Answering Your Questions About Roof Replacement
Unless you’re a roofing contractor or are experienced in roof replacement, you probably don’t have a strong working knowledge of roofing systems. If you’re not sure if you really need a roofing replacement, a roofing contractor can do a thorough evaluation and assessment of your roof. Roof replacement contractors can also answer any questions you have about the condition and lifespan of your home’s roofing system. Here are answers to some of the most common questions roofing contractors get about roof replacement:
How Should I Decide Between Roof Repair & Roof Replacement?
When you contact a roofing contractor for an assessment, they will evaluate the condition of your roof to look for signs of damage. When they have completed a thorough inspection, they will make a recommendation for roof repair or roof replacement. There are times when it is actually more cost-effective to pay for roof replacement rather than invest in repeated roofing repairs. Your roof replacement contractor will consider these factors:
- Age of the roof
- Extent of damage to the roof
- Type of roof and roofing materials
- Where the damage is located
- Whether the structural integrity of the roof is intact
- How well the roof has been maintained over the years
- Your regional weather and climate
- Your future plans for your home
- How much roof repairs will cost and how often you’ll need them in the future
How Can I Find a Qualified Roof Replacement Contractor?
If you’re looking for a roofing contractor, you can start by asking trusted friends and family for recommendations. You can also ask any other type of construction or home improvement contractor if they can recommend a good roof replacement contractor. Once you have a few names, you should research them online. Evaluate their customer reviews and testimonials. Take a look at their prices and services. Review their qualifications and experience, and see if they have an online portfolio of completed roofing projects. Next, look them up on your state’s registrar of contractors database to make sure their license is valid and current, and they don’t have any complaints or violations on file. You can also look them up on the Better Business Bureau website as well as Yelp and Google reviews. Finally, meet with them in person and see how trustworthy and knowledgeable they seem. Ask them for references. If you hire them, make sure you get a contract in writing with terms, a timeline, and cost.
How Will a Roofing Contractor Evaluate My Roof?
When you contact a roofing contractor for an evaluation and estimate for roof repairs or roof replacement, they will do a thorough inspection of your roof. They will inspect your roof panels, membranes, flashing, shingles or tiles, eaves, fascia, soffits, and gutters for any signs of damage. They will make note of the surface condition of your roof, as well as inspecting the interior walls and ceiling of your attic or upper floor for signs of damage. They will check for warning signs of pest or animal infestations, as well as mold or mildew growth. They will look for signs of water damage: pooling water, water stains and discoloration, wet spots, rust and corrosion, rotting wood, musty odors, increased humidity, condensation, cracks, peeling paint and plaster, blistering, and sagging roofs or ceilings. They will also evaluate and assess the underlayment of your roof and your roofing ventilation system.
Does Roof Washing Really Help Maintain My Roof?
Yes, routine roof washing services can help maintain your roof. You should schedule roof washing every three to five years, if you see visible signs of debris, or after prolonged periods of heavy storms and/or wind. Roof washing removes years of built up dirt, grime, organic material, contaminants, and other debris that could eventually damage your roof. Roof washing services also clean out your gutters and soffits, which improves roof drainage and ventilation. You can extend the lifespan of your roof, reduce your risk of roof damage, and lower your need for roof maintenance and roof repairs by scheduling roof washing services.
What Other Roof Maintenance Services Do I Need?
In addition to roof washing services, you should keep up with other roof maintenance services that will protect your roof from damage. You can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof if you keep up with roof maintenance. Walk around your home every few months or after heavy storms and do a visual inspection of your gutters, soffits, fascia, flashing, and eaves. Look for signs of black streaks down your roof or siding. Check for shingle damage, missing roof tiles or panels, worn spots, loose flashing, cracking or peeling, blistering, water damage, pest or insect activity, signs of moss or mold, and missing nails or roof fasteners. You should clean your gutters out every few months or after heavy storms. Watch for signs of water pooling on your roof, under your gutters, around your home’s foundation, or in your yard. Check regularly on your walls, ceilings, and floors for signs of water damage.
How Long Do Roofing Systems Last?
The lifespan of your roofing system depends on a number of factors: the type of roof, roofing materials, whether it was installed correctly, what maintenance and roof repairs it has undergone, and your regional temperature and weather. When your new roof is installed, your roof replacement contractor should be able to tell you what the expected lifespan is. They should also be able to give you tips on how to extend your roof’s lifespan with proper care and maintenance. Here’s a general look at the lifespan of different roofing systems:
- Three-tab shingles: 15-20 years
- Architectural shingles: 20-30 years
- Luxury shingles: 20-30 years
- Metal roofing: 20-25 years
- Slate tiles: 50 years
- Clay tiles: 50 years
- Concrete tiles: 50 years
- Rolled roofing: 5-15 years
- Membrane roofing: 40 years
- Built-up roofing: 20-30 years
Do You Have More Questions About Roof Replacement near Bel Air,Maryland?
If you have more questions about roof replacement near Bel Air, Maryland that weren’t answered here, contact our roofing contractors at Harford Roofing & Exteriors. We have decades of experience as roof replacement contractors, and we pride ourselves on operating with honesty and integrity. We will always be upfront and transparent about our roofing services. To ask a question or schedule an onsite assessment of your roofing, call us today at (443) 292-6020 or contact us online.