the time to ask the roofer any questions that you may have involving the work that they will perform and their policies for handling any debris that may result from their work. Many homeowners will not be delighted to leave their home while work is in progress only to come home and find that their prize winning rose bushes have been trampled or that their backyard is overrun with shingles, plywood, and other materials. Find out what the roofer’s policy is regarding clean up when you have your estimate and you will avoid any unnecessary aggravation later.  to top

What Weight Felt Paper Should Be Used?

Felt paper, otherwise known as tar paper, is an underlayment that is used between the decking and shingles. There are two weights: #15 and #30. It is important to make sure that you use the weight of the paper that is recommended by the manufacturer. When you hire a professional roofer to install, repair or replace your roof, they will make certain that they use the weight that is recommended by the manufacturer of the roofing materials. This way you can be certain that you will not void any manufacturer warranties that are applicable to your roof.

Underlayments are extremely important to your roof’s waterproofing abilities. This is where felt paper comes in handy. However, it is important to realize that felt paper can tear easily so it should be installed by an experienced roofer. In fact, because of its texture, it isn’t recommended that homeowners try to install it. Many unfortunate accidents have occurred when homeowners slipped on the surface of felt paper that they were trying to install. To ensure that your roofing project is completed successfully, you should hire an experienced roofing contractor and leave the work to the professionals.

Many times leaks occur due to a tear or a rip in the felt paper. If there is a hole or tear in the felt paper, you will most likely see stains or leaks in your attic. It is also important to realize that if you have excessive water, leaves or other natural materials accumulating on your roof that you are essentially creating your own compost pile. When this happens, the water becomes very acidic and if it seeps into the felt paper, it will cause it to deteriorate. It is very important that you have regular inspections on your roofing system including the attic and if you suspect that there are tears in your felt paper to have a local roofer look into it for you.  to top

Should I Worry about Ice Dams?

Ice dams form when there has been heavy snow coupled with temperatures below freezing. When warm air escapes through your roofs ventilation system, the snow that is on the top of your roof heats up and begins to melt. However, once the melted snow and ice travel to your roofs overhang, it is trapped and then freezes due to the extreme cold temperatures. Once this water refreezes, it forms an ice dam. Ice dams pose great threats to your roof, as they will cause water to begin to seep into your home. This water can cause structural damage if left untreated.

Not only are ice dams dangerous to your roof but they can also cause you to lose energy in your home. It is very important to contact a professional roofer and have the ice dams removed immediately. Due to the fact that you are dealing with ice on your roof, homeowners should never attempt to remove ice dams themselves. The best course of action is to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place.

Taking steps to prevent excess heat from evaporating from your home best prevents ice dams. If you live in a cold climate, you should discuss steps with your roofer that you can take to prevent ice dams from forming. One step that you can take is to make sure that your roof is built to code. Have your roofing contractor inspect your roof and make certain that it can withstand the weight and pressure of accumulated snow. You should also devise a plan to remove snow as it begins to build on your roof. In addition, you should discuss all of the options that you have with your roofer to make certain that your home is properly ventilated to prevent ice dams from forming.  to top

Do I Need to Protect Items Inside My House from Possible Damage?

If you are having your roof repaired, chances are you have already noticed some damage inside of your home. Leaks, moisture, and mildew are just some of the symptoms that your roof needs repair. If you have any items stored in your attic and your roof is leaking, all of those items are in danger of becoming damaged. It is important to protect all of your household items and valuables from moisture, before your roof is repaired or replaced.

Checking your attic regularly can give you many clues as to the condition of your roof. If you notice moisture, mold, leaks, stains, or see light coming through your attic ceiling, then you know it is time to call a roofing contractor. You should take steps immediately to move your things from the attic until all repairs have been completed.

When the roofer schedules a date for repairs on your roof, you should ask them if they need you to move any other items out of the way. The roofing contractor will give you an estimate that will include all of the foreseeable work that they will need to perform and is the best person to let you know what objects or items that you have that may be in the way. If you are concerned that something may become damaged, then you should move it. Use your best judgment in these situations, but if you are in doubt, simply ask the roofer, as they are the best person to tell you what you should move.

Likewise, you should also ask the roofer about the condition of items that you have in your yard. Sometimes chairs, tables, and play equipment will need to be moved out of the area to ensure that they do not become damaged while the work is being performed. Always ask the roofing contractor and use caution when entering any vicinity where roofers are working.  to top

Should I have My Chimney Looked At Before I Have Roof Work Done?

Having your roof repaired or replaced is a major project. Often, many people have their roofs worked on and then later find that they need to have work performed on their chimneys as well. Unfortunately, having work performed on the chimney after you have a new roof installed is not a good idea. It is much better to have your chimney worked on first and then have the new roof installed or repaired. Roofers are not chimney masons. Your best step is to contact a chimney mason and have them inspect your chimney before you begin your roofing project. This will ensure that all chimney repairs are completed and that the roofers are free to begin their work without any unnecessary damage to your chimney.

Ventilation is a very important aspect of roofing and your chimney ventilation is also extremely important. By having the chimney repaired and making sure that your chimney ventilation is in proper working order, you can then continue to have any repairs made to your roof simply and efficiently.

Just like you should have a professional roofer work on your roof, you should also hire a professional to perform any work or repairs on your chimney as well. Homeowners should not attempt to work on their chimneys themselves. Like roofs, chimneys should be inspected regularly as well. Not only is proper chimney ventilation an important asset to overall roof care, but it’s also a protection for fire safety as well. If chimneys are not properly vented, they can cause serious damage to the home, so make sure to have your chimney thoroughly inspected before beginning your roofing projects. Additionally, you’ll find that once your chimney and roof are operating in perfect order that you will save money on your energy costs. If you have increasing energy bills, always check the chimney and roof and have any repairs performed immediately.

Depending on the work and repairs required to be done to your chimney, some roofing contractors are experienced and capable of performing these necessary chimney repairs. Ask your roofer prior to beginning any roof work if they feel you need to hire a chimney professional or if they are experienced enough to do it themselves.  to top

Is it Better to Remove the Old Asphalt Shingles, or Lay the New Shingles on Top?

When it comes to roofing projects, many homeowners are unsure as to whether or not they should have their asphalt shingles removed before laying new shingles down. The question is usually a matter of opinion held by the roofer. Generally, asphalt shingles have a lifespan of about fifteen to twenty-five years. Also, it is common to place two layers of shingles on top of one another, before laying a third layer. The general rule is to tear up both layers and then lay the third layer down fresh. However, a professional contractor may not feel comfortable laying a second layer of shingles over the first layer for several reasons.

First, the layer of shingles should be thoroughly inspected by a roofer before the decision is made to place a second layer over the first. If the first layer is severely damaged, cracked, uneven or buckled, then it is not recommended to lay a second layer over the first. The reason is simple. The new layer of shingles will take on the same appearance as the first layer. If the first layer is uneven or doesn’t lay flat, the second layer will fail to lay flat as well. For this reason, a roofer will not install the second layer over the first.

Another factor to consider is the supporting structure of the frame. The roof must be able to support the weight of multiple layers before installing additional shingles over the existent layer. If the roofing contractor feels that this is too much weight, they will recommend removing the first layer. This also includes the performance of the underlayment. If the supporting structures are not solid or sound, then the roofing contractor will not advise installing shingles over one another. However, even with a perfect roof, very rarely will a roofer recommend installing a layer of shingle over two layers.  to top

Can I just do the work myself?

When it comes to roofing projects, many homeowners would simply like to perform the work themselves, however, this is never advisable. First, there is the safety issue to consider. Many roofing contractors understand the dangers involved with their profession and take steps to protect themselves against falls and injuries. However, even professional roofers have had their share of injuries. With all of their training, preparation and experience, they are not immune to the dangers inherent in roofing. How much more are homeowners at risk when they attempt to do the roofing work themselves?

In addition to the safety risks, many homeowners are not aware or familiar with the local zoning laws and regulations that are enforced for their roofing jobs, repairs and projects. A professional roofer is aware of the legal issues involved with your roofing needs and will make certain that all of the legal requirements are met. When homeowners attempt roofing projects without meeting the legal requirements, they can be held legally responsible.

Since there are both physical and legal dangers, it is best to choose a professional, reputable roofing contractor to handle your roofing needs. The best course of action is to find a roofer that you can trust and enter into a long working relationship with that roofing contractor. Since roofers will warranty their work, you have greater protection when your project is completed by a professional roofer rather than by yourself. Also, you can have a roofing contractor perform regular inspections of your roof and perform maintenance as needed. In the long run, this type of relationship will save money and help you derive the most benefit from your roof as the cost of maintaining and repairing a roof is much less than replacing a roof. For these reasons, many people find that it is more beneficial to hire a roofer for their roofing projects.  to top

How Can You Recognize When a Roof Has Problems?

Roof replacement is one of the scariest thoughts all homeowners will eventually face. Many roofers recommend a plan of preventive roof maintenance and repair to delay the need for a total roof replacement. By regularly inspecting roofs and making repairs as they are needed, many homeowners can extend the life of their roofs for many years, even for a lifetime.

However, though regular roof inspection is necessary, there are times when your roof may exhibit warning signs that it needs to be repaired sooner. Some of these warning signs include leaking that you notice after heavy rain. These leaks are noticeable in the attic. If you check in your attic and don’t see any leakage such as dripping, but notice that there are stains on the walls or ceilings, you will need to have your roof looked at by an experienced roofer. Don’t always expect to see bucketfuls of water before calling a roofing contractor. Wet stains are a sign that water is leaking past the roof and shingles and making its way past the underlayment. This must be addressed or the problem will only become worse.

Another sign that your roof needs repair is if you detect peeling paint on the exterior of your home. In addition, shingles may begin to show signs of damage or decay as well. If they slip, deteriorate or look damaged, then you should have a roofer inspect your roof. Some other signs that indicate your roof is damaged include high-energy costs and excessive mold, mildew, or fungus growth in your attic. Failure of proper ventilation is another sign that needs to be addressed by a roofing contractor. Just because you don’t see signs of leaking, doesn’t mean that your roof doesn’t need repair. Sometimes the damage may exist underneath in the structural layers, and these are just as serious as external damage.  to top

How Long Can I Expect My Roof System to Last?

All roofs are made from different materials and each type of roof has a different lifespan. The best way to determine how long you can expect your roof to last is to check with the manufacturer’s warranty. However, you should also realize that with a preventive roof maintenance plan that utilizes seasonal inspections, you could greatly enhance the lifespan of your roof. When considering roofing materials, always talk with your roofer about the steps that you should take to maintain its condition as well as anything that you should do to ensure that you don’t void the warranty. By taking the time to choose the best roofing materials for your house’s design, structure and geographical location, you will have a better chance of enjoying your new roof for many years to come.

Another aspect of roofing to consider is the material that is used for the underlayment, sheathing and trusses. If you are building a new roof, you should realize that all of these parts to your roof system would come with warranties as well as methods of maintenance and care. You should also have plenty of adequate ventilation included in your roof system to help preserve the life of your roof. Taking the time to discuss all of the options available with your roofer will help you maximize the most from your roof.

A great way to ensure that your roof stays in great working condition for a lifetime is to build a lasting relationship with your roofing contractor. When you hire a roofer who not only builds your roof but also regularly inspects and maintains it, you will have the advantage of having a roofer’s warranty in addition to a manufacturer’s warranty. Your roofing contractor should be much more than the person who installs your roof or someone you call in times of an emergency. By having your roofer regularly inspect and maintain your roof, you are taking vital steps to preserve your roof system and the integrity of your home for many years to come.  to top

Can I Replace Missing and Damaged Tiles or Shingles without Calling a Roofer?

When it comes to replacing and repairing tiles and shingles, many homeowners want to save the cost of hiring a professional roofer and attempt to repair it themselves. This is never advisable due to the fact that it can be very dangerous to climb on your roof. Only experienced roofing contractors should climb on roofs as they are used to the various angles that many roofs have and can handle repairing and replacing tiles and shingles safely.

Additionally, a professional roofer can let you know if it is worth repairing shingles or whether you should just replace the roof. Most local roofers will give you a free estimate regarding the cost of the job and give you all of your options as well. It is always wise to contact a professional roofing contractor first.

Many times, homeowners do not have matching shingles or tiles on hand to make needed repairs. The roofing contractor can help you find the correct shingles needed and ensure that the project will be completed with matching materials.

However, if you have experience and want to tackle the project yourself, you will need to remove each shingle or tile before replacing them with new ones. You will need to use a hammer pry bar and a utility knife to carefully pry the old nails and remove the shingles or tiles. You will need to remove the first row of nails and then pry the damaged shingle up. Once it is removed you will then replace it with a new shingle. If you find that the existing shingles are very dry or brittle, the remaining shingles may crack or tear if you try to remove them. In these cases, it is best to hire a professional contractor who can repair and replace shingles and tiles without damaging the other remaining shingles.

If you have damaged shingles or your roof is just leaking, you may also have damage to the underlayment of your roof. This is an additional reason why hiring an experienced roofing contractor will get the job done right the first time and reduce the amount of damage that can occur from letting this type of problem persist.  to top

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof?

This is undoubtedly the most frequently asked question that all homeowners have when considering replacing a roof. The answer, however, is not a definitive one. The best way to determine how long it will take to replace a roof is to ask the roofing contractor when they are giving you an estimate.

It is important to realize that not every estimate is written in stone. A roofer may estimate that a project may take two weeks to complete, but if there are conditions that arise that delay the work, it may take longer. Sometimes bad weather is a factor that can interfere with work, so it’s always advisable to be flexible in your expectations and plan for roof replacement when the weather is good.

Sometimes roofers may discover that more work needs to be done than was originally included in the estimate. This may be due to structural damage that was revealed once they began the project. These types of circumstances could delay the replacement project as well.

The best course of action is to discuss the length of the project with the roofer and to get several estimates before choosing the roofing contractor for the job. Compare the different lengths of time that each roofer provides. You should always feel comfortable with the time frame that the roofing contractor provides you with and make sure that you have enough time available to handle the project. If a roofer tells you that they believe it would take two days to complete the roofing project, and you have plans to leave town the second day of the project, you may want to reschedule. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the project in case there are emergencies, poor weather conditions or any additional work that must be completed.  to top

What are Some Aging Signs in Shingles?

Everyone hopes that his or her roof will last forever, but as with all things, roof shingles will age. One thing to remember, however, is the fact that not all shingles will age at the same pace. Different shingles have different lifespans and the best way to assess how long your shingles will last is to check with the manufacturer’s warranty. For instance, if your warranty lasts for fifteen years, then you may want to begin checking for serious wear and tear around that time. However, to truly keep your roof in prime condition, you should have your roof inspected by a local roofer at least twice a year.

When shingles become old or begin to show signs of aging, you may notice that they begin to crack, curl or become loose. They may in fact even break off. You should never ignore these signs or put them off. When you begin to see signs of aging in your shingles, you should contact a roofing contractor and have the roof assessed. Putting off roof repairs to a later date can cause many expensive repairs in the long run. It is always best to make roof repairs as soon as you notice the problems. Aging shingles are no exception to the rule.

One of the most important steps that you can take to maximize the lifespan of your shingles is to have them inspected regularly by a roofer. This should be a part of your total roof maintenance system and can help ensure that you derive the most benefit from your roof. If your experienced roofing contractor determines that shingles need to be replaced, you should not attempt to do the work yourself. You should always have an experienced roofer handle your roofing needs, including replacing or repairing aging or damaged shingles. By having your roofer repair shingles as they become damaged, you will delay the need for a complete roof replacement.  to top