Have Roofing Questions?

There are many different factors that go into the total cost of putting a new roof on your home, including the size/shape of your roof and the type, brand, and grade of the material that you choose. Cost is an important consideration for any homeowner that needs to invest in a roof replacement, but it shouldn’t be the only reason for choosing a roofing contractor. With roofing, you often get what you pay for, and investing more immediately in a high-quality system can save you thousands in the long run.

The average lifespan of a standard asphalt roofing system is about 20 years, while metal roofing can last 40+ years. However, the local climate, roof design, material quality, and proper installation and maintenance all play a role in the long-term strength of your roofing system. To protect your investment, look for contractors that install products protected by manufacturer warranties—which can give you peace of mind knowing that your new roof will be covered if it doesn’t reach its expected lifespan.

Installing a new roof is a significant investment, but putting the money into a high-quality roof can reduce the total annual cost of the project. To calculate the annual cost of your roof, use the following formula:

Total Cost (Materials and Labor) ÷ Life Expectancy of Roof System (in Years) = Annual Roofing Cost.

With this formula, investing in a more expensive roof that is expertly installed with a longer life expectancy will equate to a lower annual cost and a much higher value in the long run.

Every home needs a roof, which means that there are probably going to be many different options for roofing contractors near you. Choosing the right contractor can make or break the results of your project, and the roofing industry is heavily based on personal referrals. Take the time to research the reviews and testimonials from each contractor's past customers, as well as their professional affiliations, awards, certifications, and licensure. It is also wise to get multiple quotes from several roofing companies so you can compare the cost, materials, and value that they offer.

Typically, a roofing project can be completed within three to four days, but there are many factors that can affect the time that it takes to replace your current roof system. The entire process is labor-intensive, from stripping off old shingles and making repairs to installing the new roofing materials. The size and condition of your roof, the type of roof you are having installed, and weather conditions can affect the overall timeframe of your roof replacement.

The type of roof that you choose for your home is generally based on aesthetic appeal, cost, existing home structure, and durability. As a style element, you want your roof to blend well with the exterior of your home and its architecture, while functionally your roof needs to be able to withstand the demands of your local climate. There are many different options for new roofs, including metal, asphalt shingle, shake, slate, and clay tiles, and a reputable contractor will be able to help you narrow down the choices to determine which system would work best for your property.

Roofing day tends to start early with a frenzy of activity. You can expect your roofing team to arrive early in the morning on roofing day to take advantage of all possible daylight, and they will begin by securing tarps and protective coverings over your exterior and landscaping. Although the roofing process can be somewhat noisy and messy, a reputable contractor will work with you before the big day arrives to ensure that the entire process runs smoothly and with the least amount of disruption to your day.

Once set-up is complete, the process of removing your old roof will begin. The stripped roofing material will be thrown down to the protective tarps and cleaned up by the crew. After the old roof has been completely removed, any repairs or structural concerns will be addressed. From there, your new roof will be installed, and your project will be ready for a final inspection and your signature of approval!

There are several parts that make up a standard home roof, and understanding the key components of a roofing system can give you the information you need to make wise decisions during the replacement process. A few of the roof parts that you should be familiar with when getting ready for a roofing project include:

• Decking: This is the surface of the roof where roofing materials are applied, typically consisting of plywood.
• Fascia: The fascia is the flat board, band, or facing that is located at the outer edge of the cornice.
• Underlayment:  This sheet of material, which is typically asphalt-saturated, serves as a secondary layer of protection for the roof decking.
• Flashing: Pieces of metal flashing are used around intersections and projections on a roof system to prevent water leaks and seepage.
• Soffit: This refers to the exposed undersurface of overhanging sections of the roof eave.

Preventing roof damage is always preferable to being stuck with the high cost of a replacement, but recognizing small issues before they become a major problem is essential. Instead of waiting for a water leak or signs of decay, be proactive in having your home roof regularly inspected. Twice-a-year inspections by a knowledgeable contractor can identify any issues related to your roofing system both inside and outside your home—potentially saving you a lot of expense by avoiding a complete roof failure.

Signs of water leaks or roof damage may seem like an expensive disaster for homeowners, but that isn’t always necessarily the case. Often, loose flashing can result in water seepage within the home, and some forms of roof damage can be cost-effectively repaired—extending the lifespan of your system. Whether you need a repair or replacement depends on the results of a roof inspection, where the age, condition, material, and installation of your current roof is evaluated.

In warm, humid climates, algae and moss are a common problem on the roofs of local properties. While blue-green algae and moss growth don’t necessarily harm your roof, it can seriously detract from curb appeal—making it important that you get rid of it quickly.

To most effectively clean your roof of moss and algae, use a 50:50 mix of water and laundry-strength liquid chlorine bleach. Alternatively, there are premade roof cleaners available on the market. Spray this mix on the roof surface, allow it to sit for up to 20 minutes, and rinse it off with low-pressure water. Do NOT use a pressure washer for this process, as this can remove shingle granules and lead to premature roof failure. It is also important to protect your landscaping with tarps during cleaning to avoid contact with chemical runoff.

Cleaning algae and moss off of your roof can be risky, stressful, and time-consuming, which is why preventing it from growing in the first place is always the ideal solution! For long-term protection if you are facing a roof replacement, consider investing in asphalt shingles with algae-resistant copper granules that resist unsightly algae growth. If you still have several good years on your current roof system, you can reduce the hassle of moss- and algae-covered roof surfaces by:

• Trimming back tree branches around your roof to allow for increased sunlight and less organic debris accumulation.
• Regularly clearing off leaves and debris from your roof with a leaf blower or other low-pressure method.
• Cleaning your home’s gutters as part of your regular roof maintenance to promote adequate water drainage.
• Adding copper or zinc flashing to your roof to create an alkaline environment that naturally repels moss and algae growth.