How do I know whether I need a new roof?
If you have leaks or structural discoloration inside or out, you probably need a repair job at the very least. We recommend having your roof inspected if you even suspect any problems. Get a professional to look at it and give you an estimate. Call Options Exteriors today at 651-705-6376 or fill out our form here.
Will I need a repair or replacement roof job?
This is a common question we receive that can be challenging to answer without seeing your roof. Each job is very different and if you are unsure if you need a repair or a replacement, we recommend that you have an inspection from a professional.
How much will my roofing work cost?
The answer here depends on the size of your home and the condition of your roof. Pricing varies widely, so be sure to get an estimate to know what type of expenses you might need to deal with.
What type of shingles will I need?
This is partly up to you and partly dependent on what shingles you already have on your roof, the style of your home, and other factors. Ask a roofing professional about the particular kind of shingles that might work best for your roof. Chances are, you’ll have several options based on price, quality and style.
Should I replace gutters during roof repair?
This depends on the condition of your gutters and whether our roofers are able to
work around them. Usually, if gutters are in decent shape, we CAN work around them, but
sometimes it can also be more cost-effective for you to replace defective gutters during roof
jobs.
How long will the job take?
Times vary widely, but smaller jobs can be done in just a few days. Options Exteriors will always tell you up front about the time estimate for any job we do.
What can I do to prep for the roofing job?
We usually advise clients to clear cars and personal items like inflatable pools away from the area where work will be done. Roof repair can be noisy, so our project managers will partner with you to identify the best date and time to work on your house so it is the least amount of disruption to your daily schedule.
How long will my roof last?
That will depend on whether you have a repair or replacement, the type of roofing materials you choose, and other factors. Ask your project manager about the specific warranty length when you have your estimate and inspection. Some roofs can last up to 50 years or longer.
What does hail, wind or a storm do to a roof?
Hail and wind are the two biggest enemies of any roof. The other is time (aging). The big problem with hail, wind and other storm damage is that it can be almost appear invisible. The wear and tear on shingles and other roofing materials might not show up for months. That’s why it’s so important to have your roof inspected after a big storm. Inspections cost nothing and offer peace of mind for homeowners.
How do I know if my roof is damaged after storm?
You can look for obvious things (but don’t go up on a ladder! Stay on the ground and just eyeball the roof. Some people use binoculars). Try to see if there are any loose or damaged shingles, missing pieces of trim or chipped wood. Plastic and metal might show small dents or scrapes, especially after a hail storm.
How do I choose a roofing contractor?
You don’t just pick a doctor from the phone book, and the same goes for selecting a roofing contractor. Check on the Internet for reviews, a list of roofers in your area, and find one that specializes in your specific needs. We also recommend calling several potential companies to see how their customer service phone skills are. Ask your specific questions and then decide on your favorite three. Have them each give you an estimate and go from there.
Can I repair small roofing problems myself?
We say, “Don’t do it.” Unless you are a skilled roofer, it’s best to have a pro handle the job. Getting up on a ladder and checking out a roof is dangerous business. Our teams are insured, experienced, and know exactly what to look for. We do this every day, so there’s no reason for you to try to fix things yourself. It would likely cost you more to do it alone than to hire a reputable contractor who can fix exactly what needs fixing, and do the job efficiently with the proper materials.
How long will my new roof last?
A new roof usually comes with a warranty for materials as well as a warranty from the contractor for the work itself. Ask your contractor about the different material warranties (manufacturers’ warranties) and the contractor’s warranty.
How does a typical roof age?
The environment causes a roof to age. Wind, rain, hail, sun, and many other factors cause a roof to deteriorate over time. Some of the aging is obvious, and some is not. Just as our bodies age slowly and often imperceptibly, our home’s roof gets weaker as time goes on. Rain water contains microscopic amounts of acid and other impurities that break down roofing materials. The sun works slowly but surely to eat away the molecules that make up a roof’s components. Seasonal temperature cycles also do their own kind of damage by causing materials to expand and contract year after year. This leads to brittleness and eventual breakage.
How can I find the source of a leak?
That’s something best left to an expert. Leaks come from all sorts of places, not always a roof. Let an experienced contractor take a look at your leak’s position, age, and amount of dripping. From those factors, they can usually trace it to the source. Unless you are a licensed roofer, electrician or architect, it can be quite dangerous to attempt to find a leak’s source on your own.
What will a new roof do for my home?
A new roof will add to the value of your home, increase its curb appeal (meaning it will sell faster if you put it up for sale), increased property value, and increased energy efficiency.
How do I know if my roof was damaged by hail?
Hail damage roofing symptoms include things like broken shingles, damaged tiles and multiple indentations anywhere on the roof, on the gutters, or on areas where siding covers the home. Asphalt, wood, and composition shingles react to hail in quite different ways. For example, an excess of granules (from asphalt shingles) in gutters is usually a sign that recent hail damage has shaken the granules free. This leaves the shingles susceptible to heat damage, cracking and eventual breakdown. Chipped, broken, or cracked shingles are the most obvious signs that hail has done its dirty work. Less obvious features of hail damage include loss of granules (see above), an unusually “shiny” asphalt matting on shingles, tiny orange or brown splits in the bodies of shingles, dents in the roof surface, small black dots in roof coverings, and many more. The bottom line is this: If there’s been a hail storm, call the experts at Options Exteriors for a free inspection, a free estimate and the most trusted repair team in the industry. We’ll make sure all insurance claims are filed accurately and on time so that homeowners can get the damage fixed without hassles or delays.
How can I detect storm damage to my roof?
Here are the most common signs that a home has storm damage roofing problems: Discoloration on interior walls and ceilings, dripping water anywhere in the home, missing or damaged shingles, musty/bad odor coming from walls or ceilings.
Should I replace gutters during roof repair?
That depends on the condition of the gutters and whether roofers can work around them. Usually, if gutters are in decent shape, we work around them, but sometimes it’s quite cost-effective for you to replace defective gutters during roof jobs.
How do I know if I need new windows?
There are a few signs that your windows are losing energy-efficiency or causing temperature leaks. Your home may need replacement windows if you can feel air leakage around them, you have difficulty operating/opening them, there is visible condensation between glass panels, or you see stylistic issues such as exterior paint peeling around them.
Does siding require any maintenance?
Nothing on the exterior of a home will ever be maintenance free; however, exterior siding requires minimal maintenance, if any at all. Vinyl siding will need occasional pressure washing to remove build up of dirt and grime and fiber cement exterior siding, may need a new coat of paint after 15 years. In order to keep your exterior siding from aging prematurely, it is crucial that your gutters work properly and are pointed away from your home so that water is not pouring on, and potentially penetrating your exterior siding.
Should you replace your windows when installing new siding?
While, the best time to replace your windows is when you are also replacing your siding this allows the best possible flashing and water infiltration protection. Our siding crews wrap the windows so that they properly tie into the vapor barrier on your home. We always recommend that homeowners replace their windows and exterior siding when its the right time for you and your family’s budget.
