by | Jun 15, 2017

Common Roofing Questions

A solid roof over your head is one of the most important parts of maintaining your homes’ integrity and value. Taking care of your roof should be a top priority. With that said, if you’re coming at this subject with no previous roofing knowledge, you may have questions about where to start and how to make the right decisions for your home.

Take a look below for 8 frequently asked roofing questions that every homeowner should know the answer to before they repair or re-roof their home.

 

How Do I Tell If My Roof Needs To Be Replaced?

Too often, roofing issues are discovered after a leak or other serious damage has already occurred. At that point, making a fix can be much more of a hassle. Sometimes, if the issue has progressed too far, an entire roof replacement will be necessary.

Aim to do twice-a-year roof inspections to keep an eye out for any potential symptoms of a roof issue. Here are some tell tale signs to watch out for:

  • Cracked, decaying, or missing shingles
  • Loose seams and deteriorated flashings
  • Loss of the asphalt granulation (look for pieces accumulating in the gutters)
  • Cracked or discolored interior drywall and peeling wallpaper
  • Evidence of leaking on your ceilings

If you aren’t sure whether or not you roof needs some extra attention or maybe even a complete facelift, contact a trusted roofing contractor. Having an expert set of eyes on things will be a big help.

 

Does My Roof Need To Be Fully Replaced, Or Just Repaired?

Now that you know your roof is in need of help, you may wonder just how much renovation will be necessary. If your roof is very old and is constantly experiencing issues, then a roof replacement may be your best option. However, if you’re experiencing an isolated incident, maybe a simple repair will suffice.

A leaking roof, for example, can be the result of damaged flashings, which are the thin pieces of material designed to prevent water from entering your home. Whereas, a roof that’s over 15-20 years old and hasn’t been maintained will almost always need to be replaced.

The only way to determine what type of roofing service is necessary is to contact a roofing contractor. At Cutting Edge Roofers, we provide free estimates and will do your best to get the most out of your roof and save you money.

 

Will I Have To Replace Gutters At The Same Time?

The answer to this question depends on the condition of your gutters and downspouts. If both are in good shape, a good roofing contractor should be able to work around them or carefully remove and reinstall them once your roof repairs are complete.

If you’re replacing an old roof, your gutters may need some attention as well. Your roofing contractor will talk to you about this during your initial consultation. They’ll give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your gutters.

 

How Much Will It Cost To Replace Or Fix My Roof?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The fact is, your home’s roof is an investment. Remember that quality roofing materials and contractor workmanship can add value to your home and help your roof last longer. Opting for a cheap and quick fix will likely cost you more in the long run.

Several factors go into determining the cost of your new roof or roofing repair, including the following:

  • The quality of your roofing contractor
  • Size of your roof or the roof area that needs repair
  • Shape and slope of your roofline
  • Type and grade of roofing shingles used

 

Do I Need A Permit To Replace My Roof?

The answer to this question in both Washington and Oregon is always yes. Beware of any contractors that tell you otherwise. You should never install a new roof without a permit.

When you work with a roofing contractor, part of their job is to insure that your new roof meets local building codes. Your contractor should also have all necessary permits in hand before installing your roof.

 

Can I Install A Roof By Myself?

You have a knack for construction and are looking to save some money, so installing a roof by yourself seems like an easy choice, right? Wrong.

Roof repairs or installations are best left to professionals who know exactly what they’re doing. There’s no room for mistakes in a roofing project–especially when the consequences are so high.

Using improper roofing techniques can not only damage your roof system, it can also lead to severe injury. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair and replace roofs.

 

How Do I Choose The Right Roofing Contractor?

Finding a roofing contractor that you trust is important–but it can seem overwhelming.

There are so many options out there. So the question remains: how do you choose a roofing contractor?

Start by asking your contractor for references, then find out if they’ve had any complaints. Look at their reviews from past clients and ask who you’ll be working with. Your contractor should be licensed, bonded, and insured. Make sure their roofing crews have liability and workers compensation insurance.

You’ll also want to ask about the type of roofing products the contractor uses and if their products and labor are covered by warranty. Ask a lot of questions during your initial consultation and you’ll be able to get a read as to whether or not the contractor is running a reputable business.

 

How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof?

You may be wondering how big of a time commitment a roof repair or replacement will be. Will this project be done by the time those out of town guests are scheduled to arrive? What about all those BBQ’s you wanted to hold this summer–are those off the table now?

Of course, as with every construction project, there are variables that come into play. Typically, though, your new roof shouldn’t take more than 3 or 4 days to install. And that includes everything from removing the old roof to clean up afterwards.

When receiving a roofing replacement or repair quote, talk to the contractor about the timeline. A good roofing company will be able to give you an accurate estimate for how long the project will take.

 

Did We Answer All Your Roofing Questions?

Replacing your roof is a big decision. Understanding all your options and everything that goes into a roof replacement is important. Not only will this knowledge give you peace of mind throughout the project, it will help you make the right choices for you and your home.

If you have questions about fixing or replacing your roof, contact us here at Cutting Edge Contracting. We have over 20 years of local roofing experience in the Vancouver, WA area and would love to answer all of your questions.

When you partner with us, you’ll have a team of roofing experts at your disposal who take pride in doing the job right and always use the best tools and materials for your home. We always openly communicate with our clients throughout each phase of a roofing project and are committed to your 100% satisfaction.

Contact us today by calling (360) 433-2803 to receive a free in-home estimate and quote for your roofing project.

Sean Kelly

About the author: Sean Kelly

Sean Kelly is the COO & President of Cutting Edge Contracting. His background in business, accounting, and the construction industry helped him become the award-winning manager of a nationally-known paint company before joining Cutting Edge.

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