Frequently asked questions in roofing or about roofing

General Roofing Questions

Q: How do I know if my roof has problems?
In most cases, roofing problems are discovered after damage has occurred from a leak. However, not all leaks produce visible damage immediately. Some leaks can occur for up to a year before showing any signs of damage. To avoid this hidden problem, it is important to have your roof inspected at least once a year or after harsh weather events by a qualified roofing contractor. 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 flashing; 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. For example,you may see excessive granules running down the downspout, shingles in the lawn, or excessive curling and cupping of the asphalt shingles on the roof or on flat roofs you may notice cracks or holes in the seams of the roof or flashing. Exposed nail heads are another place where water can get in and cause damage. You can also check for a ring of dirt or discoloration to the rocks or gravel that may signify a low spot in the roof where water tends to puddle. Check these spots for signs of cracks or holes as well.

Q: How can a homeowner prevent roofing problems?
Most roofing work should not be a do-it-yourself project. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof. Do-it yourself can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and can harm themselves by falling through a roof even falling off a roof.Once a year inspections by a professional roofing contractor can discover cracked, warped, or missing shingles, loose seams and deteriorated flashing, excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts, and other visible signs of roof problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, and peeling wallpaper as sings of damaged roof areas.

Q: If my roof leaks, will I need to have it totally replaced?
In some cases, no. Leaking can occur because some flashing have come loose or because a section of the roof has been damaged. A roof failure, on the other hand, is generally irreversible and occurs from improper installation, choice of materials, or from the installation of a roof system inappropriate for the home or building.

Q: The Cost and Length of Roof Inspection in Houston?
The average cost of a roof inspection in Houston is $300 and may take, more or less, about a day to week to set up a time both you and the roofing contractor have free. You may get lucky and find a contractor who can look at your house right away, but you shouldn't necessarily take immediate availability as any indication of the quality of the inspector. Although a roof contractor should provide you with a detailed, written result of the inspection, you should plan on being there so you can ask questions about anything you don't understand. Without being able to talk to the contractor, you may not get as much as useful information as you could from your inspection.


Q: How can I determine my annual roofing cost?
Annual Roofing Cost = Total Cost (Materials & Labor)/ Life Expectancy of Roof System (in years)

Q: What are the different warranties available on roofs?
Usually roofs get warranties from the manufacturers and the roofing contractor who want to stand by their work(Optional). On roofing materials you will get the manufacturers limited warranty or lifetime warranty with limited transferable option. Workmanship and labor warranty on roofs is usually offered by contractors. But these days you can also get limited workmanship and labor warranty from manufacturers extended warranty programs. These extended warranties are available only when you choose a roofing contractor who is certified with that manufacturer.

Q: What should I check before I accept a roof warranty?
You should always read the terms on your roof warranty to see what the fitter is responsible for. Don’t forget you are paying money to the contractor for a roof warranty that will come from the manufacturer. You should get a third party to check the roof has been fitted properly otherwise your roof warranty will be invalid. If you are buying a building and you are told that there is an active rood warranty be sure to inspect it. If there are any actions required to transfer the warranty into your name demand that this be included as part of the sale and is the vendor’s responsibility. Some warranties demand that the roof be inspected and repaired (paid for by you) before the warranty can be exchanged.

Q: Can I cover over my existing roof?
Installing a roof over the top of an existing roof is generally acceptable under these guidelines: 1) A building cannot have more than two roofs; 2) No wet insulation can be left in place; 3) The roof structure must be able to handle the additional roof load; 4) The new roof must be attached to the roof deck to meet wind loads (it is not generally acceptable to adhere the new roof to the old roof).


Q: Can I just do the work myself?
Most roofing work should not be a do-it-yourself project. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof. Do-it yourself can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and can harm themselves by falling through a roof even falling off a roof.

Gutters:

1. How often should I clean gutters?
You should clean them at least twice a year. If you have many trees in the area of your home you should clean them 3 to 4 times a year.

Q: What are static vents/ridge vents and do I need ventilation?
We have found that poor ventilation causes roofing material to wear out prematurely. It also ruins the wood deck due to condensation. These two products offer an inexpensive way to greatly improve your roof and attic ventilation.

Q: How about drip edge or ice and snow products?
Drip edge and ice and water shield can be very beneficial in certain unique situations, such as lower pitch, no overhangs, multiple slopes or where pitches come together. These products are probably not necessary in many cases. You may have flashing somewhere on your home. Many of the flashing used in a roof application are included in your price - some are optional. Your proposal will normally show these options if they apply to your job.

Roof Repair

Q: What is the Average Cost and Length of roof repair Project in Houston?
The cost of an asphalt shingle roof repair is in range between $250 to 1000 depending on the type of work to be performed. Most likely roof repair would be higher in Houston due to water or storm damage. If your roof hasn't suffered serious structural damage and is caught before water saturates your sub roofing, your repair project will probably cost less than $500. Roof repair for other types of roofing tend to be more expensive. Metal and slate roofing repairs, for example, are usually around $1,500. At the same time, these roofs (especially metal roofs) rarely need repair. If your current roof has suffered significant damage and is getting old, you might think about taking the money you'd spend on a roof repair and installing a new metal roof.

Shingles:

1. How Do I know if I need a new roof?
You can usually tell with a visual inspection of the shingles. Look for cracks, peeling and any spots where the roof is leaking. If in doubt call a roofer for an inspection.

2. Why does a roof need ventilation?
Ventilation helps remove the heat that builds up during the summer months and helps reduce moisture buildup under your roof. This helps your roof and shingles last longer by preventing the rooting of the wood and curling or distortion of your shingles.

3. How long shingle roof last?
Depending on the system selected, every technology has a good, better and best option with varying degrees of longevity. Your roof will definitely last longer with proper maintenance. Routine maintenance, along with a well designed and properly installed system can as much as double a roof’s life.
From 20 to 40 years

4. What type of warranty should I get on my roof?
Non prorated warranty. You can get best warranties form the certified contractors through extended warranty programs.

New roof installation:

1. How long does it take to have a new roof installed?
That depends greatly on your home and the pitch and design of your roof. Most residential roofs can be redone in two days but it could take as long as a week to complete your re-roof.

Q: What is the price or cost of a new roof?
The price of a new roof varies widely, depending on the material selected, the contractor doing the work, the home itself, area of the country, local labor rates, and more. Keep in mind that cost is only one factor, and it must be balanced against the quality of workmanship and materials. For each roofing material there are different grades-and corresponding prices. Plus, there 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. Pick a contractor who is committed to quality work.

2. How do I select the best roof system for my project?
Based on your location, building codes, weather conditions, and budget you can select roof for your home or commercial building. The roofing contractors like Rocket Roofing Corp will guide you with the roofing materials.

3. What should I do if my roof is leaking?
If your roof is leaking call roofing contractor to inspect your roof and to identify the problem. They will guide based on the problem whether you need to replace or repair roof.

Roof Replacement

Q: When to re roof?
When maintenance and repair can no longer prevent recurrent leakage or extend useful service life, consideration must be given to roof system replacement. When Repair expenditures become excessive, Leakage becomes intolerabe, Damage is occurring to structural components and Damage is occurring to building contents.

Q: What are my options if I decide to re-roof?
You have twoo options when you have decided to re roof your roof.
Re-covering: The addition of a new low slope roof membrane or system or steep-slope roof covering over the top of a major portion of an existing roof assembly.
Replacement: The removal of an existing roof system and installation of a new roof system. This is also known as tear-off and replacement.

Q: What is the best time of year to have my roof replaced?
Roofing materials are safe to install year round, but it should not be a rainy day or week. Check with your roofing contractor and make a schedule to perform work. Usually based on your roof size work might take from 1 day to 1 week.

4. Do I have to replace my roof if it leaks?
Not necessarily, leaks can happen for many of reasons; from easily repairable problems with “flashing conditions” (where a/c units, vents or skylights are located) to more complicated issues of extreme wear. Roofing contractor will come out and assess the situation for you, at no charge. They will tell you exactly what work is necessary. Don’t neglect the leaks take an action as soon as you found the leaks to stop further problems.

5. Should I worry about ice dams?
Ice dams occur when snow or ice on the roof melts and flows to the bottom of the roof. It then refreezes and causes the water behind it to build up. This water then will often find a way into your home underneath shingles and in cracks. This can lead to extensive water damage. You should be concerned about ice dams if you have a roof in a colder climate with a very low pitch or have an older poorly insulated home. If you think you have a problem consult a local roofer for easy solutions.

Tile Roofing

1. If I see broken tiles on my roof, am I going to get a leak during the next rain?
Not normally, the underlayment ("tar paper") provides a secondary barrier to the weather. The broken tiles should be replaced as quickly as possible to keep the rain on top of the tiles and to prevent the sun from cooking the tar out of the underlayment.

Metal Roofing

Q: Why should I choose standing seam metal roofing?
The standing seam metal roof is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in roofing technology in the last 25 years. It fulfills the building owner's need for durable, puncture-resistant protection against the weather while working in concert with the forces of nature. Metal roofing has an established track record in new construction, where it has been used in some 50 percent of all low-rise commercial and industrial buildings erected in the last several years. This acceptance has carried over to the re-roofing market, where standing seam metal roofs have been used successfully as a replacement for built-up and single ply systems. Leading applications for standing seam metal roofs in the retrofit market are schools, factories, warehouses, distribution centers and military facilities.

Q: What are the benefits of metal roofing?

Standing seam metal roofs have many benefits. Metal roofs are:

* Durable. The standing seam roof handles thermal shock through its concealed, sliding clip system. The clip assembly uses a rigid base attached to the building's structural members. An upper part clips the roof panel and forms into a seam during the seaming operation. The clip allows equal amounts of movement in either direction.
* Lightweight. Metal roof panels weigh a relatively modest 1-1/2 pounds per square foot.
* Easy to Install. Metal roofs can be installed year-round. Heavy rain, extremely cold weather or high winds are about the only conditions that prevent metal roof installers from working. In most projects, the metal roof can be installed right over the existing roof, eliminating costly and time-consuming tear-offs. Owners do not need to close the building area being re-roofed if the work must be done while occupants are inside. Occupants can continue their normal activities, even in the immediate area being re-roofed.
* Easy to Maintain. Unlike flat built-up roofs that require frequent maintenance, standing seam metal roofs offer 20 years and beyond of trouble-free performance with little or no maintenance time or expense.
* Weather tight. The standing seam metal roof is designed to withstand rain, wind and snow, and still remain weather tight. Panels are joined together by a weather tight seam that is raised above the roof's drainage plane. Factory-applied organic sealants are applied to the seam during roll forming of the panel. Once on site, automatic field seaming machines complete the seal.
* Metal panels are attached to the roof substructure with concealed clips. These are roll formed or crimped into the panel seams without penetrating the corrosion-resistant steel weathering membrane. The clip system performs two functions: It retains the panels in position without exposed fasteners, and allows the roof to expand and contract during temperature changes.
* Standing seam metal roofs are designed to perform in high-wind conditions and can qualify for a UL 580 wind uplift rating, as well as the ASTM E-1592 wind uplift test. Metal roofs also can carry a Factory Mutual Class A fire rating—the highest in the industry—which can substantially reduce insurance rates.
* Reliable. Standing seam metal roofs assure adequate drainage from rain and snow, effectively solving ponded water problems, leaks and other related troubles commonly associated with flat built-up roofs. In retrofit projects, a sub-framing system is attached to the existing roof surface to provide a minimum 1/4:12 pitch for the new metal roof.
* The panel fastening system is uniquely designed to handle potentially damaging effects from thermal movement. Precisely formed, factory-made metal panels are locked in place by clips inside a raised seam standing two to three inches above the roof surface. The clips have a movable feature that allows panels to expand and contract with temperature changes. The concealed clip system reduces the chances of leaks and makes the standing seam roof attractive.

Q: Are metal roofs energy-efficient?
Yes. Fiberglass blankets are the most common insulation material in standing seam metal re-roofing projects. On some projects, unfaced fiberglass insulation is simply laid directly on the existing roof surface before insulation blankets of the new standing seam roof. For other projects, insulation blankets are installed directly under the metal panels and stretched over supporting members. Foam insulation blocks are often used to separate the panels from the purl-ins to prevent thermal short-circuiting and condensation from forming. The roof expands and contracts independent of the insulation, giving the roof surface a floating action.

Q: Are standing seam metal roofs cost-effective?
Standing steam metal roofs pay for themselves from the day that they are installed. And, they are cost-competitive. Twenty-year material warranties are customary for metal roofing systems, which is considerably longer than the standard protection for built-up and single-ply systems. Long-term warranties are sometimes offered for weathertightness on metal roofs, including those with a 1/4:12 slope. Standing seam roofs can qualify for the UL-90 wind-uplift rating?the highest in the industry?that can substantially reduce insurance rates in high-wind areas. It must be combined with the roof manufacturer's UL-90 system, which includes the panels, concealed clips, sealants and structural supports. The standing seam metal roof can also carry a Factory Mutual Class A fire rating.

Q: Do standing seam metal roofs resist corrosion?
Metal roof panels resist corrosion with the help of a zinc, aluminum, or aluminum-zinc alloy metallic coating applied to the base steel. Additional protection can come from attractive, specially pigmented organic paints that harmonize the roof with conventional brick, concrete and wood sidewall materials. Popular beige and earth-tone colors allow architects to coordinate the roof attractively with other design elements of the building.

Q: I need a material that has flexibility in design. Should I consider standing seam metal roofing?
Yes. Steep slopes and flat roof profiles can be designed with the standing seam roof. The structural roof is the industry's alternative to flat build-up and single-ply systems. The roof spans from support structural to support structural in new construction with slopes of 1/4:12 or more. The architectural standing seam roof is used for visually exposed roofs, mansards facia, and similar applications. It is a water shedder and needs slopes of 3:12 or greater. Like wood shakes, tile and slate, this application needs some form of decking for support and a base felt for added protection against moisture penetration.

Q: Are standing seam metal roofs recyclable?
Yes. The overall recycling rate of steel products in North America is 70.7 percent?the highest of any construction material. Building professionals are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of using recyclable metal roofing materials for retrofit applications over old non-metallic roofs. This helps avoid expensive tear-off and disposal of solvent and chemical-based materials, which often wind up in overburdened landfills.

Q: Should I consider standing seam metal roofing for retrofit projects?
In most retrofit projects, standing seam roofs can be installed right over existing built-up roofs, eliminating costly and time-consuming tear-offs. The metal panels are attached to a steel sub-assembly to provide the necessary slope for ice and water to drain, providing a low-slope solution to flat built-up roofs.


Q: How does the metal roof cost compare to other roofs?
Metal roofs are a premium product and cost somewhat more than a 20 year warranty asphalt/fiberglass shingle roof; however a metal roof can cost substantially less than many of the high-end architectural shingles now being sold. Additionally, metal roofs have many advantages and benefits over asphalt/fiberglass shingle roofs.

Q: Can I walk on a metal roof?
Yes you can; however, like walking on any roof, you should be careful and is not advisable.

Q: Is a metal roof noisy when it rains?
No, metal roofs are not noisy when it rains. According to one study, the noise levels of a metal roof are about the same as other roofing products such as asphalt or wood shingles or clay tiles.

Q: Is a metal roof noisy when it rains?
Metal roofs are very tough and highly resistant to hail damage... much more so than asphalt/fiberglass shingles. In fact, many metal roofing products have the highest impact resistance and hail rating granted by the insurance commissions in the hail belt regions of the U.S. Some insurance companies even provide a reduced rate for metal roofs.

Q: Is a metal roof damaged by hail?
Metal roofs are very tough and highly resistant to hail damage... much more so than asphalt/fiberglass shingles. In fact, many metal roofing products have the highest impact resistance and hail rating granted by the insurance commissions in the hail belt regions of the U.S. Some insurance companies even provide a reduced rate for metal roofs.

Q: How about resistance to wind damage?
All metal roofing products are very wind resistant. Many styles have been tested to withstand hurricane force winds; and wind warranties can be as high as 120mph.

Q: Is a metal roof fire safe?
A steel roof is the most fire safe roof. It is classified as a noncombustible roofing material with a Class "A" rating - the highest rating given.

Q: Does the metal roof color fade?
Metal roofs are painted with high-performance polymers that have exceptional weathering properties. Over time you might notice a slight change in color due to the settling of airborne contamination, but occasional rain or washing the roof with a garden hose (from the ground) will keep the roof looking like new.

Q: What about lightning?
Steel roofing is no more susceptible to lightning than any other roofing material. Lightning most frequently strikes the highest point in any terrain; and if your roof is at the highest point of the surrounding terrain, you can install lightning rods.

Q: If I'm re roofing, do I have to remove the old roof before installing the metal roof?
Usually not if you're installing the metal roof over existing asphalt, fiberglass or composition shingles (maximum of two layers thick). In most situations, the metal roof can be installed directly over the old roof.

Q: Will a metal roof make my house hot?
Actually, a metal roof can save you money on your a/c costs because it has a higher heat reflectivity than other roofing products like asphalt/fiberglass shingles, wood, tile, etc. During the summer it makes buildings cooler by efficiently reflecting away sunlight and reducing the amount of heat transmitted into the building. Likewise, it makes buildings warmer in the winter by reflecting inside heat from the underside of the roof back into the building. This good thermal reflectivity translates into energy savings by reducing cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter.

Q: What is galvalume?
Galvalume is 55% Al-Zn (aluminum - zinc) coated sheet steel that is ideally suited for most types of roofing applications. An estimated 40 billion square feet of galvalume now covers buildings in all kinds of climates and environments throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Europe, Asia and Australia. Galvalume is an ideal material for roofing because of its extraordinary outdoor corrosion resistance and resulting long life. It is extremely popular due to its versatility, ease of use, aesthetics and long-term performance.