Roofing FAQs

Fequently Asked Questions for Advanced Roofing

When is it Time to Replace my Roof?

Knowing when to replace a roof is one of our most popular questions. There are several key signs that indicate roof replacement is in order, such as:

1. Bucking and curling shingles. Bucked shingles occur when moisture in the attic space causes nails to push out of place and loosen the shingle. This compromises the shingles’ performance and exposes the roof to the elements, which can result in leaks and even more moisture damage.
2. Algae growth. Bacteria from algae eat through the shingles, especially if they are low-cost shingles that are made primarily of limestone. According to the Department of Energy, cool roofs are more susceptible to algae formation, although any roof color can experience algae growth.
3. Missing granules. Asphalt roofing shingles are made up of small granules. When these granules come loose, it can impact the shingles’ performance. You can locate missing granulates by looking for fragments in the gutter system.
4. Missing shingles. Professional roofing contractors are highly skilled at roofing installation and keeping shingles in place. However, these can blow away in the wind or become loose as they age. Missing shingles can allow rainwater into the home.
5. Mold in the attic. This is one of the most concerning aspects of roof replacement. Mold forms in areas such as the rafter beams and the plywood on the underside of the roof.

Should I Replace the Shingles or the Entire Roofing System?

A roof consists of much more than a layer of shingles. Replacing the entire system, which includes the materials below, is the best route for enhancing the roof’s performance:

Leak barrier protection Creates a seal to block water from vulnerable areas of the roof such as the valleys and chimneys.

Synthetic roof deck protection: Provides a second layer of protection to defend against roof rot.
Starter strip shingles: Prevents shingles from blowing off the roof.

Lifetime shingles: Top-of-the-line shingles that are designed to last a lifetime and provide the best value. High-quality asphalt roofing can yield a return on investment of 65.8%.

Ventilation: Ventilation is essential to the health of a roofing system. Without adequate airflow, energy bills can skyrocket and roof shingles can become damaged during hot weather.

Should I Replace my Roof If It’s Not Leaking?

Your roof doesn’t need to start leaking to show it needs replacing. Other problems can cause worrying, resulting in a roof replacement. It is better to replace the roof if there is extensive damage.

For example, if the roof starts sagging or has a few shingles missing, it could be time to replace it. The shingles protect your decking and gutter from harsh weather elements, like wind and humidity. If yours are missing, your roof is exposed to more damage, eventually leading to making a replacement.

My roof leaks. Do I need to have it replaced completely?

Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.

Will a New Roof Lower my Energy Bills?

If your roof is old and underperforming, roof replacement can help lower energy bills. It’s ideal that the attic remains close to the outside temperature, but overheating during the summer is a sign of inadequate ventilation. This can directly cause the HVAC to work in overdrive. A new roof lowers energy bills with ventilation and sound materials that prevent excess drafts and water leaks.

Why is venting of a roof so important?

Good ventilation creates a cooler attic in the summer
An overheated attic, combined with moisture, can be damaging to roof sheathing and roof shingles, causing them to age and deteriorate prematurelyGood ventilation creates a drier attic in the winter and helps prevent ice dams
Good ventilation serves two main functions:
Moves hot air next to the roof deck out of the attic in the summer
Dilutes and removes the moist air in the winter before it can cause damage

Should I replace my roof before I list my home?

According to Better Homes and Gardens, a whopping 40 percent of a home’s curb appeal is due to the condition and aesthetic of the roof. When selling your home, if your roof is in bad shape or in need of major repairs or a replacement, you may have a lot of trouble getting people to bid on your home.

A lot of buyers these days are on a budget, and don’t want to spend money on major repairs after they just bought a house. Replacing your roof before you sell can help you get ahead of trouble while still recouping most, if not all, of the costs when you sell.

Is metal roofing a better long-term value than shingles?

While the upfront costs of installing a metal roof are often higher than shingles, a metal roof lasts longer and will be replaced or repaired far less frequently. A typical shingle roof lasts anywhere from 12 to 20 years, depending upon how well it’s maintained and weather elements it may encounter. Metal roofs, on the other hand, can last between 40 and 60 years while also requiring less maintenance, making them a more cost-effective choice over the lifespan of the roof.

Are metal roofs noisy when it rains?

While it may be true that metal roofs on buildings like garages and pole barns intensify the sound of falling rain, this is primarily caused by the lack of a roof deck, insulation, and underlayment. On a residential home, layers of building materials between the metal roof and the living area reduce the noise significantly, making metal roofs as quiet as any other roofing material when it rains.

Are metal roofs energy efficient?

Metal roofing is an energy efficient, environmentally friendly roofing material that offers cost savings and a long lifespan. Metal roofing actually reflects much of the sun’s heat and energy. While conventional shingles absorb much of the sun’s heat, metal roofing can actually reduce cooling energy costs by as much as 20%.

Should I Repair or Replace the Roof?

Full replacement becomes necessary when over 25 percent of the roof is flawed. Or, a full replacement is ideal when managers want to utilize the latest technological developments in roofing systems and want a long-term solution.

Recover an existing roof if good insulation is in place. Recovering the roof is far less expensive than a full replacement. It is important to note that recovering a roof can only be done once. Keeping costs low leads to repairing the roof. Minor repairs extend the life of the roof. Coat the roof system to protect it from leaks. Save energy with reflective coatings that reflect UV rays away from the building.

What Are the Most Common Roofing Problems?

Water Damage – When you notice that the ceilings and walls inside of your home have dark spots this is a sign of extra moisture. The roof has become too weak to repel water during a rainstorm. This leads to leaking problems, which can damage the inside of your home.

Gutters – Sometimes a gutter that has been installed wrong will drench the roof with water, causing damage in places where the water is most prevalent. It is important that all gutters are installed with a “drip metal” to ensure water is captured appropriately.

Natural Debris – Nearby trees can lose branches, leaves and twigs, which tend to collect on top of the roof. This debris causes water to pool in certain spot because it cannot freely flow off the roof. Moss growth leads to deterioration of shingle sealant. It is important to treat your roof at least every two to three years. This will lengthen the life of your roof.

Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare for New Roof Installation?

If you do need to replace your roof, there are a few small steps you can take for a smooth process. First, remove loose items from your walls and shelves. Hammering up on your roof can sometimes cause enough vibration to make unsecured items fall. Clear your driveway as much as possible and the areas around your home. There is a chance roofing materials could fall into the driveway.

Your contractor will also appreciate the extra space for work vehicles and equipment. Sometimes we can complete new roofing jobs the very same day for minimal interruption to your life. A quality roofing contractor will take care of the rest – you just have to sit back and enjoy your brand new roof.

How do I know which type of roof is the best choice for my home?

Each home is different, just like the needs of the homeowners. Your roofing company can help you choose the best roofing material and roof style for your home, budget, and unique wishes.

What happens if someone gets hurt while working on my roof?

When you hire legitimate roofing contractors with the correct license, liability coverage and workers’ compensation insurance, you won’t have to worry. Workers’ compensation insurance covers every employee of the company in the case of accident or injury. You will not be held responsible for damages.

What is the best weather for roof replacement?

It depends where you live. In some states, winters are warm and perfect for the roofing technicians to work on replacement. Try to avoid winter, rain, winds and storms while planning your replacement. Excessive heat can also be dangerous. So, in general spring and mid fall are the best seasons.