Roofing 101 FAQ
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT RESIDENTIAL ROOFING:
What will a new roof system cost?
The price of a new roof varies, depending on the materials selected, the home or building, location of the home or building, local labor rates, and the current time of year. Keep in mind that price is only a single factor, and the quality of the materials and workmanship must be taken into account. For each roofing material, there are different grades and corresponding prices as well as a variety of styles and shapes. You should look at the full product range and make a choice based on both your budget and needs.
Couldn’t I just repair the leak to my roof myself?
It’s vitally important to the health of your home that the installation is performed by experienced installers within the roofing industry. A professional Louisville roofing contractor is trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace your roof. By using improper roofing techniques, you’re very likely to damage your roof system or severely injure yourself.
COMMON ROOFING QUESTIONS: AFTER INSTALL
There are a few very common roofing questions that come up after every new roof install. Let Kevin and his team of roofing experts at Unisource Roofing answer your roofing FAQ questions and put your mind at rest. There are always questions about the roofing shingles, the condition of the roof deck, and eaves and overhangs.
How can a homeowner recognize when a roofing system has problems?
Usually, roof problems are discovered only after serious problems. Having your roof inspected twice a year can uncover cracked, warped, or missing shingles, loose seams, and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system problems. Inside your home, you should look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas. If you have a roofing question, always turn to your trusted Louisville roofer, Unisource Roofing.
How long can I expect my roof system to last?
A variety of warranties on different roof materials. The actual life span of your roof is determined by a number of factors, including local climate and environment, proper building and roof system design, material quality and suitability, proper application, and adequate roof maintenance. Call Unisource Roofing your trusted, local Louisville roofing contractor for all the FAQ and answers.
We haven’t had any leaks. Does that mean I don’t need a roofing contractor?
Just because you’ve not seen any leaks doesn’t mean that your roof isn’t in need of some care and attention. Below are some factors that can affect the life and performance of your roof and also potentially affect what’s under it.
Sun: The sun’s heat and ultraviolet rays cause the materials of your roof to deteriorate over time. This deterioration often occurs much faster on the sides facing west or south.
Rain: When rainwater gets under roofing materials like shingles or shakes, it can work its way to the roof deck, causing the roof structure to rot. This extra moisture not only affects your roof but can cause mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including your walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical systems.
Wind: The edges of shingles or other roofing materials can be lifted by strong winds and water and debris will be forced underneath. These winds can cause extensive damage to your roof.
Snow and ice: Snow that has melted often refreezes at your roof’s overhang, given that the surface is cooler. This causes an ice dam and blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Water will back up under the roof and seep into the interior. When snow and ice first begin to melt, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or in some cases, torn off a house or building.
Condensation: Resulting from warm, humid air, condensation can do major damage. Poorly ventilated attics with moisture promotes wood decay of sheathing and rafters, which can wreak havoc on a roof structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate problems by making the attic air temperature closer to the outside air temperature.
Moss and Algae: Moss can often be found growing on moist wood shingles and shakes. Once it’s there, moss holds even more moisture to your roof’s surface, resulting in rot. Moss roots can also work their way into a wood deck and structure. Algae can also grow in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Not only does it cause an unattractive black-green stain, but algae can also retain moisture, causing further rot and deterioration. You should trim your trees and bushes away from your home to eliminate damp, shaded areas. Gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage.
Trees and leaves: When blown by the wind, tree branches near your roof can scrape and puncture your roof. Leaves sitting on your roof maintain moisture and cause rot, while leaves in the gutters block drainage.
Missing or torn shingles: The point of a roof is to offer complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible, as surrounding shingles are likely to fall off.
Shingle deterioration: When shingles are past their prime, they curl, split, are no longer waterproof, and are easily blown off, torn, or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof only worsens with time—it should be replaced as soon as possible.
Flashing deterioration: Many roof leaks are actually flashing leaks. Without quality, secure flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall/roof junctions, water will enter a home or building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a biannual roof inspection and gutter cleaning.
FAQ: The Shingles
In Louisville, we typically get the same questions after a new roofing project. This information is to help aid you in understanding what is going on with your new roof after the roofing company completes the installation process. After your roofer completes the installation of your new roof, he should walk you around the house and point out anything that might lead to a question.
My shingles do not lay flat on my entire roof
Some of the hip and ridge shingles look lifted up
What condition was my decking in
Did you clean up all the loose nails?
I see something shiny at the top of my roof when on a sunny day
Do I need to do any maintenance on my roof after the installation?
FAQ: The Answers
It is very common for some shingles not to lay flat immediately after your roofer completes your new roof install. Your new shingles will need to thermal seal to lay down nice and flat and give a good watertight seal to stop any potential roof leaks. Unisource Roofing utilizes Owens Corning shingles and one product in particular called Tru Def Duration shingles which lay down much better than other brands of roofing shingles. The hip and ridge shingles are no different as far as laying down flat after the new roofing project. The hip and ridge shingles will also need to thermal seal. Hopefully, during your roofing project, you will be around some so your roofer can point out things as they go but if not, pictures will ease your mind about the condition of your deck. It is very important to remove the old felt and inspect the decking on your roof to ensure your roofing company is not nailing into rotten wood. Ask for pictures of any rotten decking with a count of how many sheets of decking were replaced. Your roofer should run magnets through your yard after the install along with your driveway. Picking up loose debris and running magnets thoroughly is all you can do. Even after a good roofing crew cleans up good there is always a chance some nails will be missed, there is no way to ensure every nail gets cleaned up. Sometimes at the top of your roof, you will see something that looks shiny on a very sunny day. This will most likely be your new ridge vent, the newer modern Owens Corning ridge vent called VentSure has a lower profile than in past years it can still have a shiny edge on really bright days.
Maintenance
You should always call your local trusted roofer at least every five years for a roof inspection and to make sure your seals are all in good shape. Roof flashings, pipe boots, and sealants need to be checked periodically for dry rot. Trust Unisource Roofing for all your FAQ questions before or after new roof installation.
