Frequently Asked Questions

How can I repair a roof leak myself?

If the leak is really small then all you need is a handyman and a bucket of tar from Home Depot, you'll fix your roof leak for the short term. It’s not going to be permanent and it’s not gonna stop all the water, but it will at least keep it to a small drizzle.

First thing is going into the attic to spot where the water is actually coming in from the roof. A stain in the ceiling does not necessarily mean the water is coming directly above on that spot in the roof, because the water may be running down the trozets or down the stof of the roof. So go and physically see where the water is entering from. Once that’s determined a roof patch can be placed directly above the crack until the roof is being replaced or fixed.

Which type of roof is the best to withstand South Florida's hurricanes?

Metal roofing while more expensive is proving to be a very reliable type of roof that withstands high winds very suitable for Florida's wind storms and hurricanes. Tile roofing is a great alternative as well, just make sure you get a detailed inspection every 2 -3 years to prevent little problems become big, potential hazards.

Which roof is the best for energy saving?

Again metal roofs have the added benefit of reflecting heat off the roof making it a very good energy-saving investment.

How much does it cost to replace a roof?

There is no simple answer to how much the bottom line will be for your roofing project. A bid from your contractor should be based on square footage, the pitch of roof, accessibility, type of roofing material needed, 1- or 2-story home, removal of old roof (if necessary), roof permit and city license, and labor.

Should I have my old roof removed before the new one is installed?

Should you remove your current roof before installing another? Although the advantages to leaving your old shingles are obvious (cheaper, less labor, faster), unless the initial roof is a single, problem-free layer, you could be setting yourself up for trouble.

You should discuss removing the old roof with your contractor if any of the following are true:

Inspecting your roof shows it is in bad shape--shingles are curled, mossy, split, etc.
The decking is sagging, rotting or deteriorating.
The new roof is of a lighter material than the original roof. If you put lightweight shingles over heavyweight shingles, all of the old bumps and ridges from the original roof will still show.
Your roof already has more than one layer

Overall, experts estimate that the life of your new roof will be cut by as much as 20% if it is installed on top of the existing roof.

How long does it take to replace a roof?

Replacing a roof, whether on a commercial or residential building, is a labor-intensive project and, depending on the type of roof, could take anywhere from a few days to 2 or more weeks. The time involved is substantially affected by the weather, as well. Wind, snow, rain, or even just the threat of one of these and will slow the process considerably.

For built-up roofs, removing and replacing the roof will probably proceed at a rate of approximately 1,500 square feet per day. For single-ply roofs, the rate is closer to 2,000 to 4,000 square feet per day. Careful planning and close project management can reduce some of the delays caused by bad weather.

Can I replace missing and damaged tiles or shingles without calling a roofing contractor?

It is always recommended that you use a professional, but in case of an emergency, it is possible for you to replace a shingle or broken tile yourself.

* Composition shingles:
For composition shingles, roofing cement can be used to repair torn or curled shingles. Stabilize repaired shingles with nails or a heavy board until the cement has dried.

To replace a composition shingle, carefully lift the shingle above the missing shingle, then trim and place the new shingle underneath so that it doesn't catch on any edges (it may be necessary to remove excess staples or nails). Carefully nail the new shingle into place.

* Wood shingles or shakes:
For wood shingles, repairs are best done with an aluminum piece that can be slid under the shingle. This should protect the exposed area, while not being visible from below.

To replace a wood shingle requires a special tool, a shingle ripper, to slip under the shingle and hook and cut the nail. The nail can also be cut with a hacksaw, but is difficult to do. Slip the new shingle into position, but leave it ¼ inch longer than the other shingles. Then nail it into place right below the end of the overlapping shingle above. Finally, with a block of wood against the shingle butt, drive it up the last ¼ inch to bend the nails under the shingle above.

* Tiles:
To replace a tile, remove all of the broken pieces, then gently lift the tiles and slide the new tile into place until it hooks over the batten.

Should I have my chimney looked at before I have roof work done?

If the chimney requires any maintenance or repair, the best time to work on it is before a new roof is installed. Coordinate the chimney mason with the roofing contractor and yourself to make sure all chimney flashing and chimney repairs are completed properly before the new roof is installed.

Do my solar panels have to be removed to install the new roof?

Although there are rare exceptions to the rule, most solar panels are either bolted to or mounted on the existing roofing material and must be removed before a new roof can be installed. Because solar panels are charged using a type of antifreeze, they will have to be removed and reinstalled by a licensed plumber who can insure that the job is accomplished properly.

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Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor

Regardless whether you plan to have us help you get a roofing estimate, use the contractor that did Aunt Harriet's roof or blindly call from the phone book you will need to determine which contractor you want to trust your home to. Here is a list of questions you might ask during the interview with each contractor to help you decide who to ask for a written estimate:

1. What is the full name and address of the roofing company?

2. Can you provide a list of former customers as references?

3. What is your track record with customer complaints?

4. Is payment upon completion? Is there a deposit before the project begins, how much is the deposit?

5. Will you furnish me with a written contract including explicit payment instructions and total price?

6. Do you have bonding capabilities?

7. Will you furnish me with a guarantee and manufacturers warranty?

8. How long has your roofing company been in business?

9. Are you going to obtain the required re-roofing permits?

10. In the event that your equipment damages my property, who is liable?

11. Will there be sub-contractors? If so, what are their names and license numbers?

12. Will you submit a maintenance program for the new roof system?

13. Are you a current member of any local and national roofing associations, i.e. the NRCA?

14. Is there any pending legal action against your company?

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