FAQ about residential roofs

There are multiple things you must ask your contractor before they start replacing your old roofing system.

Asking the right questions can help you prepare competently for the next roofing project.

Can roofers install a brand new roof over an existing system?

Installing new materials over your old roofing system is possible, but it can do more harm than good.

In fact, many areas require roofers to tear off the current shingles before installing the new ones. Doing so allows your contractor to inspect the roof deck for any damage.

What is usually included in a roofing warranty?

You should consider the warranty carefully when investing in a roofing material.

Warranties help protect your investment from material and workmanship defects that could compromise the performance of your new roof.

How do you choose the perfect roofing material?

Weather resistance, durability, longevity and aesthetics are the top things you need to consider when choosing a roofing material for your home.

It’s best to ask your local roofers about the type of roofing systems that are best suited to the demands of the local climate.

How much does a new roof cost?

The cost of your roofing system depends on the size of your property and the type of material you choose.

While price is important, you should never sacrifice quality for cost.

A cheap, but subpar roofing system will end up costing you more in the long run than a higher-quality system when you factor in the cumulative costs of repairs and likely premature replacement.

How long does roof installation take?

Whether you live in Montreal or Quebec or somewhere in between, roofing is one home maintenance project that you don’t want to wait for.

There are several steps involved in installing a new roof.

First, all the old shingles must be removed.

The next step is roof underlayment, which is the moisture barrier between the wooden deck and the shingles.

Excess moisture in your roof deck at freezing temperatures will create ice which can cause your roof deck to mold or rot.

Many building codes require ice and water shield underlayment to pass inspection for roofing permits for this reason and white roofs are subject to this matter.

Some necessary steps that that should take place before the actual installation begins are knowing the design of the roof, selecting the roofing materials and prepping the roof.

Of course, each home is unique.

Because of variations in roof size and penetrations (such as chimneys or skylights), the amount of time it takes to prepare and complete your roof installation may vary.

Because weather conditions can vary so much in Alabama, custom metal roofing installations can sometimes take longer than you would like.

After all, the weather can change day by day and having the proper conditions will ensure a great finished result.

By Rob Cooper

Rob Cooper is the owner of 5 Star Roofing & Restoration in Birmingham and Mobile Alabama.
Rob is a 2nd generation owner with over 40 years experience in the roofing industry.