Most Common Roofing Questions

Roofs can be an easy part of your home to forget about — until something goes wrong. When something does happen to your roof, it can be challenging to find adequate information on a solution that is affordable for you. That’s why Gustafson Roofing is here to answer some questions we hear the most from our customers. In addition to our top-quality roofing service, Gustafson Roofing acts as a resource for you, and we take pride in answering any roof-related concerns you may have.

How Long Can I Expect My Roof to Last?

Naturally, there are factors which can lengthen or shorten the life of your roof. However, if you have an asphalt roof, you can expect that to last approximately 20 years and with a metal roof even longer. With that said, factors such as climate, extreme weather, and maintenance can affect the lifespan of your roof. Living in an area that gets high winds, your roof might take a bit more wear and tear that is standard. Although, roofs that are regularly inspected, and washed can be expected to last longer.

What Will a New Roof Cost me?

This is always a tough question because everyone’s home will be different. The best way to get a fair estimate is to call a local trusted roofing professional. Most reputable roofers will offer a quote at no cost, and with no obligation. It’s important to understand every aspect of your home like shape, size, and location. All these factors will affect the price of your new roof, as well as, the materials you choose.

Can My Roof Be Insured?

Fortunately, in most cases, your roof is protected from major unexpected damage like vandalism or fire. In terms of minor issues, like cracking or curling shingles, most roofs come with a warranty. Typically, a roofer’s warranty for the labor lasts about 5 years.

Every roofer provides different warranties, and different roofing materials come with varying warranties of manufacturer protecting them from damage. It’s always a good idea to take a few bids from multiple roofers and materials to see what warranties they’re offering, and which one is best for you.

My Roof is Leaking, Does It Need to Be Completely Replaced?

One or two leaks is not a significant issue. Therefore, if you call a roofing professional and get the leaks fixed once you notice the problem, your roof will most likely be fine. If you have more than a couple of leaks, you may be looking at some expensive repairs.

Additionally, if you wait to get your leaks fixed, then water will be able to seep under your shingles and begin to rot away your roof deck. When this happens, there’s usually no other solution besides getting your roof replaced. It’s imperative to make sure you reach out to a roofing professional at the first sign of a leak to avoid a total roof replacement.

Do I have Options When It Comes to Re-roofing?

If your roof is older or has seen some damage, you can feel confident that you do have options when it comes to re-roofing. If your home has only had one roof, then you will have the opportunity to install another roof over the existing one. Re-roofing also saves you time and money. Also, if your older roof is still in decent condition, then you can still re-roof over it.

When you install a new roof over an existing one, you can opt for another asphalt shingle roof, or go with a lighter metal roof. Both options will have their benefits, but a metal roof will put less weight on the structure of your home and will last longer. When you’re considering re-roofing, you should always talk to an experienced roofing professional to see what the best option is for your home and budget.

How Can I Spot a Failing Roof?

When you’re determining how good your roof is, the first thing you should take notice of is its age. This will be your best measurement to get ahead of the damage that goes along with an aging roof. However, younger roofs can develop problems as well; which is why you should inspect your roof once a year. Inspection is easy since you can do it from the ground with a good pair of binoculars. Look for shingles that are curling, areas where they’ve cracked or gone missing, or shingles that are missing the granules on top.

Furthermore, you might consider heading up to your attic on a sunny Florida day to check the holes where light is shining through the underside of your roof. Problem spots tend to show near the chimney and stacks vents. If your roof is beginning to fail, you’ll notice the sunlight peeking through, indicating that your roof could use some maintenance. Also, while you’re up there, be sure to check for wet spots in the ceiling. If you see anything suspicious, call a roofing professional. Water damage that has seeped to the attic can pose a severe problem.

Roofing doesn’t have to be a mystery, make sure you’re inspecting your roof consistently and paying attention to its age. Checking on your roof will allow you to catch any minor issues before they become significant problems. If you have any other concerns, contact the professionals at Gustafson Roofing. Our trained professionals are here to help you gain peace of mind when it comes to your roof. We will also give you a free quote regarding your roof damage.