Top 7 Roofing Questions Answered

Most people don't think about their roof until something goes wrong. But when something goes wrong or a new roof is needed, they have a lot of questions.

It isn't just that it's hard to find all the answers; it's also hard to know what questions to ask. In this article, we'll answer some of the most commonly asked questions that we hear homeowners ask us about roofing.

Fortis Roofing Systems loves the opportunity to educate homeowners about the their roofing system and the other options available to them.  We're going to do the same for you now.

Please note, that it's not possible to answer all of your questions.  So, we have put links in this article to other trusted roofing sources so that you can learn more about the issues that you need information about.

Now that that's out of the way, let's answer seven of the most-asked questions concerning roofing.

1. How do I know when my roof needs to be replaced?

Roofs aren't meant to be changed out very often. But if you know that it's time or almost time to replace your roof, you are lowering the chances of having a water leak and potentially damaging the interior portion of your home.

So, you shouldn't need to replace your roof until it's getting close to the end of its life. If your roof was put on correctly, your attic has enough ventilation, and your roof is taken care of properly over the years, your roof then stands a better chance of living up to it's full potential and lifespan.

The life of your roofing system really depends on the manufacturer, roof type and proper installation. Depending on the roof type you choose the lifespan could be 20 years, 30 years, 50 years, or even longer. If you aren't in the roofing business, it can be hard to tell when a roof is getting old, but there are signs that it's time to get a new one.

For example, let's look at an old asphalt roof. Here are some signs that your composition roof has potentially reached the end of its useful life:

• Curling or buckling shingles

• Loss of granules, which makes the shingles look bald.

• Missing shingles

• Roof sagging

• Your roof has moss on it

• Shingles that have blisters

If your asphalt roof has any of the above problems, it's probably time to replace it. Be aware that you might need to replace your roof sooner than you thought because of damage from a storm or an early roof failure caused by bad installation or using cheap roofing materials.

If you choose to hire a good and reputable roofing contractor, your roof should last as close as it can to as long as it can last. Don't forget to ask about your contractor's warranty and also ask if they register your roof system with the manufacturer. 

2. How do I find a reliable, honest and reputable roofing contractor?

As I stated earlier, if you hire a good roofing contractor, you should be able to get the most out of your roof. But the truth is that it can be hard to find a reliable roofing contractor.

That's why it's important to do your research and even talk to a few different companies. But you can make sure you're looking at the right companies by doing these few things.

Here are some tips that will help you find a trustworthy roofer:

They have a local address and a local phone number.

Ask for proof that they are registered with the City and insured in Texas.

Ask your friends and neighbors who they would recommend.

Check out the reviews from the last three months or ask your contractor for references if they don't have many online reviews.

They offer a warranty on the work that they perform.

These are just a few suggestions to help you get started. But the best way to make sure you hire a good roofing contractor is to talk to them and ask them the right questions.

3. What's the best material for my roof?

Aside from choosing a roofing contractor, the most important choice you'll have to make is what kind of roofing material you need, not neccessarily what you want. Some people try to find their favorite roof system based on looks, not functionality.

But in reality, you have to find the type that works best for you and your situation. When looking for the right roofing material, you need to think about how you want it to look, how much money you have, and how long you want it to last. Equally as important, what roofing system is going to best protect my home and family.

If you're on a budget and want a cheap roof, architectural asphalt shingles are probably your best bet. But impact resistant (IR) asphalt shingles are a great choice if your budget is flexible and you want a roof that lasts longer and provides more protection from impacts such as hailstones.

If money isn't an issue and you want a roof that stands out, you should get a standing seam metal roof, a stone coated steel roof or a tile roof.  Just know that these are top-of-the-line roof systems that most people can't afford.

4. How much does it cost to get a new roof?

This question has got to be the biggest question (and worry) that people have about getting a new roof. This is, of course, how much it costs to get a new roof.

Due to the many things that affect cost, it's hard to give you an exact price for your roof. But I can give you at least a general idea.

how much a new roof costs on average

On average, it costs about $15,000 to replace a roof.he price is based on a house with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a moderate to low sloped roof pitch and is typically an architectural asphalt shingle system.

Keep in mind that the material of your new roof has a big effect on how much it will cost. So, if you want to upgrade to a more expensive asphalt shingle, you may end up paying twice as much.

But when it comes to the most expensive roofs, the price difference is even bigger. Depending on which one you choose, the price could be anywhere between $500 and $900 per square.

5. How long will it take to get my roof replaced?

When a roof replacement is scheduled, most people want to know how long it will take to finish. Because every roof is different, I can't say for sure how long it will take.

Considering this, most asphalt roofs can be replaced in a single day. But the exact time depends on things like the size and complexity of the roof, how easy it is to get to, and the weather.

It also depends on the material you choose for your roof. Tile roofing systems for example, typically can take anywhere from 3 days to two weeks.

Installing a tile roof takes a lot longer because each piece is installed one by one. Putting on architectural asphalt shingles, which come in strips that are (about) 40" long can go much faster meaning less money for labor.  A roof replacement can also take longer if there is a lot of roof decking that needs to be changed out.

6. Do I get a warranty with my new roof?

You'll have two types of warranties to protect your investment after your roof is put on. The first warranty will cover how well the roofer you hire did his or her job. This warranty is called a labor or workmanship warranty.

The length of your workmanship warranty depends on the roofing contractor you hire, and it varies from company to company. They can b anywhere between1, 2, 5, 10, 25, or even a lifetime warranty.

If you are getting a full roof replacement or even a new roof on a newly built home, your roofing contractor at minimum should be offering you a 2 year labor / workmanship warranty. The only way a roofing contractor can stand by a warranty any longer than that, is if you don't allow anyone on your roof for any reason at all, or you don't suffer damages from a storm. Even at that rate every roof suffers from the heat and elements and sustain normal wear and tear. At Fortis Roofing Systems, our new roof installs and re-roofs are eligible to receive a Leak Free Certification. This certification is typically a minimum of 2 years and is transferrable and also guarantees that if your roof leaks during the "covered period", we will stop the leak and make minor repairs at no cost to you. This certificate is highly sought after when selling a home. We can also offer this certification on existing roofs also. We perform an inspection on the inside of your home, the attic and then the roof. If the home meets our criteria for a leak free certification, we will issue the certification. If there are repairs that need to be made prior to issuing a certification, we can make the repairs at a reasonable and fair cost, then issue the leak free certification. 

The second warranty is on the roofing materials themselves, and each type of roofing material has a different type of material warranty.

As an example, asphalt shingles come with a warranty from the company that made them. On the other hand, the paint that protects the metal panels on metal roofs is covered by it's own warranty.

Composition shingles come with a warranty that lasts for a certain number of years and then decreases. 

Both of these warranties are important to protect the investment you made in your roof. But if you hire a good roofer and buy good materials, you should be able to get the best warranties available.

7. Will my home insurance cover damage to my roof?

You have home insurance to protect your house which includes your roof system. Typically, the answer is yes, insurance will cover damages to your roofing system. But it's of the upmost importance to be familiar with your contract or policy documents. Damages are only covered when said damages are a direct result of a covered peril. And I want to use this opportunity to tell you that every policy holder MUST pay their contractually agreed upon deductible amount before insurance covers the cost to repair or replace your roof. Let me be clear here, NO reputable roofing contractor will agree to waive your deductible. This is insurance fraud and is an arrestable offense. And don't think it's just the roofer that can get held liable for this.

What kind of damages are typically covered by insurance?

For roof damage to be covered by insurance, it must be caused by something like a tornado or a hurricane. This includes the straight-line winds that happen during heavy thunderstorms, hail storms, snowstorms, and tornadoes.

It should also cover roof damage caused by tree branches that fall during storms or when there is a lot of wind. Depending on the kind of policy you have, your homeowner's insurance should pay to replace your roof if it gets damaged by any of the above.

Just know that your insurance adjuster and the insurance company have the last word on whether or not your claim will be paid. But if the damage comes from bad weather, your homeowner's insurance should pay for it.

So, that's the answer to the top 7 roofing questions. Don't forget that the links in this article give you more information on each subject.

If you read through the answers, you might find the answers to your big questions. But you might have more or know of one we didn't mention.

We have just what you need if that's the case. That is a free consultation. There is nothing more valuable than time. That's why we feel when you call us, we are obligated to provide you valuable information in a timely manner.
If you live in or around Weatherford, Texas, don't hesitate to get in touch with us about your roof needs today.

www.fortisroofing.com
817-576-8797