Roofing FAQ
Q: How can a California home
owner recognize when a roof system
has problems?
A: All too often, roof system
problems are discovered after
leaking or other serious damage
occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year)
inspections often 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.
Indoors, look for cracked paint,
discolored plasterboard and peeling
wallpaper as signs of damaged roof
areas.
Q: What are my options if I
decide to reroof?
A: You have two basic options: You
can choose a complete replacement of
the roof system, involving a tearoff
of your existing roof system, or
re-cover the existing roof system,
involving only the installation of a
new roof system. If you've already
had one re-cover installed on your
original roof system, check with a
professional roofing contractor. In
many instances, building code
requirements allow no more than one
roof system re-cover before a
complete replacement is necessary.
A: Not necessarily. Leaks can result
from flashings that have come loose
or a section of the roof system
being damaged. A complete roof
system failure, however, generally
is irreversible and a result of
improper installation or choice of
materials or the roof system
installation is inappropriate for
the home or building.
Q: Can I do the work myself?
A: Most work should not be done
yourself. Professional
roofing contractors are trained
to safely and efficiently repair or
replace roof systems. You can damage
your roof system by using improper
roofing techniques and severely
injure yourself by falling off or
through the roof.
Maintenance performed by home and
building owners should be confined
to inspecting roof systems during
the fall and spring to check for
cracked or curling shingles and
cleaning gutters filled with dead
leaves and other debris. If you must
inspect your roof system 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
system), if possible.
Q: How long can I expect my roof
system to last?
A: Most new roof systems are
designed to provide useful service
for about 20 years. Some roof system
types, such as slate, clay tile and
certain metal (e.g., copper)
systems, can last longer.
Actual roof system life span is
determined by a number of factors,
including local climatic and
environmental conditions, proper
building and roof system design,
material quality and suitability,
proper application and adequate roof
maintenance.
Roofing product manufacturers
offer a variety of warranties on
their products. Take a close look at
those warranties to see what
responsibilities and financial
obligations manufacturers will
assume if their products fail to
reach their expected lives.
Q: What will a new roof system
cost?
A: The price of a new roof system
varies widely, depending on such
things as the materials selected,
contractor doing the work, home or
building, location of the home or
building, local labor rates and time
of year. To get a good idea of price
for your roof system, get three or
four proposals from reputable
contractors in your area. Keep in
mind that price is only one factor,
and it must be balanced with the
quality of the materials and
workmanship.
For each roofing material, there are
different grades and corresponding
prices. There also are a variety of
styles and shapes. You need to look
at the full product range and make a
choice based on your budget and
needs.
Within the roofing profession, there
are different levels of expertise
and craftsmanship. Insist on a
contractor who is committed to
quality work.
Q: How can I determine my annual
roofing cost?
A: When considering your roofing
options, the following formula may
help:
Total Cost (Materials and Labor) ÷
Life Expectancy of Roof System (in
years) = Annual Roofing Cost
www.skroofing.com
S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows is
Maryland's leading company in
roofing and maintenance-free home
exteriors. The team at S&K is proud
to provide high quality roofing,
siding, gutters, replacement
windows, doors, decks, additions and
outdoor rooms for our customers. Our
company is family owned and
operated, and we've been in business
in Maryland since 1980.
To learn more visit SKRoofing.com
Article Source:
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If you are looking for a California
Roofing Contractor, please
call us today for our 17 Point Roof
Inspection at 800-639-7663 or
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