Homeowners have questions about their roofs. Whether they’re getting ready to purchase a new one, or need repairs on an existing roof, we understand that this investment is a major one. Our experts at Columbine Roofing has compiled and answered the 10 most common roofing questions.
1.) How Long will A New Roof Last?
Unfortunately, this question doesn’t have a firm answer. This is one of the common roofing questions our professionals are asked.
The type of roof you select will impact how long it lasts. For example, an asphalt composite shingle roof can last around 15, while a tile roof can last for decades.
These estimates, of course, don’t account for maintenance. If you maintain your roof, have regular inspections and make necessary repairs quickly, the lifespan of your roof will increase. If your roof isn’t maintained, the lifespan of your roof will surely decrease.
2.) How Will I Know if I Need a New Roof?
Unless you’re a trained roofing professional, you probably won’t know for sure if or when your home will need a new roof.
If you suspect that you need a new roof, have a professional roofing inspection done. A licensed contractor will be able to tell you if your roof needs to be replaced.
3.) Why Should I Hire a Professional?
This question arises during two instances: when a new roof is required, or when a repair is necessary.
We never recommend that you do roofing installation or repairs yourself.
A licensed and insured professional will complete installations and repair right the first time, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Additionally, professional installations and repairs are often covered by warranties.
4.) How Much Will a New Roof Cost?
This answer depends entirely on the size of your roof and on the roofing materials that you choose. Some materials are more costly than others.
According to HomeAdvisor, a new roof in Colorado costs between $6,300 – $12,000
At Columbine Roofing, we offer a variety of roofing options. We are always happy to make recommendations based on your budget.
5.) Can You Roof Over My Existing Shingles?
While, in theory, this could save money, we don’t advise “reroofing”
Roof shingles must lay as flat as possible to be effective, making reroofing unadvisable. Additionally, peeling off old shingles allows roofing contractors to inspect for hidden damages, like leaks.
In short, no. We do not, and wouldn’t recommend that anyone roof over existing shingles.
6.) Does a Leak Mean I Need a New Roof?
If you notice a leak, call a roofing contractor immediately and have it repaired. If left to fester, leaks can cause irreparable damage to a roof.
A few minor leaks do not require an entirely new roof. More than a few may be a sign of underlying damage which could mean you may need a new roof.
7.) How Long Does Roofing Installation Take?
If you’re getting a new roof, you can expect installation to take some time. A new roof can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Deciding factors include:
- The size of the roof
- The slope of the roof
- The type of roofing materials and shingles used
- Weather
Your contractor will give you an estimated timeline of how long the installation will take. Unless there’s a major hiccup, these timelines are often accurate.
8.) Can My Roof Be Insured?
In most cases, under your homeowner’s insurance policy, your roof is protected. Most policies protect against things like vandalism, fire, or hail.
If your shingles are damaged or begin to curl, these things are often covered under your roof’s warranty. We always recommend asking about the warranties for the roofing materials you select.
At Columbine Roofing, we are actively transparent about warranties and will always help you file an insurance claim if there’s damage to your roof.
9.) Does A Skylight Impact How My Roof Functions?
Skylights impact how your roof funnels water into your gutters. This is why we always recommend having a profession install a skylight. Do not DIY a skylight. It can lead to a host of problems. Avoid structural damage and leaks by having skylights installed professionally.
10.) Why Should I Work With a Licensed Roofing Contractor?
There are plenty of roofing contractors who don’t keep up with their licensure.
Always use a licensed roofer. Licensed roofers are insured, and this protects your investment. At Columbine Roofing, we take licensing very seriously.
Residential Roofing for Homeowners
Now that the most common roofing questions have been answered, feel free to reach out to us regarding any of your residential roofing needs. Our award-winning team is dedicated to providing you with outstanding service each and every time.