Roofing Tips & Advice Blog
Latest Insights and Articles on Roofing
5 Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Attention
Your commercial roof does more than protect your building from rain, wind, and snow- it helps protect your business, employees, customers, equipment, and inventory. Unfortunately, roofing problems aren’t always easy to spot. Small issues can develop gradually and eventually lead to even bigger problems like leaks, property damage, and other
What Is Considered a Roofing Emergency?
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home or commercial building, protecting everything underneath it from the elements. While some roofing problems can wait for a scheduled inspection or repair, others could be assessed as a roofing emergency. But how do homeowners determine what roofing problems
What Is the Average Roof’s Lifespan?
A roof’s lifespan can vary significantly depending on the roofing material, installation quality, weather exposure, and level of maintenance it receives. While many asphalt shingle roofs last between 20 and 30 years, other roofing systems may remain dependable for several decades longer. Understanding a roof’s lifespan can help homeowners plan
What is a Common Cause of Roof Leaks?
Roof leaks can start as small problems, but they may quickly lead to damaged ceilings, wet insulation, mold growth, and costly repairs. While several roofing issues can allow water into a home, damaged or missing shingles are among the most common causes of roof leaks. Shingles protect the roof deck
When Is the Best Time to Replace Your Roof?
Knowing when to replace your roof can help you avoid leaks, water damage, and unexpected repair costs. While spring and fall are often ideal seasons for roof replacement, the best time to replace your roof is before aging materials, storm damage, or repeated leaks create bigger problems for your home.
What is the Most Common Roof Repair?
When homeowners think about roof repair, they often picture a major roofing problem. However, one of the most common reasons people call a roofing contractor is much simpler: a roof leak. Leaks can start with missing shingles, damaged flashing, worn pipe boots, storm damage, or other weak points in the
Warning Signs of Roof Failure
Look for…
- Shingles that curl on ends.
- Shingles that show signs of buckling
- Shingles that are missing altogether.
- Roof debris in gutters and yard.
- Excessive amounts of granules in your gutters.
- Frequent roof damage due to winds.
- Leaking at roof penetrations, vent pipes, and skylights.
- Signs of leaks at wall-ties and chimneys.
- Loose metal counter flashings at chimneys.
- Age of your roof is 20+ years old.
How to Hire a Contractor
A new roof is a big job and a big investment. That’s why we strongly recommend that you hire a professional roofing contractor who can offer proven experience, a written estimate and worry-free installation. To make sure you’re choosing the best, use this checklist before you sign a contract:
Does the contractor…
- Have a good reputation? Check for references and call a few of them. Check with Better Business Bureau or local Chamber of Commerce.
- Have adequate insurance coverage? Protect your home from accidental damage? Request a copy of their insurance certificates.
- Thoroughly inspect your roof? Including flashing chimney, soil stacks, other roof penetration, deck, plus attic?
- Provide a written estimate? Including an accurate description of the work to be performed.
- Explain the entire roof system? Your roof is a series of components that work together; you should know all about them.
- Explain reasons for tearing off versus nailing over the existing roof? Local codes determine the maximum number of roof-overs.
- Apply underlayment to the wood deck? Additional waterproofing underlayment might be needed if ice damming, wind-driven rain or collected or flowing water might be a problem.
- Apply shingles according to manufacturer’s specifications?
- Commit to supervise the job during all phases of work and inspect it completely when finished?
- Thoroughly clean up your roof and around your house when finished? Remove all surplus material?
- When asked, clearly explain both the workmanship and manufacturer’s warranty and what the warranty covers?
- Use quality roofing materials from well known and reputable manufacturers?
- Have a good credit rating?