RC Construction CO
Residential and Commercial Roofing.

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609 314 7425

 

Pros and Cons of Roofing Repairs

Your roof is wearing out – right now. Thanks to the UV radiation that bakes roof shingles until they are brittle, the summer sun takes more years out of a roof's life than any other environmental factor. If your roof is looking a little worse for wear, the summer is also a good time to think about having it repaired or replaced.

First, roof leaks can almost always be repaired without replacing the roof. Most roofs leak due to flashing problems, typically at an intersection of two roof components; roof and plumbing vent, roof and chimney, roof and wall, etc. An easy way to help pinpoint that leak is by strategically rinsing down each area with a hose until the offending spot is found.

Replacing a roof, on the other hand, is something that has to be done periodically, and is seldom done because of an obvious leak. More commonly, the shingles have dried out and become cracked, brittle and deteriorated to the point where the roof remains saturated under the roof shingles, causing slow decay rather than an obvious stick-the-bucket-under-it leak.

While spot repair may be possible if the majority of your roof surface has plenty of mileage left in it, if your roof is approaching the 20-year mark (or so), replacement is a better way to go.

If you do replace your roof, do you add another layer, or do you completely replace it? Here are the pros and cons of that decision:

A brand new roof provides the opportunity for secure sealing, the latest in underlayment materials and flashing, and a longer guarantee of material integrity for a lifespan of 20 years or more.

On the other hand, applying a new roofing layer on top of the old is possible only if your existing roofing is one layer thick and in good condition, has strong decking, and has shingles compatible with the new application. Longevity isn't as extensive with this option, being around 25 percent less than that of a new roof. The reason for this is because the old layer holds a lot of heat, and that heat helps the new roof dry out that much more quickly, shortening its life.

If your roof's condition provides the opportunity to choose between these options, consider the number of years you plan to stay in your re-roofed home. If a long haul is in the cards, a whole new roof is the wise choice, while a shorter stay justifies saving cash with the second-layer option.

 

 

 

FAQ

Roof Anatomy

1. rafter
2. collar beam
3. ridge board
4. solid decking
5. felt underlayment
6. shingles
7. vent pipe flashing
8. chimney flashing
9. gutter
10. down spout
11. splash block
12. rake
13. lookout
14. fascia
15. ridge board
16. valley underlayment
17. valley flashing
18. spaced sheathing

 

Roof Types

Gambrel

Mansard

Hip

Gable

Flat

 

Roof Pitch
Determining Roof Pitch

Take a carpenter’s level and place it against your roof as show in the illustration below. Be sure it is level. From the point where the level touches the roof, measure out 12 inches. From this point, measure the distance in inches from the bottom of the level to the roof. This will be the first number in the roof pitch. The second number is always 12. Your “ROOF PITCH” is simply how far the roof drops vertically for every 12” of horizontal run.

Roof Pitch
Pitch Amount of Drop
2:12 1"
3:12 1 1/2"
4:12 2"
5:12 2 1/2"
6:12 3"
7:12 3 1/2"
8:12 4"
9:12 4 1/2"
10:12 5"
11:12 5 1/2"
12:12 6"

 

Roof Expecantcy

Asphalt and wood shingles and shakes 15-30 years
Tile (depends on quality of tile and climate) 50 years
Slate (depends on grade) 50-100 years
Sheet metal 20-50+ years
Built-up roofing, asphalt 12-25 years
Built-up roofing, coal and tar 12-30 years
Asphalt composition shingle 15-30 years
Asphalt overlag 25-35 years

 

Roofs/Re-Roofs FAQ's

• Do I need a new roof?
  Generally speaking, it’s wise to get your roof inspected when it gets to be about 10 years old. While most licensed roofers are going to install a roof warranted for at least 20 years, not all roofs are installed by professionals and their workmanship or materials may havebeen sub-standard. It is also very possible that damage can occur due to severe weather and although your roof hasn’t reached its life expectancy, there may be reasons for repair. Keep in mind, too, that stains, blisters or flaking paint on interior ceilings or walls can be indications of moisture build-up and should be thoroughly investigated. The way to know for sure is to get a roof inspection.
  
  
• How long will it take to install my roof?
  Normally we can finish your roof in a single day, though larger roofs may take up to three days – and remember, weather may be a factor, as well.
  
  
• How much mess might be involved?
  Every roof is different, though often, it is a dirty job. Older homes may have several layers of asphalt shingles on top of some other type of roofing material such as wood shingles and it is not uncommon to have debris fall between gaps in the boards of your roof. You should expect to cover anything in rooms with direct access to your roof.
  
  
• Should I install static vents or ridge vents?
  It is a fact that poor attic ventilation creates high heat that can cause roofing materials to fail prematurely and installing roof vents helps to eliminate that heat build up and part of our first inspection is to correct any ventilation issues. We will be happy to add vents to your roof during the roofing project.
  
  
• Will you provide referrals?
  Yes. After almost 10 years in the business, we have many hundreds of satisfied roofing customers and we’ll be happy to provide references.
  
  
• Will you remove the existing layer of shingles or re-roof over top of them are?
  While, you can have a maximum of two layers of asphalt shingles on a roof, if your shingles have excessive curls or buckles or if there is evidence of rotted wood, the existing single layer should be removed before the new roof is added. Also, adding one layer on top of another may void the warranty, depending on the type of shingle to be used.
  
• Will you warranty your work?
  Yes. Your roof will be warranted for workmanship and materials.
• How long will my new roof last?
  A properly laid and well cared for shingle roof can last up to 15 years without repair or replacement. The application of a good shingle coating will certainly improve the life your shingle roof as well as increase energy efficiency for you.
• How long does a typical roofing job last?
  This is dependant upon your roof. A simple roof job can be completed in a day or two. More complicated jobs, such as larger structures with gables, steeper slopes, and other architectural can take up to a week or more. Inclement weather conditions can cause delays too.

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Tel: 609 314 7425

Fax: 609 434 0174

Email: info[at]roofingtask.com

Web: www.roofingtask.com