Expert Advice on Your Roof
Whether a storm damaged your roof or your roof looks old and worn, replacing or repairing your roof is not something that should be delayed. Waiting to get expert advice on your roof until your roof fails can turn into a very costly mistake.
As the Top Performing Roofing company in the United States, we’ve put together 5 commonly asked roofing questions and answers so you don’t get blindsided by the unexpected cost.
1) What Are Signs of Roof Damage?
When installed correctly, a roof can last for a lifetime but it does require a little TLC once and awhile. We recommend conducting a visual roof inspection at least once a year and having a roofing contractor immediately inspect your roof if you see any signs of potential damages.
Here are three common signs that it may be time to speak with a local contractor:
- Shape of the Shingles: Ideally, shingles should lay flat against the roof but can be lifted with the high driven wind. Dents may also occur after a hail storm.
- Moss Growth: Cool and moist climates can lead to moss growth. If not treated properly, moss can cause damage to the granules on the shingles. Although moss can be removed, it may be best to contact a roofing specialist as it can grow again.
- Attic Ventilation: The Federal Housing Administration recommends that you have 1 square foot of attic exhaust (both intake and exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic space. Having the proper amount will allow for airflow and minimize the possibility of moisture.
2) Should I Repair or Replacement My Roof?
The age-old question that all homeowners ask – repair or replace my roof. While repairing your roof may fit some situations, we commonly find that repairs are temporary and often solve the problem for a lot less time than homeowners think.
Before making the final decision, we always recommend getting a free roof replacement quote and expert advice on your roof to weigh your options. Having this will at least allow you to budget for the cost.
Here are two common roof repair methods and what experts say:
- Reroofing: This is a common money-saving roof repair option, however, experts recommend avoiding this when possible as it can be seen as a bandaid over the larger issue since the damage is still underneath.
- D.I.Y: Simply said, leave it to the professionals. If not properly installed, this could void any existing warranty costing you more in the long run.
3) How Much Does It Cost to Replace My Roof?
Your curb appeal is unique to you and the same goes for the price of your roof replacement. When it comes to pricing for roof replacement, there is no guide to pricing as it will vary on factors such as pitch, color and shingle type.
We encourage homeowners to factor in value rather than cost. A properly installed roof can last 50 years.
Consider factors such as the experience and credentials of the roofing contractor. Many manufacturers have tiered levels of credentials. GAF roofing, a leading roofing manufacturer, for instance, recognizes its top installers as GAF Roofing Master Elite. Not all roofing contractors are equal.
4) Why Should I Install a New Roof?
A roof does more than just shield your family from whatever mother nature throws at it. If the roof is installed correctly, it can provide other hidden benefits that could end up saving you money in the long run. This is another example of the importance of value, rather than cost when it comes to home improvement projects and is one of the reasons we recommend getting expert advice on your roof.
Here are 3 hidden benefits of installing a new roof:
- Return on Investment: According to Remodeling Magazine, homeowners could recoup roughly 65% of the cost from a roof replacement.
- Cost and Energy Efficiency: If your old roof does not allow for proper airflow, your HVAC system could be working harder than it needs to be – costing you more money in the long run.
- New Technology: New roofs are engineered with several different components to provide certain benefits. One key aspect is attic ventilation as it helps mitigate moisture and improves airflow.
5) What Are the Different Parts of a Roof?
Whether you are repairing or doing a roof replacement, it helps to build a solid understanding of the different parts of a roof.
- Shingles: A flat or curved piece of material that is laid over the roof.
- Fascia: Attached to the edge of the roof behind the gutters to prevent water and wind from damaging the house.
- Flashing: A material that helps prevent water leakage and extends the overall life of the roof.
- Ridge Cap: Installed over the peak of the roof to keep moisture from leaking into the house.
- Pitch: The steepness of the slope of a roof. Measured in how many inches the roof rises for every 12 inches in depth.
- Ridge Board: A longboard that lays below the ridge cap and is the top of the wooden decking/rafters.
- Ventilation: A very important part of your roof, it allows fresh air to enter into the attic and moist air to escape.
- Underlayment: A water-resistant or waterproof barrier material installed directly on your roof deck.
We understand that the decision of repairing or replacing your roof extends beyond the 5 topics we listed above.
For more information, and expert advice on your roof, you can find a helpful article from Porch or schedule an appointment with a roofing expert today.