Replacing an aging roof with a new one is one of the best things to do to ensure that your home’s main line of defense is in best shape, and is prepared to protect your property from any damage. However, there are plenty of questions that tend to come with new roof installation or repair. Here we have covered the most commonly asked questions, but if you don’t see the question that you wanted to ask, please contact us at (937) 907-0009, our roofing experts will be happy to assist you.
How will I know that a new roof is needed?
Typically roofs have a good lifespan. Older roofing shingles and wood shakes usually last for 15-30 years depending upon their quality and how well they were installed initially. However, you should keep an eye on the following warning signs:
- Curling, cracked or missing shingles
- Peeling or blistering paint
- Leakage in the attic after rain
- Increase energy bills
- Shingle, siding or sheathing decay
- Leakage in the chimney
- Wet spots in the plaster of your ceiling, crawling space or attic
Even if you don’t see any of the above but your roof is more than 12 years, we recommend that you call our roofing expert for an inspection so as to avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Does any of the visible roofing warning signs mean total roof replacement or even repair can resolve the issue?
That depends on how the installation was done initially or if roofing shingles have passed their prime. Roofing shingles in perfectly good shape can be repaired if damage has not affected their integrity. However, if your roofing shingles are decaying and aging, it’s economically better to replace the entire roof.
Similarly, if you see leaks, roof replacement is not necessary since leaks can be a result of flashings that may have come loose, lack of the proper ice and water shield, or a section of the roof being damaged which can be repaired. However, a complete roofing system failure due to an inadequate choice of materials or improper installation will need a replacement.
How much does a roof replacement cost?
There are several factors that go into determining the cost of the new roof. It largely depends upon the type of material you want to use, features that your roof needs, size, shape, and slope of your roof. We recommend that you use only quality roofing material so that it can be beneficial in the long run.
You can contact our specialists for a roofing estimate to get a fair idea.
Can I do some of the roof repair work on my own?
Most of the roofing work should not be done by you. The roofing contractors are trained and equipped to safely handle and accomplish repair or replacement work. You may damage your roof system further by using improper roofing techniques, moreover, it is highly unsafe.
Inspecting roof systems during the spring and fall seasons to check for curling or cracked shingles and cleaning gutters filled with debris and dead leaves is the only task that should be performed by homeowners. However, if you feel qualified to inspect your roof further then use a firmly tied-off or braced ladder with rubber safety feet. Besides that, wear only rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder.
If I decide to re-roof, what are the options that I have?
There are two options, either you can choose a complete replacement of the roof system that will involve a tear-off of existing roofing system or re-cover the existing roofing system, or only the installation of a new roof system.
However, if you already had one re-cover installed on the original roofing system then replacement of roof sheathing may be required. In most of the cases, the building code requirements do not allow more than one re-cover before a complete replacement is required.
One important thing to note here is that recover system last only about half as long as complete re-roofs. This is due to the fact that roof’s flashings are not replaced on recover applications.
What preparation do I need to do for the new roof installation?
In case you have decided to reroof your home, there are a few things you will have to do prior to making the whole process a little easier. The first step would be to remove all loose items from your shelves and walls such as- paintings, sculptures, frames, etc. Secondly, clear the driveway and the area around the walls of your house. This will give contractors space to move around and place their equipment.
How long does it take to install a new roof?
There are numerous factors that affect roof installation process such as weather or if there is a second layer to remove etc. The whole process can take a couple of days to two weeks since it is a labor-intensive work that involves careful planning and management. In case of bad weather, it may take more time.
Allegiant Roofing’s trained and experienced roofing contractors typically stay on schedule and coordinate effectively with vendors delivering sheeting and shingles to ensure completion of work on time.
What is the lifespan of the new roof?
Most of the new roof installed have a lifespan of 20-30 years, however, roofs made of clay, slate, metal, and concrete tiles can last a bit longer.
The local climatic and environmental conditions along with building and roofing design, quality of material used, installation, and adequate roof maintenance play a pivotal role in deciding the lifespan of the roof.
What is the best way to be proactive about the roof system?
Generally, the roofing problems are only discovered after serious damage has happened or there is visible leaking. Once a year inspections can help in discovering warped, cracked, or missing shingles or tiles, deteriorated flashings, loose seams, excessive surface granules accumulating in downspouts or gutters, and other visible signs of the roof system being compromised. You can also look for discolored plasterboard, cracked paint, peeling wallpaper as indoor signs of damaged roof areas. Besides that, look out for the trees growing close to your home, if the branches are gouging or scratching the roof when blown by the wind and the accumulation of debris and leaves can also retain moisture and lead to rotting.
Do I need to get gutters and downspouts replaced at the same time?
If your downspouts and gutters are in good shape then our roofing experts will work around them. To avoid any damage to them, we don’t remove and reinstall them once your roof is complete. However, if minor repair is needed we can do that for you.
Why does fungus or algae develop on roofs?
The fungus an algae growth can happen due to moisture on shingles and can stain or discolor the shingle. The stains can be reduced by using special zinc or copper granules.
Can wind-driven rain cause a problem to my roof system?
Yes, wind-driven rain can cause the sloped roof coverings to lift and shift. As a result, rain can easily slide under the roof covering and seep into unprotected roof deck causing leaks and damage inside the home.
How often should I clean the gutters?
Cleaning of gutters should be done at least once in summer and once in fall. However, the number of times you will have to clean gutters also depends on the location and type of trees around your house and the quality of the gutter system.
What is the best time to get roof inspections done?
Spring and fall are the best times for getting a roof inspection done. The inspection during the spring season will help in finding out the damages caused in the winter season. Similarly, during fall you can get the roof inspected to make it debris-free and completely prepared for winters.
However, roof inspection after a storm is also advisable as heavy rains, snow, and hails can leave the roof damaged that may need immediate repair.
Allegiant Roofing offers preventive roof maintenance service and emergency roof repair service.
Do you offer a warranty?
We have an enticing workmanship warranty policy. We ensure that the work is done with the highest precision as per the manufacturer guidelines.
What is the best time to replace attic ventilation?
Proper attic ventilation ensures the longevity of the roof system. The best time to upgrade or repair the ventilation in the attic is when you install a new roof. Experts at Allegiant Roofing can inspect your attic so as to give you best recommendation.
What is an ice dam?
Ice dam is caused due to the poor attic ventilation. Due to insufficient ventilation ice builds up on the roof that can cause interior leaks.
What is a fiber glass shingle?
This type of shingle is made on a mat or core of fiber glass enforcement.
What is a dimensional or architectural shingle?
These types of shingles have become very popular nowadays. These shingles are laminated or multi-layered unlike the strip or 3-tab shingles that have a single layer.
