FAQS
Q. How can I tell if my roof has a problem?
A. In most cases a person will not realise that there is a problem with their roof until they discover a leak or other damage. However if you inspect your roof around twice each year then you may find that there are some shingles missing, or they could be warped or cracked. You may even come across other noticeable signs that there is a problem such as excessive granules which have collected in the gutters. If you are looking for signs of a problem inside then have a look for plasterboard that is discoloured, paint that is cracked or wallpaper that is peeling.
Q. My roof is leaking – do I need to get a whole new roof?
A. Maybe not. The leak could be due to loose flashings or just a part of the roof being damaged. However there may be times when the entire roof needs to be replaced because of a complete failure with how the roof was installed or because the materials used were not suitable.
Q. What options do I have if I choose to get a new roof?
A. There are two basic options that you have such as getting a completely new roof system which would involve getting rid of your current roof or you can choose to have your current roof re-covered which would mean installing a new roofing system over the existing one. You will need to check with a professional contractor to see if you can have your roof re-covered because if this was already done in the past, you may have to get the entire roof replaced completely.
Q. Is this work I can take care of myself?
A. When it comes to working on a roof, professional contractors are trained to work and repair your roof in a safe manner so it would be inadvisable for you to do this yourself. If you do not use the proper techniques then you could cause damage to the roof and you are also putting yourself at risk on injury should you fall off the roof or through it.
If you do want to carry out any inspections on your roof then this should be fine but you should do this during the spring and autumn as it will allow you to check for any signs of damage but it will also give you a chance to clear the gutters of debris such as dead leaves etc. Make sure you are using a ladder that has rubber feet for safety and that it has been firmly braced. If you can, wear shoes with rubber soles and try not to actually get on the roof if possible.
Q. How long should a roof system last for?
A. A new roof system should last for about twenty years provided it has been installed properly. There are a number of systems that can last for longer however, such as copper, clay tile or slate systems. There are many factors which will determine how long a roof system lasts such as material used, the quality of installation, proper maintenance and local environmental and climatic conditions.
Most of the roofing products used will have a warranty so it is important to check these to see what financial obligations and responsibilities the manufacturers are prepared to assume should any of their products not live up to the standards or fail to last for the expected time.
Q. How much will I have to pay for a new roof?
A. The cost of a completely new roof will depend on a number of different factors such as the size of your roof, the materials used, the location of your home and the contractor doing the job. There are a number of different styles and shapes that will have different prices too. It is a good idea to have a budget in mind and then speak to the experts about a quote.
Q. How long should it take for my new roof to be installed?
A. The type of job will determine the length of time it takes. Obviously it will take longer if you have a bigger home but in general it will usually take about three or four days to finish a residential roof installation but it could take a bit longer.
Q. How do I go about conducting an exterior inspection of my roof?
A. You need to look for any broken, missing or cracked tiles on your roof because they can cause leaks. If your roof does have a leak, then it may cost more to get a repair done than it would have if you had found the problem earlier. Use a safe, strong ladder and climb up until you can see the roof so that you can check for problems. You should check flat roofs for any areas that see to be sagging or blistered and you will also need to check the gutters for signs of a build up of granules and the eaves for signs of water damage.
Q. Why might I want to choose a dry ridge system?
A. There are many benefits to using a dry ridge system rather than the more traditional mortar bedding method such as:
- They are more or less maintenance free
- They can be laid or repaired in all weather
- All the components can be fully fixed mechanically so that they will resist high wind speeds
- There is less chance of problems occurring because of high wind such as loss of ridges or cracking
- They are attractive and more consistent
- They provide better ventilation