You have questions? We have the answer!
We have found that the majority of our customers have a lot of questions when it comes to roof repair and replacement. Whether it's residential or commercial, our licensed contractors are here to help guide you through the roofing and insurance claim process!
We can't cover every single question we get asked in our FAQ section, but we have chosen the basic questions our team of experts gets asked most frequently. So this is definitely a great place to start!
We encourage our customers to ask questions; so if you don't find the answer you are looking for here, feel free to contact us and we will have a team member from our Nashville office get you the information you need!
Frequently asked questions
No, not always. Leaking can result from damage done to a section of the roof or from flashing coming loose. However, a roof failure is irreversible and usually caused from improper installation or choosing the wrong materials. If you do have to replace your roof, make sure you choose a contractor with experience and knows the best materials to use so your new roof lasts as long as it should and you don’t have reoccurring issues. Specialized Roofing & Exteriors has over 150 years of combined experience between our team members. Our licensed contractors are knowledgeable when it comes to choosing the right materials for the job and performs quality installation each and every time.
There will definitely be constant hammering, which can cause enough vibration to your walls and shelves for items to fall. Be sure to remove all loose items so they don’t break or hurt anyone from falling. Make sure you have your driveway and all surrounding areas to your home cleared. There is a chance that materials in use will fall in the driveway or the area directly around your home. This also gives the roofing contractor a place to store the material for easy accessibility. Also, be sure the contractor puts plywood down in the driveway to protect it. When our customers and contractors accommodate each other throughout the entire process, it ensures that the project runs smooth, is completed right and finished on time.
Roof repair and replacement all depends on the type of roof, the weather, and the inspections needed. Typically, a small family home can take a couple of days while large commercial projects can take a few weeks, or even months. As long as your contractor manages the project closely, everything should run smoothly and the project will be complete within a reasonable time frame. Specialized Roofing & Exteriors will always have a foreman on site to make sure the project stays on track and to resolve any issues quickly and professionally, should they arise.
Just like any building material, shingles deteriorate at different rates depending on some of the following factors: the quality of original construction, the level of abuse, the level of maintenance, appropriateness of design, etc.
So how long should a roof last? We have seen some roofs last as little as six or seven years before they failed, but this was due to poor installation. We’ve also seen roofs that were 60 years old before needing any repair at all. With that being said, the majority of building owners, roofing contractors and designers feel that 20 years is the average and most acceptable service life of a new roof. This is based on shingle material, Tennessee climate, and proper installation.
Most roofing work should not be done yourself. As a matter of fact, most manufacturers won’t provide a warranty if you don’t have a professional roofing company complete the installation. Trained roofing professionals can handle the environment and conditions that may present themselves when doing a roofing job. The dangers to a homeowner with trying to do your own roof work could be a lot more expensive than simply hiring a roofing company to complete the job for you.
Installing a new roof over the top of an existing roof is acceptable under these guidelines: 1) A structure can’t have more than two roofs; 2) Wet installation can’t be left; 3) the structure must be able to handle the additional weight of an additional roof; 4) the new roof must be attached to the roof deck to meet wind conditions (it is not acceptable to adhere the new roof directly to the old roof).
Most building codes allow a structure to have two roof membranes in place, but not a third. The codes are also now requiring all roof layers must be removed once the two roof limit has been reached and you are looking to install the third roof.
Roof problems are usually discovered after leaking or other serious damage has already occurred. However, periodic inspections (every 6 months) can often uncover problems before they get worse. This includes cracked, warped, or missing shingles, loose seams and deteriorated flashing, excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts, and other visible signs of roof problems. Inside you should always look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, and peeling wallpaper - these are tell-tell signs that your roof is failing. If you don’t feel comfortable looking for signs on your own and you're NOT working with an insurance adjuster, contact us and we will have one of our licensed contractors come out to do the inspection for you.
When choosing you replace your entire roof, you have 2 basic options – the first involves tearing off the entire old roofing system OR you can recover your roof which involves leaving the existing roof intact and going over it with new material. If you’ve already had one recover completed, you can’t do it again so you’ll have to stick with option #1.
It would be so simple if there were one solution for every roof issue! Unfortunately, there isn’t just one solution in the roofing market that fixes every roofing problem. What is offered is a wide selection of quality products, each having their own attributes and faults. The key to selecting the proper roof system for your structure and situation is to identify the specific roof design of your building and how each roof system works to meet the requirements for what you need to fix your problem. Specialized Roofing & Exteriors can recommend the roofing system that is the best one needed to fix your roofing woes!
The cost of your repair or replacement depends largely on the material you select, whether you remove the old roof or not, the type of underlayment, the price of the permit and so on. If you think the cost is high, you can request additional estimates, although it’s not required for insurance purposes. Just be sure that if one company comes in higher than another that you’re asking the right questions. Make sure you ask about the type of material being used and the reputation of the company, just because it is cheaper does not mean that it is better. Sometimes the higher priced contractor is the one you want to go with. Always research their reputation, make sure they are licensed, and the materials they are using are durable and high quality. Reputable roofing companies stick to high quality materials and leave you satisfied with the project upon completion. Don’t forget that little saying – “you get what you pay for”. Specialized Roofing & Exteriors always uses the best materials while providing you with competitive pricing. Contact us for a free estimate – you’re under no obligation and there are no-strings attached.
