ROOFING FAQ’S: ANSWERS TO POPULAR QUESTIONS
If you don’t see your question answered below, please either give us a call or simply fill out our Contact Us form. We will be happy to answer any questions you have.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Name one thing which makes Roofing Staff Remodeling Inc better than any other roofing company:
One of our tag lines is “We bring the roof to you”. We don’t just inspect your roof, fill out a form and TELL you what is wrong. We go up, take photos and SHOW you what issues you may have. It’s a big plus to all of our customers so far. They love the fact that they can see what is going on without having to get up on the roof themselves.
How do I know my roof needs replaced?
There are several things to look for: stains on your ceiling, leaks, age, missing shingles, and curling of the shingles.
How long do roofs last?
Between 20 and 30 years depending on the shingle, weather, and whether or not it is properly maintained.
Can my roof be repaired? Yes, in most cases.
Why do I need roof top vents?
To have proper ventilation in your attic your need soffit vents and roof vents. The soffit acts as the intake, the roof vents are the exhaust. Without proper vents the shingle warranty from the manufactures is void, therefore we will determine if you have enough or if more venting is needed. Many homes have none per the builders, just a way to cut cost to them, but we can help lower your energy bill by helping your A/C unit run cooler in the summer and help keep condensation from forming in the winter.
Best shingle?
All major brands manufacture good shingles and provide good warranties. GAF, Certainteed and Owens/Corning are a few of the most common.
How do I know my roofer is licensed?
All roofers should carry a copy of their license with them at all times which is issued by the state they are working in.
Why should my insurance pay for my new roof?
If you have storm damage due to wind, hail, or trees fallen on the house, your policy should pay for you to use your own contractor of choice.
Why does my insurance want me to get three estimates?
You are not required to get three estimates, it is the insurance companies responsibility to get an estimate, and your choice to use who you want.Call Today for a Free Quote: (708) 897-9880
How long will it take to replace my roof?
This depends of course on the size and complexity of the structure, and the time of year. Most homes can be done in one day. Some will take 2 and even 3 days depending on the size.
What if it rains while doing my re-roof?
Roofing Staff tracks weather 7-10 days ahead of time on several different sites. If rain is predicted we will reschedule, if it is only 10-20% we will usually start with tearing off only portions of the roof and then going right back on with the new materials, while keeping an eye on the sky. We keep plenty of tarps on hand in case one of those crazy summertime storms pop up, which is seldom predicted.
What if I need a permit?
Most cities do not require permits, but if they do we will pull them for you. We are registered contractors for most cities in our area, if required, not all cities require this. We will deal with the inspector and set up the inspection and make sure you are all legal and in the clear.
What will a new roof cost?
This again has to do with what quality of roofing material you choose for your home, labor cost, hauling, dump fees, permits and overhead and profit for the company. Other factors include 1 or 2 story, pitch height, layers, accessibility to building, complexity of the roof and of course material type. All of this will be a factor when estimating a roof project. At Roofing Staff we only use first-rate materials; this means homeowners should be on the lookout for “seconds” and flawed shingles from the “bone yards”, if you want really cheap, this is what you will be getting.
Are there benefits of a layover of shingles?
None whatsoever. Sure there is less cleanup after a layover and the labor and dump fees will be less, but so will the warranty. Usually there is no labor warranty since it would have to cover the existing roof also, and if there is a leak it makes it very hard to find and any hail stones hitting a layover roof are more likely to penetrate because of the gaps between layers. Also the shingle manufactures void the shingle warranty and it will stress the rafters and decking on your home, causing rafters to break and decking to bow.
Is it necessary to remove the roof down to the wood decking?
Yes, in order to see the condition of the wood deck for potential problems. In rare cases a re-roof or nail-over maybe okay, but only if the existing shingles are laying down well and there are currently no visible signs of water intrusion.
What if I have hail or wind damage?
Call your insurance company and Roofing Staff & Remodeling Inc immediately. Your insurance company will request for you to get a qualified roofer to give you a proposal. If hail or wind damage has occurred, then the insurance company and your roofer will settle on the proper amount to replace your roof.
Is Roofing Staff & Remodeling Inc experienced in working with insurance claims?
Yes, we work with the insurance adjuster to determine if there is hail or wind damage and negotiate a proper settlement. Email Roofing Staff & Remodeling Inc with your estimate request form on this website or simply call our office for a prompt estimate.
Can’t I just do the work myself?
Most work should not be do-it-yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof. Novices can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and severely injure themselves by falling off or even through a roof in need of repair or replacement. Homeowner maintenance should be confined to roof inspections in both the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles, and for cleaning rain gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must see the roof for yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof) if possible.