Most homeowners don’t think much about their roofs until something happens to them. Whether a big storm has blown through or you’ve just bought your home, you may have a few questions about your roof. Knowing more about your roof can help you keep it maintained so it keeps you and your family protected.
These five roofing questions are the most frequently asked and may provide the answers you need.
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1. How Long Can I Expect My Roof To Last?
Your roof’s lifespan will depend on the materials, the thickness of the shingles, and whether it was installed correctly. If you’ve just bought a home that wasn’t a brand new build, you will want to find out when its roof was installed. It could provide the key to knowing how long your roof will last.
In Florida, the stormy weather can take a toll on your roof. If the roof is made with traditional asphalt shingles, it may last 12 to 20 years. Roofs made with tile or slate can last for more than 50 years. Because of their durability, metal roofs are also becoming more popular and can last between 40 and 70 years.
2. What Signs Should I Watch for to Know If My Roof Has Problems?
If you’ve never been a homeowner before, you may not know when your roof is damaged. Some signs are more obvious than others, though the best way to keep tabs on the condition of your roof is to have it inspected.
Still, there are some things you’re bound to notice such as missing shingles. You may even find them on the ground around your home, or that some of them look like they’re about to fall off.
Take a look at your ceilings, especially the corners. If you see water stains, it’s a surefire sign you’ve got a leak. From the outside, you may see sagging in the roof, exposed nail heads, or lots of granules in your gutters.
3. What Does It Cost to Install a New Roof?
When you’re considering installing a new roof, the cost will depend on the size and shape of your roof plus materials and labor. Roofs are measured in squares where a square consists of 100 square feet.
If you have any skylights or a chimney, this will also affect the price of your new roof. There will also be disposal costs for removing the old roof. If you contact a local roofing company, they should be able to provide a free quote.
4. What Should I Do If My Roof Is Leaking?
Some homeowners are lucky and spot missing shingles before the next big rainfall. Others don’t know there’s a problem until they see a water stain on their ceiling. You’ll want to call a professional roofing company to assess the situation.
If your roof isn’t that old, it will likely only need a simple repair. The roofing company will need to take a look and determine what is causing the leak. If a more serious issue is found, which generally is the case on older roofs, you may need to prepare for a roof replacement.
5. How Do I Find Reliable Roofing Professionals to Repair or Replace My Roof?
The best way to find roofing professionals you can trust is to start locally. Ask your family and friends for referrals of who they have used before. If any of them has had roof repairs or a new roof installed, they will be able to tell you about their experience with the roofing contractor.
Once you make a list of potential roofers, you should contact each of them and confirm that they are licensed and insured. You can also Google this information and check for their scores with the Better Business Bureau.
In Florida, roofers often have a bad reputation due to a few unscrupulous people posing as professionals. By checking the background of the company, you’ll be able to avoid a scam.
A reliable roofing company will be happy to share references and show their completed projects. They won’t pressure you into making a deposit or paying in cash. Additionally, they will likely have a roofing warranty to cover you after they complete the work. Getting the details on the warranty can help you make the right decision.
Whether you need roofing repairs or need to have the whole roof replaced, knowing more about your roof will help you figure out what steps to take next.
