Frequently asked questions

Roofs have to be replaced every so often because the materials age and wear out just like any other part of your home. The best time to replace your roof is near the end of its lifespan but without allowing it to fail and cause your home damage. A detailed roof inspection will tell you whether or not you need a roof replacement, and sometimes people think they do but they don't. Get a trustworthy roofer who won't steer you wrong, and you might save yourself a lot of money by avoiding a big roof replacement bill!

The most common reasons for roof replacement are cosmetic damage, advanced age, and wear. Here on the coast, storm damage is a big cause as well. Most of these reasons are pretty self-explanatory, but keep in mind that you don't always need to replace your roof! A lot of people get their roofs replaced when it's not necessary and end up spending more than they need to. Get it inspected before making a decision.

That depends on the extent of the damage. If your roof is leaking, for example, you need to patch it up right away. The longer you put off a leaky roof repair, the worse it will get and the more it will cost you. A lot of people do their own repairs to save money but usually, that just prolongs the issue or even makes it worse. What we recommend is to get an inspection for the repair, and if the roof is in generally good condition and a repair would be a wiser investment than replacing the whole thing, you can count on us to let you know. Sometimes the repairs are so extensive that you'd be far better off with a full roof replacement, but most of the time, a little repair here and there will keep you going just fine.

Each metal roofing material has different benefits and disadvantages. Some require more upkeep than others. It's best to choose the type of metal that fits your specific lifestyle and needs. Reach out to us about your situation and we'll be happy to give you a free consult!

Yes, you can put a metal roof over a shingle roof if the shingle roof is stable and strong, but only if the local laws and regulations allow it. There are some pros and cons to doing this. The pros include cheaper metal roof installation because you don't have to remove the old one, as well as better insulation because the old roof provides extra thermal layers. But a big con is that your overall roof will be quite a bit heavier than before and you must ensure your roof construction is able to handle it.

Wind damage is typically very easy to spot. If you see signs of debris in your yard, call one of our professional roofing inspectors today. They'll come to assess the damage and recommend an action plan for getting it fixed.

Most roof insurance policies cover damage caused by wind, but it's always best to contact your agent or specific company first to be sure. If you have homeowner's insurance, the majority of them do not cover natural disasters. Contact us and we'll be happy to inspect your roof and submit your roof insurance claim for you to greatly increase the chances of your approval.

Roll roofing is a type of commercial roofing that uses a single sheet of waterproof material, also known as a membrane. Roll roofs are relatively simple because there's no need for additional layers to protect the building--just roll out the membrane and secure it with fasteners or pitch it to allow runoff.

Roll roofs can be a good choice for commercial buildings because they're relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Roll roofs also offer a good degree of protection against water damage, which makes them ideal for use on flat or low-sloped roofs. They aren't as durable as other types of roofs, however.

A wide variety of commercial roofing materials exist depending on the size, height, and function of your building. The following list includes some of the most common commercial roofing types but is not an exhaustive list:

Asphalt Shingles

Metal Roofs

Built-Up Roofs

Single Ply Membrane System

Tile Roofs

Flat Roofs

Rolled Roofs

Flat roofs are a type of commercial roof that is almost level but not quite flat. A flat roof features a relatively low slope to ensure proper runoff and drainage. Flat roofs can be constructed from a variety of materials, although rubber membranes have become one of the most common types of flat roofs due to their lightweight and flexible nature.

There are many different types of flat roofs, including built-up roofs, single ply membranes, EPDM rubber roofing systems, torch down systems, and more. The most common type of flat roof is a single-ply membrane system, which uses a waterproof rubber sheet to protect the building. EPDM rubber roofs are one of the simplest types of flat roof systems because there's no need for additional layers beneath the top layer. One drawback of EPDM rubber roofs is that they're more expensive than built-up or torch-down systems, and they don't offer as much protection against ponding water.

The type of flat roof system you should choose will depend on factors like your budget, the size of your building, and how long you plan to stay in your building. Some common types of flat roofs include built-up roofs, single ply membranes, smooth surface systems, torch down systems, full depth construction, and EPDM rubber roofing systems. EPDM has certainly become one of the leading types of flat roof materials in recent years and there's a good argument to be made that it's the best overall, but we say that with the caveat that what's best can differ significantly depending on your needs.

The life of a flat roof depends on the type of material used in its construction and the skill of the roofing company that installed it. A rubber membrane is one of the most durable types of flat roof systems, but it may even have to be repaired or replaced every 20 years or so. More robust built-up roofs with gravel can last 50 years or longer with proper maintenance, while torch-down systems may only last 15 years. On average, you can expect your flat roof to last 20 years with proper maintenance.