💡 Expert Answers to Your Roofing Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Find answers to common questions about roofing services, costs, materials, and maintenance

General Questions

How do I know if my roof needs repair or replacement?

Several factors determine whether repair or replacement is the best option:

  • Age: If your roof is over 20-25 years old, replacement is often more cost-effective than ongoing repairs
  • Extent of damage: Damage to more than 30% of your roof typically warrants replacement
  • Missing granules: Widespread granule loss indicates advanced aging and deterioration
  • Multiple leaks: Several leak points suggest systemic failure
  • Curling or buckling: These are signs of material failure requiring replacement
  • Cost comparison: Sometimes replacement costs only slightly more than extensive repairs

We provide honest assessments and will recommend repair when it's feasible, but we'll also let you know if replacement is the smarter long-term investment.

What are the warning signs that my roof has problems?

Watch for these common warning signs:

  • Missing, cracked, curling, or damaged shingles
  • Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts
  • Water stains on ceilings or walls inside your home
  • Daylight visible through roof boards in your attic
  • Sagging roof deck or areas that feel soft when walked on
  • Damaged or missing flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights
  • Moss, algae, or fungi growth on shingles
  • Increased energy bills due to poor insulation or ventilation
  • Neighbors getting new roofs (if built at the same time)

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an inspection promptly to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

How often should I have my roof inspected?

Professional inspection frequency depends on several factors:

  • Annual inspections: Recommended for all roofs as preventative maintenance
  • Bi-annual inspections: Ideal for roofs over 10-15 years old or in harsh climates
  • Post-storm inspections: After severe weather events like hail, high winds, or hurricanes
  • Before buying or selling: Essential for real estate transactions
  • After major temperature swings: Extreme heat or cold can cause damage

Regular inspections catch small issues early, potentially saving thousands in repair costs and extending your roof's lifespan by 5-10 years.

How long does a typical roof last?

Roof lifespan varies significantly by material type:

  • Asphalt 3-tab shingles: 15-20 years
  • Architectural shingles: 25-30 years
  • Designer/premium shingles: 30-50 years
  • Metal roofing: 40-70 years
  • Clay or concrete tiles: 50-100 years
  • Slate roofing: 75-150+ years
  • Wood shakes: 20-40 years (with proper maintenance)
  • Flat roof membranes (TPO/EPDM): 15-30 years

Actual lifespan depends on climate, installation quality, ventilation, maintenance, and exposure to weather extremes. Regular maintenance can extend any roof's life significantly.

Can roof repairs be done in winter or during rain?

Weather considerations for roofing work:

Emergency repairs: We perform emergency leak repairs year-round, regardless of weather. We use tarps and temporary solutions to stop water intrusion immediately.

Winter work: Most repairs can be done in winter when temperatures are above 40°F. Below that, shingle adhesives may not seal properly, though we use special cold-weather materials when necessary.

Rain delays: We cannot work on your roof during active precipitation, as wet surfaces are dangerous and prevent proper material adhesion. We'll reschedule for safety.

Best seasons: Late spring through early fall offers optimal conditions. Summer heat can make shingles more flexible for installation, while moderate temperatures prevent weather-related delays.

For non-emergency work in questionable weather, we'll provide honest guidance on whether to proceed or wait for better conditions.

Repair Process & Procedures

What's included in a professional roof inspection?

Our comprehensive roof inspection covers:

  • Exterior examination: Every shingle, tile, or panel for damage, wear, or aging
  • Flashing inspection: All chimney, vent, skylight, and valley flashings
  • Gutter system: Proper attachment, pitch, drainage, and condition
  • Attic inspection: Ventilation adequacy, insulation condition, moisture issues, and structural integrity
  • Interior signs: Water stains, ceiling damage, or visible leaks
  • Structural assessment: Sagging, rot, or compromised decking
  • Photo documentation: Detailed images of all problem areas
  • Written report: Comprehensive findings with repair recommendations and cost estimates

You'll receive a detailed report within 24-48 hours with photos, explanations, and next-step recommendations.

How long does a typical roof repair take to complete?

Timeline varies by project scope:

  • Minor repairs (few shingles, small flashing): 2-4 hours
  • Moderate repairs (larger sections, multiple areas): 4-8 hours (same day)
  • Extensive repairs (multiple roof sections, structural work): 1-3 days
  • Emergency temporary repairs (tarping, quick patches): 1-2 hours
  • Complex repairs (water damage remediation, deck replacement): 3-5 days

We provide accurate time estimates after inspection and prioritize completing work quickly to minimize inconvenience while maintaining quality standards.

Do I need to be home during the repair work?

You don't need to be present for most repairs. Here's what to expect:

Not required to be home: All our crews are fully insured, background-checked professionals. They have everything needed to complete the work without homeowner supervision.

Communication: We'll call when arriving and before leaving. We'll also take before and after photos to share with you.

Attic access: If we need interior access for inspection or repairs, we'll arrange a time when you're available or you can leave a door unlocked.

Final walkthrough: We recommend being present for the final inspection so we can show you the completed work and answer questions.

If you prefer to be present, we're happy to accommodate your schedule. Many homeowners appreciate seeing the work process and asking questions along the way.

How do you protect my property during repairs?

We take extensive precautions to protect your home and landscaping:

  • Tarps and ground protection: Cover plants, walkways, and areas below work zones
  • Magnetic nail sweeper: Used multiple times daily to collect fallen nails and metal debris
  • Careful equipment placement: Ladders have protective pads; dumpsters use plywood under wheels
  • Daily cleanup: Remove debris at end of each workday, not just at project completion
  • Gutter protection: Clean gutters of all debris and shingle granules
  • Interior precautions: Recommend covering attic items; we use drop cloths if accessing interior
  • Final inspection: Thorough property walk-through to ensure no debris remains

Our goal is to leave your property in better condition than we found it, with no trace of construction debris.

What should I do to prepare for roof repair work?

Simple preparation helps us work efficiently:

  • Clear driveway access: Space for our truck and equipment (we'll coordinate parking)
  • Trim landscaping if needed: Move or tie back plants touching the house
  • Remove wall decorations: Items that might vibrate loose from roof work
  • Cover attic items: Use plastic sheeting as a precaution against dust
  • Inform neighbors: Courtesy notice about noise and duration
  • Secure pets: Keep them indoors during work hours for their safety
  • Note valuables: Point out special landscaping, statues, or other items to protect

We'll provide a detailed prep list when scheduling your repair. Most homeowners find minimal preparation is needed.

Costs & Payment Options

How much does roof repair typically cost?

Repair costs vary significantly based on scope and materials. Here are typical ranges:

  • Minor repairs (few shingles, small leaks): $300-$800
  • Moderate repairs (flashing, larger sections): $800-$2,000
  • Extensive repairs (multiple areas, structural): $2,000-$5,000
  • Emergency tarping: $200-$500
  • Chimney flashing: $400-$900
  • Valley repair: $500-$1,200
  • Roof deck replacement: $500-$1,000 per section
  • Full roof replacement: $5,000-$25,000+ (depending on size and material)

We provide free, detailed estimates after inspecting your specific situation. Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees.

Do you offer financing or payment plans?

Yes, we understand roofing can be a significant investment. We offer several payment options:

  • Financing partners: 0% interest for 12-18 months with approved credit
  • Extended payment plans: Low monthly payments for larger projects
  • Senior and military discounts: Special pricing for qualifying customers
  • Insurance claim assistance: We work with adjusters to maximize coverage
  • Seasonal promotions: Check our website for current offers

Payment is typically due upon completion, but financing approval is quick (often same-day). Ask about current promotions when you call for an estimate.

Will insurance cover my roof repair?

Insurance coverage depends on the cause of damage:

Typically covered: Storm damage (wind, hail), fallen trees, fire damage, vandalism, or sudden accidental damage.

Not usually covered: General wear and tear, lack of maintenance, gradual deterioration, or cosmetic damage.

How we help:

  • Provide detailed damage documentation with photos
  • Meet with insurance adjusters on-site
  • Prepare professional estimates for claims
  • Identify all covered damage during inspection
  • Advise on claim timing and process

We don't file claims directly, but many customers find our documentation essential for getting claims approved. Contact your insurance company first, then call us for the inspection and estimate.

Are there any hidden fees in your estimates?

Absolutely not. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing:

What's included in estimates:

  • All labor and materials
  • Permits and disposal fees
  • Equipment and machinery costs
  • Site protection and cleanup
  • Warranty coverage

Potential additional costs: Only if unexpected damage is discovered (like rotted decking beneath shingles). We always stop and get approval before proceeding with additional work.

Your written estimate is your contract price. If we quote $2,500, that's what you pay—unless you approve additional repairs after discovery of hidden damage.

Roofing Materials & Options

What roofing materials do you recommend and why?

Our recommendations depend on your climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences:

Asphalt Shingles - Best for most homeowners. Cost-effective ($3-5/sq ft), wide color selection, 20-30 year lifespan, easy repairs. Ideal for moderate climates and budget-conscious homeowners.

Metal Roofing - Premium choice for longevity ($7-12/sq ft). Lasts 50-70 years, excellent for snow/ice climates, energy-efficient, fire-resistant. Higher upfront cost but best long-term value.

Tile Roofing - Excellent for hot climates and Spanish-style homes ($10-18/sq ft). Extremely durable (50-100 years), beautiful appearance, excellent insulation. Requires strong roof structure.

Slate - Ultimate premium option ($15-30/sq ft). Lasts 75-150+ years, stunning natural beauty, increases home value significantly. Best for high-end homes with appropriate structural support.

We'll evaluate your specific needs and provide honest recommendations. We work with premium brands including GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and more.

Can you match my existing roofing materials?

We make every effort to match your existing materials perfectly:

Common materials: For standard asphalt shingles, we can usually find exact or very close matches. We bring samples to compare in natural light.

Older/discontinued products: If your exact shingle is discontinued, we source the closest match available. Sometimes this means matching the nearest current product line.

Specialty materials: For tile, slate, or specialty shingles, matching can be more challenging but we have extensive supplier networks.

When matching isn't possible: We'll discuss options like replacing an entire slope for uniform appearance, or choosing a complementary color that blends well.

Our goal is seamless repairs where new and old materials are indistinguishable. We won't proceed until you approve the match.