Frequently Asked Roofing Questions

Periodic visual self-inspections and annual professional roof inspections are invaluable. Regular inspections allow you to make minor repairs before they become larger issues and before a small leak becomes a significant renovation project. Mold will grow in places with much moisture, such as around roof leaks.

When roof weathering and damage are severe, only a thorough inspection by an experienced roofing professional can determine if a repair will be enough to resolve the problem or whether it is time to install a new roofing system.

Replacing your roof is a significant investment. Failing to replace your roof when it’s time can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs from structural damage. Here are a few signs it’s time for a new roofing system:

• There are wet spots on your ceiling, attic, or crawl spaces.
• Your chimney’s masonry has cracked.
• Shingles are curled, buckling, missing, or broken.
• Your shingles are blistering.
• Shingles are significantly aged and missing granules.
• You notice signs of roof rot, such as a spongy feeling when you walk on it.
• There is water backup in your eaves.
• Your flashing is damaged or compromised.

Hire professional roofers to inspect your roof thoroughly for signs that it’s time to replace it. Even if you don’t see any signs of damage, a roof that’s too old may be prone to breakdowns. Pacific Roofing Systems will give you honest, straightforward advice about when to replace your roof.

The most common question is, “How much will a new roof cost?”

The answer varies depending on a few factors. One, the size of your roof will ultimately determine how much a new roof costs. A townhome reroofing will be much cheaper than a larger home with a hip roof.

Roofs are measured by what is called a “square,” and this means 100 square feet. Pricing is done per square, which includes tearing off the existing shingles and installing new underlayment, followed by shingles. The cost per square is determined by the type of shingles an owner selects, plus extras like replacing plywood, fixing flashing, etc.

Pacific Roofing Systems offers free, no-obligation quotes, so you may find out the cost of your particular roofing project.

Once you decide you need a new roof, the most critical decision you can make involves choosing your contractor. Doing your research before hiring a roofer can protect you from roofing disasters and scams. The right contractor delivers a pleasant, rewarding experience, the best possible outcome, and a roof that will last for decades.

We highly recommend investigating the company itself. Look for manufacturer certifications, positive ratings with the Better Business Bureau, and proper licensing and insurance. Check our reviews on Google, Yelp, and Houzz.

Substandard roofers “cut corners” by not performing roof repairs correctly, such as skimping on areas where proper roof flashing is paramount. Often, such repairs fail over time and must be redone, or even worse, are so poorly done that they lead to future roof problems.

There are various new roof materials to choose from, perfect for any style of home or building. Your materials, color, and style selection depend on your needs and preferences. Select metal roofing, tiles, slate, and more in stunning colors. Add modern skylights and sun tunnels. Go green with solar panels. Add protective gutters and downspouts. We are here to help you select the perfect roofing materials.

If you need to replace your roof, there are a few small steps you can take for a smooth process. First, remove loose items from your walls and shelves. Hammering on your roof can sometimes create enough vibration to make unsecured objects fall. Clear your driveway and other nearby areas as much as possible. Your contractor will also appreciate the extra space for work vehicles and equipment. We will take care of the rest!

Generally, we can expect appropriately installed and maintained asphalt shingle or tile roofs to last 25-35 years. If you purchased a home or building without knowing when the roof was first constructed, we recommend you have a roof inspection to determine the remaining useful life of your roof. This will help you better maintain the roof to maximize longevity and begin to budget for a new roof if you anticipate needing one while you own the home.

All roofing materials will eventually deteriorate and erode, especially under harsh sun and weather conditions. However, you can extend the life of your roof with proper maintenance.

Excessive debris buildup can lead to water accumulating on the roof, compounding any existing roof drainage problems and encouraging the development of roof leaks if not corrected.

During routine maintenance services, minor roofing issues can be identified and resolved before they develop into more significant roof problems. Missing, damaged, or loose shingles, shakes, and tiles can be repaired or replaced; drainage issues can be addressed; damaged or improperly installed flashing can be repaired or replaced; and bubbling or blistering on flat roofs can be fixed. Taking care of minor problems can prevent more significant issues for decades.

This comes down to preference and, in some cases, regulatory rules. While tile roofing materials have traditionally been longer-lasting, newer asphalt shingle products have proven nearly as durable and often easier to repair. You can expect a quality asphalt shingle roof to last 25 years or more. Tile and asphalt shingles have differences in price, weight, longevity, and care requirements – so we recommend talking to us about which is best for you.

There are several ways to identify water intrusion if you do not identify any damage on your roof before it becomes a leak. Go to your attic and check the wood framing for signs of moisture, such as dark spots or rot. You can also look at insulation to see if it is matted, damp, or eroding. All can be signs of a roof leak. During and after significant rainstorms, look at the ceilings and walls for signs of staining, bulging, or drips. Should you see any of these, call us for professional assistance.

Each type of roofing system develops leaks for different reasons. But in general, leaks typically develop due to damaged, missing, or loose shingles, shakes, and tiles. Poor roof drainage due to excessive debris buildup contributes to the problem, as does insufficient, improperly installed, or damaged roof flashing in roof transition areas and at roof penetration points. And on flat roofs, damage to the cap sheet or gravel layer is typically the culprit.

In the case of a roofing leak, you have options. Sometimes people ask if they need a new roof because of a leak, and the answer is always, “It depends.” 

Factors such as the age of your current roof, any existing warranty, and the scope of your roof leak will ultimately determine what to do next. In any case, the first step is always to get the issue inspected by an honest roofing company. 

Depending on the damage on your roof causing the leak – a few missing shingles or a severe problem – will then determine your appropriate actions:

1. A simple roof repair may be the answer
2. Call your insurance to determine if your roof is covered for the damage
3. Check any warranty that came with the original roof
4. You may need to replace the roof.

If your roof is at the end of its useful life, you will likely have a much easier time selling if it is replaced. Buyers may not be able to obtain financing on a home or building with an expired roof, and the expense of putting on a new roof may scare them away. If this appears to be an issue, but you cannot afford to put the new roof, speak to your agent about ways to negotiate the roof’s price into the sale