Roof Repair Facts

Legitimate Roofing Facts - Food for Thought?

Is your roof damaged? Your roofing system is an important part of your home. It's the structure that gives you protection from the elements such as the heat of the sun, rain, snow, and hail. Professional roof repair specialists are experts at installing and fixing roofing systems. No job is too large or too small for these skilled workers. Please review our facts to educate yourself about roof repairs and workmanship. We will be glad to answer any further questions or concerns you may have regarding your repair needs!

Fact #1- Avoid Scams

Beware of storm chasers. Many door knockers, called storm chasers, are usually from out of state and make their living by driving state to state following storms. They may offer you a great deal on labor or materials, or let you know they have left over materials from a prior job they will discount to you at a cut rate price. Beware! Will these storm chasers stand behind a warranty of your replacement if they are also 1000 miles away? Our customer base experience has shown over 26 years hundreds of cases where contact information changed and they are not able to be located. You will then have to pay someone else to fix your roof!

Fact #2 - Phony Photos

Beware of the photos contractors or storm chasers may show you of your roof. They very well may show you a picture of legitimate damage, however, this picture may not be of your roof!

Fact #3 - Shop Local

Shopping local is the only way to go! Know your roofer, where they are from, currently located, and keep in mind when you get references from your neighbors that had a wonderful experience, you may not get the same crew that worked on their roof repair. Roof Doctor, Inc. has maintained the same longevity of its employees for over 20 years.

Fact #4 - Common Cons

Don't let anyone convince you to agree to an inflated price with the promise that the contractor will over bill your insurance company to get enough money back to reimburse you for your deductible. That's insurance fraud. Some will offer to pay you $1,000 to let them put a sign in your yard, and then try to get your insurance company to cover that fee. Insurance companies will not pay an outrageous price for the work. Say no to anyone who pressures you into having the work done immediately or paying up front. Take a day or so to think about it. Ask two other contractors to come evaluate your problem so you can compare bids. That will clue you in if one estimate is unreasonably low!

Fact #5 - No Advances

Schedule the work for a time that's convenient. And schedule payments, not paying up front. Reputable companies don't need any seed money to buy supplies. Instead, pay in increments as the work is completed.

Fact #6 - Guttering

Use aluminum seamless! Everything else is inferior. 6″ is better than 5″. 4″x3″ downspouts are better than 2″x3″. That will pretty much sum it up. If possible go with 6″ gutters as opposed to the regular 5″, because 6″ gutterscan handle 60% more water. Also, go with 4″x 3″ downspouts as opposed to 3″x 2″, because they can handle twice the amount of water. Only use aluminum seamless. Nothing else is as functional and economical. Of course, copper is awesome, but so is the price! The cost difference between 6″ and 5″ should be very minimal.

Fact #7 - Will My Insurer Pay for My Roof Repairs?

Your insurance company may pay for your repairs if your roof damage was caused by an event covered by your policy. For example, if your roof needs to be fixed because a tree crashed through your home, your insurer will probably pay for the repairs. However, insurance companies do not pay for normal aging. Also, don't expect your insurer to pay for a new roofing system if only a portion is damaged.

Fact #8 - How Long Will My Roofing System Last?

This depends on the type of roofing system you have and the quality of your roofing materials. A new roofing system can last as little as 10 years or a lifetime. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, wood shingles generally last 10 to 40 years; asphalt shingles- 15 to 20 years; metal- 15 to 40 years; concrete tiles- 20 years, slate- 30 to 100 years. Unless a roof is more than 20 years old or the entire structure from the under decking to the condition of shingles is inadequate, most roofing problems may be fixed without replacing the entire system. Many roofing problems result from improper installationor from storm damage such as hail and wind, both of which can damage shingles and leave bare spots, which result in leaks.

Fact #9 - Should I Hire a Roofer to Inspect My Roof?

Roof problems are usually discovered after serious damageoccurs. Twice-a-year inspections can discover leaks, warped or missing shingles, deteriorated flashings, and other roof problems. Please keep in mind that most roof damage is not visible from the ground. That's why you should hire an experienced roofer to perform the inspections.

Fact #10 - Should I Ask for a Written Contract?

After you select a roofer, ask for a written contract that includes the start and completion dates, warranty information, exact work to be done, and costs. Make sure you understand the terms of the contract. Don't settle for a verbal agreement under any circumstances!

Fact #11- Should I Replace My Roof?

You should replace your roof if there is damage to at least one third of your roofing system. You should also consider the age of your roofing system and the cost of repairs. If your roofing system is more than 20 years old, the costs of repeated repairs can quickly surpass the price of a new roof.

Fact #12 - How Will I Be Billed for My Roof?

Roofing projects usually require a down payment when the contract is signed, with the remaining balance due when the job is done. For larger projects, additional payments may be required during the course of the job. If you want to keep your investment in top shape, consult with an experienced roof repair specialist in your area.

Fact #13 - How to Repair a Roof Without a Tear-Off

A tear-off roof job is one in which all of the old shingles, roofing felt or tar paper and fasteners are removed, leaving a bare deck. Tear-off roof jobs are more expensive and labor-intensive than jobs in which you just place a new layer of shingles over an existing layer. Although tear-off jobs are the most thorough and longest-lasting roof repair, a non-tear-off job is adequate if your roof is in relatively good shape, without leaks or water damage.

Fact #14 - Tying in New Additions and Dormers

When an new addition is built on a house or when a roof is extended, the tilt of one roof can meet the angle of another, creating what is known as a valley. This valley poses difficulties to roof builders, because it represents a weak point in roof construction. If not shingled and fixed in properly, leaks can develop and ruin roof materials below. There are several methods Roof Doctor, Inc. can use to repair thoseleaks.

Fact #15 - Is Roof Repair Tax Deductible on a Rental?

Landlords are responsible for keeping their rental properties up to code, which usually involves paying for costly repairs when they occur. Some examples of these expensive repairs include repairing roof damage caused by storms, hail or regular wear-and-tear. Many lessors look for ways to save money on these expensive costs, such as by deducting them on their annual taxes.

Fact #16 - Quick Roof Repairs

If you have ever been sitting in your home and suddenly noticed that the rain outside has suddenly moved indoors, you know it is a serious situation that requires an immediate response. When your roof fails and begins to leak, you will want to get the repairs done quickly to prevent damage to the interior of the home. But there may not be time to get a professional out to your house to save it; If you call Roof Doctor, Inc. you will not need to rely on your own know-how to do quick roof repairs that will hold until the pros arrive.

Fact #17 - How to Repair a Flat Roof on a Home

Repairing a flat roof is an affordable option for those not wanting to spend a mint on a new roof. Flat roofs are often constructed from layers of special paper and tar with a covering of gravel. The gravel assists in water drainage to prevent the pooling of water. When the gravel fails, standing water may cause damage to the roof and leaking occurs.

Fact #18 - Can Gutters Be Caulked to Stop Dripping?

Working gutters are vital to the health of your home as they remove rain water and other weather-related debris that otherwise would cause significant rot and damage. A leaking gutter should be repaired as quickly as possible. In most cases, the top, or front lip, of a gutter generally is not the source of leakage because most of the redirected water flows along its bottom. However, a leak still can occur at the top; if it does, it can be caulked like any other part of the gutter.

Fact #19 - Rebuilding Low Spots on Your Roof

Repairing or replacing a roof is a task that many homeowners must face at some point. The constant exposure to the elements faced by your roof can damage the shingles and the sheathing that supports them. One sign of roof damage is when low spots appear, a process known as buckling. Repairing the low spots when they appear can help strengthen your roof and prevent further damage.

Fact #20 - Preventing Icing on Roof Guttering

If you live in a snowy climate, snow is bound to build up on your roof at times. Small amounts of snow are usually harmless, but when this snow turns into ice, it can become an ice dam. Ice dams form on the roof edge, block draining water and back up water into your home, often leaking through your walls and the ceiling. Roof Doctor, Inc. will prevent the ice buildup on your roof by installing heat strips to stop ice dams before they start.