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When should I schedule a roof installation?

Across Texas, the milder temperatures are typically in the fall. We’re able to predict the weather better, most of the time, and for a roofing crew, it is the best time of the year. Between September and November is the most common time that new roof installations are scheduled. It is after the spring storms and blisteringly hot summer, but before the winter weather arrives from the north.

However, a roofing contractor should be two things: Honest and Flexible! Because here in the Lone Star State, the weather can change from the time it takes you to walk from the back door to the front door! So, while September, October, and November are the most recommended time frames to schedule a roof installation, the temperatures can still read 100 degrees in September, and it has snowed before Thanksgiving. And Halloween is rainy more years than it isn’t!

How long does roof installation take?

This can depend on the size of the house and if it is multi-level. The type of roofing material being used for the roof installation. Generally, a roof installation for a home up to 3,000 square feet can be completed within one day. If accessibility, complexity, and the weather are an issue, the job could take between 3 and 5 days to complete.

What do you need to know before scheduling a roof installation?

There are many things you should know about getting a roof installation, with the first thing being hiring a local contractor that is certified and insured. Ask for recent references with jobs similar to yours and take the time to call them! The other things you should know include:

Get more than 1 inspection and estimate

Even if your roof has a leak, you may not need a complete new roof installation. Getting more than one inspection and estimate will allow the opportunity to compare contractors.

Invest in Quality

A roof installation is an investment in your home, so get the best roofing material you can afford. Roofing is one of those things that “you get what you pay for” is accurate.  

Roofing Materials Are Included

Review the estimates you receive from roofing contractors. Make sure your roof installation will include everything, including the shingles or whatever material you choose. Your roof is more than just the shingles you see from the street. So, wouldn’t it make sense to know what else makes a roof a roof? 

A roof installation should include the following:

• Decking
• Flashing 
• Underlayment 
• Drip edge 
• Ice & water shield 
• Shingles or other Roofing Material
• Ridge Cap 
• Roofing vents 
• Pipe rubber boots

And if your home currently has a gutter system a new roof installation that is claimed on your homeowner’s insurance should include replacing the gutters and downspouts too.

What are the steps in the roof installation process?

The day for your roof installation will be an exciting and important day for you and your neighbors. Certain processes, steps, and techniques must be followed in order to give you a roof installation that will last for the time the roofing contractor quoted.

• The contractor will have all the materials on your estimate usually delivered the day before the job is to start. Have a place ready for the delivery, usually the driveway.
• Make sure the area around your home is clear of outdoor furniture, grills, yard art, etc. Any plants that can be moved should be placed somewhere away from the house.
• You may want to remove breakable and valuable things from the walls and out of the attic.
• The contractor and crew will tear off all the existing roofing and any decking and underlayment that is damaged.
• They will repair or replace the decking and underlayment as needed.
• Next, the drip edge is installed followed by the flashing.
• Next the shingle or whatever your roofing material choice will be installed.
• The next layer of flashing is installed where needed.
• Vents and rubber boots are installed next.
• The ridge cap is installed.
• Final inspection by the contractor and a walk-around with you is the final step.

What are the biggest mistakes in roof installation?

A contractor that is rushed and takes shortcuts is the biggest roof installation mistake! This is why you should hire a local contractor that has a reputation and several recent references in your area. Those shortcuts can include not tearing off the old roofing and using old flashing and rubber boots. These are things that you can have effects from later down the road.

How do I know my roof installation was done right?

As a homeowner, you probably aren’t going to want to climb up on the roof and inspect everything. But there are 4 things you can do from the ground:

1. Check that the flashing is installed.
2. Make sure the shingles have a uniform appearance.
3. Use binoculars and look at the overhand and nailing.
4. Inspect inside the attic for any rotted roof decking that should have been replaced.

What can cause a roof installation to fail?

A roofing contractor and crew that are rushed and take shortcuts! A substandard roof installation job is setting your home up for roof failure. Other causes for failure include:

• Lack of Flashing
• Mismatched Materials
• Third-Party Damage
• Lack of Preventative Maintenance

How do I choose a roofer for a roof installation?

If you’re filing this roof installation on your homeowner’s insurance, some have a list of recommendations. Ask your family, friends, and neighbors for their recommendations, and even check with your co-workers.

Once you have a list of roofing contractors, call them and schedule an inspection and estimate. Then ask them for recent references, and we can’t stress it enough, follow up with those reference checks!

How to repair a roof with missing shingles?

If you have a few shingles left from the original installation, use those for your shingle roof repair to replace the ones that are missing. They will come the closest to matching the existing shingles and after some time, they’ll fade to match the rest of the roof. If you don’t have any leftover shingles, try to match as closely to the color and design as possible.

When should a shingle roof be replaced?

When to replace an asphalt shingle roof will depend on the environment and weather. The quality of the asphalt shingles, how roof shingles are made, and the installation will affect the longevity as well. The standard lifespan on different roofing materials is:

• Asphalt Shingles: 15 to 30 years
• Composition Shingles: 12 to 20 years
• Wood Shingles: 20 to 25 years

The following are some of the ways how to tell if a shingle roof is bad and if a shingle roof repair isn’t going to be sufficient, and a new roof installation is the only option: 

1. Water Damage

If you find moisture marks or water stains in the attic or upstairs rooms, on the rafters or insulation, or find peeling paint on the ceilings or walls, these are often an indication of a damaged roof.

2. The Lifespan

If your roof is within the age range we listed above, anywhere between 20 to 50 years, it is time for a new roof. If you moved into an existing home and don’t know the age of the roof, have it inspected by a professional roofing contractor.

3. Sagging

A sagging roof is an indication there is moisture trapped in the attic and under the roof decking and your roof should be replaced sooner than later.

4. Fungi, Mold, or Moss

Fungi, mold, or moss are also an indication of trapped moisture. A thorough roof cleaning may remove these from the surface, but a professional roof inspection should be done to make sure there isn’t damage under the shingles and roof decking. Too much damage will necessitate a new roof.

5. Buckling or Curling Shingles

If you have buckling or curling shingle, they are not attached to the roof decking as they should be, meaning your roof has sustained damage. Getting the roof replaced as soon as possible is recommended. Curved shingles can be lifted off in a high wind, allowing rain to penetrate the roof decking and further.  

6. Missing Shingles or Asphalt Granules

 The winds that come with strong thunderstorms put a strain on the roof, and hailstones and hard rain will knock the granules off.  Sometimes you can do a shingle roof repair for one or two damaged or missing shingles. If you have more than that, a roof inspection is advised.

What are the advantages of a shingle roof?

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material that homeowners choose. Why? There are several reasons:

• Affordability
• Durability
• Installation is easy and fast
• Minimal maintenance
• Lifespan between 25 and 30 years
• A variety of colors, shapes, and styles
• Fireproof
• Waterproof

How many years does a shingle roof last?

Today, there are types of shingle roof alternatives available. According to Roofer’s Guild, standard 3-tab asphalt shingles have a maximum lifespan of 30 years, composite shingles will have a maximum lifespan of 50 years, and a new style, modified rubber shingles, can last up to 30 years. Premium asphalt shingles have a lifespan of up to 40 years.

What are the signs of a damaged roof?

• Wind Damage

Moderate to strong winds can result in storm damage roof repairs being needed.  Lightweight roofing materials like asphalt shingles can be broken and even lifted off the roof. From cracks to missing shingles, your roof is subject to leaking.

• Heavy Rains

With storms, heavy rains are normal, and they can leave extreme storm damage roof repairs needed, even causing a roof to collapse.

• Hailstorms

Hailstorms don’t typically last long, but they can do the most storm damage. Roof repairs can include replacing a few shingles, but in most cases, a complete roof replacement is needed. What are signs of hail damage on a roof? If you aren’t sure What roof hail damage looks like, the signs of hail damage include bruised, dented shingles, round pock marks on downspouts and roofing, asphalt granules missing,  and gutters filled with asphalt granules.

• Ice Storms

Ice storms can damage the protective layer of a roof as well as the structure under the roofing material. When storm damage roof repairs aren’t done quickly, it allows the water from melted ice and rain to infiltrate under the shingles, causing more damage to the roof and your home.

Can roof hail damage be repaired?

If the damage is less than 25% of the entire roof, storm damage roof repairs are possible. If you suspect or know you have roof damage from a storm, have a roofing contractor do an inspection. Once they have completed their inspection and confirmed your concerns, call your homeowner’s insurance company, and file a claim.

They will have an adjuster schedule a time with you to do their own inspection. If possible, have your roofing contractor there at the same time to assure the adjuster sees all the damage they found. If storm damage roof repairs are possible, the contractor and/or insurance adjuster will advise you, or they will recommend a new roof.

How do I know if my roof is damaged by wind?

You’ll know you need windstorm damage roof repairs by the following signs:

• Loose or missing shingles
• Issues with the chimney
• Curled or peeling asphalt shingles
• Granule loss
• Damaged fascia or soffit

High winds can cause storm damage from tree branches falling on the roof or rubbing the branches across the roof and knocking off the asphalt granules. Those granules provide a layer of protection to your roof.

How fast does wind need to be to damage a roof?

A roof that is in good condition can usually withstand winds up to 40 MPH.  Winds between 70 MPH and 80 MPH can cause structural roof damage. When winds reach 90 MPH or higher, they can destroy a structure.

Knowing how to protect your roof from storm damage can save you from having to deal with storm damage roof repairs and filing homeowner insurance claims, as well as keep your family safe.  Some suggestions are:

• Keep trees trimmed back
• Nail boards over the windows when you know a storm with winds are coming
• Keep repairs done as needed
• Replace your roof as recommended by your insurance company and a roofing contractor
• Keep gutters cleaned and repaired
• Keep siding repaired

Does insurance cover roof damage from a storm?

In most cases yes, but the insurance company will assign an insurance adjuster to your claim. They will come to inspect your roof, the structure, and all of your property listed on the policy to determine if the damage could have been prevented.

If they declare the roof should have been replaced prior to the storm damage roof repair claim was filed, they will deny your claim. It is possible, if they deem there is homeowner neglect, they could have an option to cancel your policy.