Roofing Questions, Answered

Yes. A roofer gets on the roof, photographs what he finds and writes the estimate. If the roof is fine, he says so and you owe nothing.

By what the roof shows. A leak at a flashing on a roof with years of life left is a repair. Widespread granule loss, curling, cracked or slipping tiles, brittle underlayment or a roof at the end of its rated life is a replacement, because repairs on it fail one after another. The photos show which case you have.

Asphalt shingles commonly run 20 to 30 years depending on the product and the sun exposure. Concrete and clay tile last much longer, but the underlayment beneath them wears out in 20 to 30 years and has to be replaced with the tile lifted and relaid. Flat roofs vary widely by material.

Wind, hail and fallen-tree damage are commonly covered; wear and age are not. We photograph storm damage the way adjusters expect and can meet the adjuster on the roof. The coverage decision is the insurer's.

Yes, where the city requires one, which is the case for most replacements and some repairs. The permit and any inspections are part of the scope.

Most single-family shingle roofs are done in one to three days. Tile roofs and larger or steeper roofs take longer. The estimate gives the days, and the roof is never left open overnight.

Usually closely, sometimes exactly if the product is still made. Matching is best on tile, where the roofer can often reuse tiles from a hidden area for the visible repair. The estimate says what will be used.

A proper repair of the failed detail lasts as long as the roof around it. If the roof itself is near the end, the estimate says so and you decide.

Yes. Sealant-only repairs and reused flashing are common findings, and the inspection photos show what was done.

For an active leak, as soon as possible, usually within a day or two, with a tarp the same day if water is coming in. Inspections for non-urgent repairs are scheduled within the week.

Wind-driven rain gets under flashings and shingles that shed straight-down rain fine, and long soaking rain finds slow paths that a shower does not. Telling the roofer when it leaks narrows the search.

Usually not. Water travels along rafters and decking before dropping, so the entry point is often several feet uphill. That is why the tracing starts in the attic.

Sealant over a failed flashing works for a season and fails again. The repair replaces the detail. Sealant is used where it belongs, at small penetrations, as part of a proper fix.

We flag it and, for wet insulation and drywall that has been wet for a while, refer a drying contractor. A leak that ran for months can leave mold in the attic, and that is checked too.

The same day, usually within hours, when water is coming in. After a large storm the crews work through the queue in the order the calls came in, and active leaks come first.

Both, and it does not matter which first. Tarping to prevent further damage is expected by the insurer; keep the receipt. The inspection photos are what the adjuster will want.

Rarely. Hail bruises shingles and knocks granules off in a pattern that is visible on the roof and in the gutters. The inspection checks for it on every storm call.

Wind damage on an old roof is still wind damage, but adjusters weigh age and wear. The photos make the distinction between what the storm did and what was already there.

Codes allow a second layer of shingles in some places, but it hides rotten decking, adds weight, shortens the new roof's life and voids most warranties. We tear off.

One to three days for most shingle roofs, longer for tile and for large or steep roofs. The estimate gives the days.

Two: the manufacturer's warranty on the materials, which depends on the product and on the installation meeting its spec, and our workmanship warranty on the installation. Both are written into the scope.

No, as long as the crew can reach the roof and the power. Move cars out of the driveway, cover items in the attic against dust, and take fragile things off the walls, because tear-off shakes the house.

Because the underlayment or a flashing under them has failed. Tile sheds most of the water; the underlayment catches the rest, and when it wears out the roof leaks under tiles that look new.

Often exactly, by moving tiles from a hidden area of the roof to the visible repair and putting the new tiles in the hidden spot. Discontinued profiles are matched as closely as the market allows.

Roofers know where to step, but old clay tile is fragile and some breakage during a repair is normal and included. The crew replaces what it breaks.

Several days to a week for a typical house, depending on size and how many tiles need replacing.

Usually because water ponds there and works at the seam or the surface until it opens. The repair addresses the drainage as well as the seam, or the spot fails again.

A coating protects a roof that is still sound. It does not fix open seams, failed flashings or a wet insulation layer. The inspection says which you have.

It varies widely by membrane and installation, from 10 to 30 years. Drains kept clear and details resealed every few years make the difference.

Yes: offices, retail, warehouses and apartment buildings, repairs and full membrane replacement, with maintenance visits by arrangement.

When it is the first step toward a repair or replacement estimate, yes. A formal written report for a home sale, a lease or an insurance claim is a paid service, and the price is quoted when you call.

A camera on the roof or on a pole gives closer, better photos, and the roofer can lift a shingle or a tile to see underneath. A drone is used where a roof cannot be walked or reached.

Yes, when it is. The report rates remaining life honestly, and a roof with years left is reported that way.

Yes. It is written with photos and costs so buyers, sellers and their agents can negotiate from it.

No, because the roof has to be seen. The visit is free, and the estimate comes with the photos that explain it.

We photograph and document storm damage the way adjusters expect and can meet the adjuster on the roof. Whether the claim is approved is between you and your insurer.

Yes: flat and low-slope roofs on offices, retail and apartment buildings, and pitched roofs on any building. Tell us on the phone what the building is.

During the day, usually within the hour. Overnight requests are returned first thing in the morning. If water is coming in, call the number instead of waiting.

Yes. Once someone has called you back, they will give you a number to text photos to. A photo of the stain inside and of the roof from the ground helps the roofer plan the visit.