Frequently Asked Questions

Roofing repair is one of the most common types of home improvement projects. Find out what you should know before starting your project.

Projections show that the global roofing market will reach a value of $156 billion by 2030.

No matter how well designed and built a roof is, it will always degrade with time. It may be possible to extend the lifespan of your roof with routine maintenance, but eventually, any roof will need replacing—the question is: when?

In this guide, we’ll cover various roofing repair questions so you’ll know what signs to look for in a damaged roof, when you should repair it, what options you have, and more.

What Are the Most Important Considerations When Replacing a Roof?

All buildings are different, and various factors can determine what type of roof you can install. One thing to consider is the pitch of the roof, as this will affect what products you can use. You also need to think about planning requirements in your area, as there may be restrictions or limitations you need to be aware of.

Weight is also a crucial factor. Some materials such as slate can be very heavy, so you might need additional support if you want to use them. Note that adding additional structural support will be more expensive, so you need to consider this in relation to your budget.

How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?

It’s hard to answer this as the final cost of your roof will depend on a range of factors. Things like the size of your roof, its complexity, your location, and the products used will all affect the final cost.

Shingle roof repair & installation, for example, will generally be cheaper than the same for a metal roof. The larger a project is, the more it’s going to cost, so a small home will usually be quite inexpensive compared to a large commercial building.

The only way to determine this is through quotes from a professional roof repair company. At Lifetime Roofing & Renovation, we can provide a free estimate for roof repair, roof replacement, or new roof construction. By telling us what kind of work you need, the materials you want, etc. We’ll be able to give you an idea of how much the project will cost, as well as how long it will take.

What Are the Different Roof Options?

Roofs can be designed in all different ways, with various options having different advantages and disadvantages. One of the most important decisions to make is what material you want to use for your new roof.

Asphalt shingle has long been a common choice as it’s cost-effective and can be easily repaired. Slate tiles are also quite popular, as they’re long-lasting, require little maintenance, and are good for energy efficiency.

In recent years, metal has started to become more common. Metal roofs are among the most durable, and have a long lifespan. The longer a roof lasts, the less likely you are to need to repair or replace it. Metal roofs tend to be more expensive, but this durability often means you’ll save money in the long run.

With flat roof repair & flat roof installation, you can get something more durable, and accessing the roof is easier. There are also drawbacks, however, as they tend to have a shorter lifespan, and will need a more complex drainage system.

If My Roof Is Leaking Do I Need a Full Replacement?

Leaks are one of the most common issues that arise. They often appear in older roofs as a result of wear and tear, but new roofs can also be susceptible if they’re damaged. A small leak will rarely need a whole new installation – at Lifetime Roofing & Renovation, we can often handle roof leak repair with ease.

There may be issues, however, if a leak exists for a long time and goes undetected. A build-up of moisture can lead to significant structural damage and may cause the growth of mold. In bad cases, the best course of action may be to get a full replacement.

Do I Need to Vacate My Home While My Roof Is Being Replaced?

When having standard repair work done you might hear a bit of noise disturbance, but other than that you’ll be fine, so you can stay in. As you would expect, a roof replacement can be more of an issue, but in most cases, you’ll still be able to stay at home.

Our contractors will do their best to avoid inconveniencing you or your family, so if you don’t mind the extra noise there won’t be any issues. In some situations, you might need to temporarily leave your home. This is generally only when there is a safety issue, such as a structural problem.

You might need to do some things in preparation for your new roof installation. This can include making the roof as accessible as possible, and you could let your neighbors know as things can get a bit noisy.

Can I Work on My Roof Myself?

You should always try to avoid working on your roof yourself. While some tasks are not particularly difficult (such as cleaning gutters) it always involves working at height, which presents a risk. Professional roofing contractors are properly trained to carry out all roofing jobs safely, making it the best option.

Flat roof repair is often safer, as you’re far less likely to fall from a flat roof than a sloped one. Even so, you should still hire professionals.

Without the proper training, experience, and equipment, any roof repairs you do might not be done right. You may actually end up doing more harm than good. This could end up costing you more in the long run and may cause issues with your insurance.

How Long Does a New Roof Last?

This all depends on the type of roof you have, the quality of the installation, and regular maintenance. Asphalt shingle roofs often last between 20 and 30 years. Different metals are available that can last anywhere from 40-100 years.

The longest-lasting roof material available is slate tile. These roofs often have a lifespan of 75-200 years. The team at Lifetime Roofing & Renovation takes care to ensure all our roofs are installed properly, ensuring a long life span and minimal need for maintenance.

To help your roof last longer, you should have it regularly inspected for issues. If there is anything you need to be repaired, doing it as soon as possible will reduce the risk of further damage.

Do I Need to Replace My Roof if I Have Woodworm?

This can be quite a common problem with the wooden components of a roof. If you catch it early, it won’t have spread too far and you can treat the wood.

With time, it can spread more and cause a lot of damage. Severe cases will need larger repair jobs, and in very bad cases you may need a roof replacement. We’ll be able to inspect your roof to determine how bad it is and decide on the best course of action.

What Should I Do if I Have Cracked Tiles?

Tile roof installation & repair is quite common, as broken tiles are one of the most common roof issues that occur. You simply need to get any broken tiles replaced, and doing so sooner rather than later can help prevent larger issues from developing. This is something that can be handled quite easily by our team, so contact us as soon as you notice any cracked tiles.

Metal roof repair is often more tricky. With metal shingles, things are relatively the same, but with metal panels, repair jobs are usually larger.

The roof will need to be patched up, or the entire panel must be replaced. Both of these take more work than replacing tiles, but we can still get it done quickly and efficiently.

Professional Roofing Repair

Roofing repair isn’t simple, and while you might be capable of doing some small jobs on your own, you’ll almost always be better off hiring professional contractors. If you notice one or more of the signs above you should have your roof inspected to determine how bad things are and what needs to be done.

For professional roof installation in San Jose, CA, or any preventative maintenance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. You can click here to get an estimate from us today.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest