Questions to Ask when Getting a Roof Estimate in Mesa AZ

It’s easy to ignore or forget about your roof because it rarely makes a problem and is always on top of your Mesa home. Your roof is an integral part of your residential property and a major investment that requires proper maintenance and care. Homeowners often undervalue and ignore their roofing systems, only giving them attention when there’s a serious problem.

There’s a good chance you’ll have to undertake a roof replacement or repair as a homeowner. Having the right information will help you make informed decisions that will ultimately lead to the success off your project and your complete satisfaction. Before hiring a reputable roofing contractor, they should provide you with a fairly accurate estimate on what’s likely to be the cost of your roofing project. Here are some of the questions you should ask your roofing contractor when getting a roof estimate.

Are you licensed and Insured?

You only want to work with a reputable roofing company with proper license and insurance. These are a no-brainer. After a major storm in your neighborhood, you’ll suddenly start receiving free estimates and discounted services from roofing companies. In most cases, these offers will look attractive and tempting. However, you must find out if they are licensed and insured. If not, walk away. You don’t want to be held liable for the damages on your property or medical expenses arising from injuries that may occur during your roof installation or repair.

How Long have you Been Working on Roofs?

This is a question on the company’s experience in the roofing industry. You want to know about the company’s short or long presence in handling roof installation and repair projects. Understand that highly experienced contractors are likely to have high labor costs with high-quality results. That shouldn’t mean less experienced companies won’t deliver quality results but you want to rest assured your roof is in the right hands. Hire an experienced contractor.

What Materials Can You Work With?

Does the roofing company have enough experience and professional expertise working with your roofing material? Do they have the right equipment to install your type of roof? Some roofing contractors will do a better job using asphalt shingles than metal materials because that’s their area of specialization or experience. Requesting for the company’s portfolio will help you determine whether or not they are experienced in your type of roof and if they will deliver quality work.

Do you offer Warranties?

Don’t hire a roofing company that doesn’t offer a warranty of their roofing work. It’s important you find out how long the company guarantees its work. They should be able to cover their roofing work while the manufacturer covers the roofing materials.

Do you Use Subcontractors?

How will the roofing company accomplish your installation or repair project? Will they hire a subcontractor to handle a part of the job? If yes, is the subcontractor licensed and insured? You should inspect the subcontractors to be sure they do quality work. Just know that it isn’t a bad thing when your roofing company uses subcontractors.

How long will the Job Take?

You’re hiring a roofing contractor to repair or install a roof on a house you live in. You, therefore, want to prepare for the roofing project which is why you should ask they how long they expect the project to take. They should include weather-related delays and outline their policy for the same.

Roof Replacement: Five Tips to Keep in Mind before Getting a New Roof

How often do you think about your roof? If you’re like most homeowners, there’s a good chance you rarely pay attention to the condition of your roof. But do you ever realize that the roof is the most important part of your home? It not only ensures the safety of your belongings but protects your family. So, ensuring your roof remains in an excellent condition isn’t an option.

When it comes to a major home improvement project like replacing a roof, it’s important that you prepare yourself and ensure everything works out as smoothly as possible. Note that a roof replacement is a commitment and you must be prepared financially, mentally, and physically. Here are important roof replacement tips to keep in mind.

Be Aware of the Costs

Roof replacement costs can be terrifying. You’re going to spend thousands of dollars to replace your roof. However, don’t forget this is an investment you’re making and it’s worth it. Your roof isn’t just there for the sake of it. It’s an integral part of your home which is why you have to prepare for it financially. Have a budget which will include the cost of materials, labor costs, as well as funds for contingencies and permits.

Contact a Reputable Roofing Contractor

Roof replacement isn’t a project you’ll be undertaking each year. It’s a once in 25 to 30 years undertaking, which means you have to get it right. This isn’t one of those tasks you do by yourself. Only an experienced and reputable roofing contractor should handle your roof replacement project. Find a company that has the right skills, experience, proper insurance, safety procedures, and professional expertise to accomplish your project to your satisfaction.

Shop Around

Before choosing a roofing company for your roof replacement project, you want to shop around first. Why not get references from people you trust? The goal is to find the best company for the job. Don’t choose your roofing contractor based on price alone, no matter your budget. Look at their experience, compare prices with other companies, and ask for client references.

Schedule your Project at the Right Time

Planning is very important. Rushing things might not end up well. Before scheduling your roof replacement consider the current season or rather weather conditions, your own availability, and your family. Be sure to involve your family in the planning process to avoid any inconveniences. An experienced roofing contractor can recommend and give insights on how best to plan and schedule your roof replacement accordingly.

Pay Attention to the Paperwork

As mentioned, roof replacement is a commitment that will involve tremendous amount of money and time. Since you’re spending thousands of dollars, it’s important to have everything clarified in a contract. You should have a written agreement with your roofing company. The contract should include details on the material costs, labor costs, products, estimates, time-lines, and every other agreed-to detail. Don’t hesitate or be afraid to request for proper Company insurance, building permits and other documentations that prove reliability.

Six Warning Signs you Need a New Roof

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to put off roofing tasks and only deal with roofing problems when they it’s too late to make the necessary repairs. What they never realize is that indecisiveness and ignoring roofing problems when they arise will end up costing them more. Remodeling your home’s interior spaces could be a lot more fun but it’s important to note that your roofing system can have a huge effect on the condition of your interior spaces.

When it’s time to have a roof replacement, it is well worth your time and money. However, the question would be, how do you determine whether or not it’s time to replace your roof? Here are six signs that you need a roof replacement.

Roof Age

The first important factor and indicator that your home could use new roofing is age. The fact that your roof looks good doesn’t always mean it’s structurally sound. Asphalt shingle roofs can last between 20 and 25 years. Metal roofs, on the other hand, can last between 50 to 75 years. You should, therefore, determine the type of roof on your home and how often you should have it replaced.

The Shingles Aren’t Looking Great

When did you last step out of your house and took a close look at your shingles? You can’t tell if there’s a problem with your roof by staying indoors. If you see any signs of damage, it’s time to contact a reputable roofing contractor. Watch out for any signs of curling, buckling, warping, cracks, moss growth, and dark streaks. In most cases, your shingles will show signs of buckling or curling as a result of increasing roof age.

Damaged Flashing

Made of galvanized steel or metal, flashing is the material responsible for preventing moisture and water from entering your home. It’s usually placed around areas where a roof meets the wall like around skylights and chimneys. Deterioration is inevitable because of continuous exposure to elements. If you see any signs of bending, cracking, and tearing away on your flashing, contact a roofing contractor for help.

Granules in the Gutter

Shingle granules not only help in reflecting UV rays from the sun but also add color and resist fires. Daily exposure to heat and elements often cause shingle granules to weather thereby leaving your roof without the much needed protection. Check your gutters for any presence of granules. Be sure to contact a roofing contractor to inspect your roof and determine the cause of granule loss, in case you find any in your gutter.

Daylight through the Roof Boards

It’s not normal when light is passing through the roof. If light is entering your attic during the day, your roof shingles could be missing, damaged, or broken. Try walking on your roof and see if there’s a spongy feel or trampoline bounce. If you notice any of these signs, there could be a problem with the underlying decking.

Sagging Roof Lines

Understand that roof lines should always be straight. Any signs of sagging could mean a serious problem. It’s not just an aesthetic problem. You should contact a roofing contractor immediately since your roof could be on the verge of collapsing.

Do Gutter Guards Really Work? Useful Benefits for your Roof

How would you describe gutter cleaning? How do you find it? Many homeowners find it to be a smelly and messy task. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to fall off their roofs or from ladders and injuring themselves while trying to undertake DIY roof repairs and gutter cleaning. Without proper attention and maintenance, you gutters are likely not to function as they should. When this happens, you’ll be left with mold growth indoors, foundation problems, and eventually roofing failure.

It’s clear no one has the time to attend to their gutters every other day. Installing gutter guards might the solution you need to maintain your gutters. Gutter guards act as filters to your gutters and ensure their proper maintenance. Here are some useful benefits of installing gutter guards.

Reduce Maintenance

Obviously, one of the main benefits of installing gutter guards is reduced maintenance. Gutter guards often prevent leaves, debris, and other materials from ending up and blocking your gutter system. Normally, without gutter guards, the homeowner will be required to regularly clean and maintain his or her gutter system. At times, due to lack of time, you may have to hire a professional to come help clean and maintain your gutters. With gutter guards, cleaning and maintaining your gutter system becomes a less-time consuming task.

Keeps your Foundation Dry

You know how destructive and damaging rain water can be in the absence of a proper functioning gutter system. When you install gutter guards, both the large and small debris will be filtered and stopped from accumulating in your gutters thereby allowing water to flow to the downspout and away from your home’s foundation. Your home will remain in perfect shape as long as your foundation is dry and well-maintained.

Improve Gutter Water Flow

As mentioned, an overflowing or clogged gutter is likely to cause serious problems that could end up costing thousands of dollars in repairs. Downspouts are able to function freely when water flows through the gutters. Gutter guards ensure leaves and other debris are filtered don’t make their way to the gutters.

Corrosion and Fire Prevention

When leaves and debris sit and accumulate on your gutters, they begin to decompose thereby contributing to the corroding and rusting of your gutter system. Over time, this will not only result in mold and algae growth but compromise the structural integrity of your roofing system. The accumulating dry leaves and materials on your gutters can easily catch fire and quickly spread it over your entire residential property. Gutter guards can help you protect your investment as they will prevent buildup of corroding and flammable material on your roof.

Prevents Ice Dams during winter

During winter, when water collects and builds up on your gutters, it freezes thereby creating ice dams which can result in ice damage. While installing gutter guards won’t completely prevent ice from building up on your roof and gutters, it can significantly help to reduce this problem.

Investing in a quality gutter protection system will go a long way to protect your investment. No debris will accumulate on your gutters. Consult a reputable roofing company for the right gutter protection system for your roof.

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement: Four Key Factors to Help you Decide

Would you live in a house with a damaged roof? Or even one without a roof? No one would do that. The importance of having a properly functioning roof cannot be understated. The roof is one of the most important and integral parts of a house. But why is it that it’s become an afterthought to many homeowners? Well, that’s best known to each one of you out there.

The biggest question homeowners often ask is on how they can know whether to replace their existing roof or tackle a roof repair. First, it’s important to note that, when properly maintained, a roof will serve its life span and roofing problems will be reduced. Now that you’re looking to become a responsible and proactive homeowner be sure to take care of your roof so it serves you well.

With that in mind, here are key factors to help you decide whether it’s time to undertake a roof replacement or simply go for roof repairs.

What’s the Age of your Roof?

The age of your roof is just one of those things you can never get away with in this life. Just like your car and other forms of investments, your roof gets old with time. You’re likely to encounter more roofing problems as your roof grows older. Understand that your roofing material has a lifespan within which it’s supposed to function effectively, with proper maintenance. Contact a roofing contractor to inspect your roof and determine if it has reached its lifespan and needs a replacement.

How Extensive is the Damage?

Perhaps your roof only needs fixing in one or two small areas. How often does the roofing problem occur? Is it a recurring leak? Situations where you’ve had recurring roofing problems for the past five years might warrant a replacement. Professional roof repair is the best option for obvious roofing problems and those that have just occurred. If the problem is with, say, 30 percent of your roofing system, replacing the roof might be the best option. Be sure to work with a reputable roofing contractor to help you make the right choice.

A Shift towards Energy-efficiency

Today, there are more energy-efficient roofing materials that can help you save more money on your energy bills. If you’ve been having extremely high energy bills for the past months or years, a complete roof replacement might be the best option. Installing cool roofs, adding a reflecting coating or insulation, can help reduce your energy bills. However, in cases where the roof is damaged and old, it’s best if you have the entire roof replaced.

Selling your Home in Future

Do you intend or plan to move to another neighborhood in a few months or years and you’ll be listing your current home for sale? If yes, you might as well consider what potential buyers are likely to prefer and like. Always keep in mind that your roof is a special selling point. A home with a good-looking, healthy roof will sell faster and at a better rate than one with a roof with issues. A roof replacement will give you a higher return on investment than investing in roof repairs.