Roofing Questions, Answered

Gutters should be cleaned at least once in the summer and twice in the fall.

Ice dams occur when snow melts near the ridgelines of warm roofs (roofs without adequate ventilation). As the water runs down the roof to the overhang, it cools and freezes. If the snow continues this melt and freeze process, an ice dam can form that can seep under the shingles, through the decking and into the house — causing serious roof leaks, even in freezing temperatures.

The best prevention is a well-ventilated (cool) roof. Additional protection can be applied with an impermeable ice and water membrane, installed on top of the decking under the roofing material.

You have two basic options. You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of the old roof, or a re-cover over the existing roof, involving only the installation of a new membrane and surfacing. If you’ve already had one re-cover over your original roof, check with a professional roofing contractor to see if your deck can support a second re-cover.

Replacing a roof usually requires a lot of work. Most of our replacements take 1–3 days and many are finished in a single day, but bad weather can delay installation. If you are repairing rather than replacing your current roof, it may take less time.

The condition and lifespan of your roof depend on the type of roof, your local environment and the maintenance it has received. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, asphalt shingles generally last 15–20 years; wood shingles/shakes, 10–40 years; clay/concrete tiles, 20+ years; slate, 30–100 years; and metal roofing, 15–40+ years. Take a close look at manufacturer warranties to see what they cover if products fail to reach their expected lifetimes.

We have found that poor ventilation causes roofing material to wear out prematurely. It also ruins the wood deck due to condensation. Static vents and ridge vents offer an inexpensive way to greatly improve your roof and attic ventilation.

There’s no simple answer, since replacing a roof varies with the materials and installers you choose. You can get a free estimate from us. Before agreeing to a price, make sure the following are considered:

• The square footage of your roof
• The roofing material you choose
• Whether you are keeping or removing your existing roof