Common Roofing Questions
How can a homeowner recognize when a roof has problems?
Unfortunately majority of roof problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage had already occured. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections can often uncover cracked, warped, or missing shingles, loose seams and deteriorated flashings, excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts, and other visible signs of roof problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas. Paragon Exteriors does offer roof detailed roof inspections that include any potential problems and how long you may expect the current roof to last.
What are my options if I decide to reroof?
There are two basic options. Paragon Exteriors highly recommends you choose a complete replacement of the roof system. A few main benefits of a complete new system being that we are able to inspect and replace any rotted roof decking, decrease added weight and stress on your rafters and also apply Ice and Water shield in critical areas. The second option being a re-cover over the existing roof, involving only the installation of a new membrane and surfacing. If you’ve already had one recover over your original roof, and you are leaning towards having a second layer put on, contact us so we can inform you if the second layer is in the proper condition for a re-roof.
My roof leaks. Do I need to have it totally replaced?
Not necessarily. Leaking can result because some flashings have come loose or because a section of the roof has been damaged. We are usually able to diagnose where the leak is coming from and are able to repair it. A roof failure, however, is generally irreversible and results from improper installation or choice of materials, or from the installation of a roof system inappropriate to the building. The only way to remedy that sort of situation is to have a complete new roofing system.
Am I able to just do the work myself?
Most work should not be do-it-yourself. Your roof is much more than what you see. With you having your own day job, you may be limited to having only evenings and weekends to complete your roof. This could cause potential problems with the weather and your home being unprotected. There are also many specialty tools costing thousands of dollars needed and there is a lot of scheduling involved. Novices can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and severely injure themselves by falling off or even through a roof in need of repair or replacement. Paragon Exteriors employees are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof within a day or two.
How long can I expect my roof to last?
The life expectancy depends on three main things. The type of roof, the effects of the environment and the maintenance which the roof has received. Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties see a great variation in weather throughout the year which does shorten life. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, asphalt shingles generally last 15-20 years; wood shingle/shakes, 10-40 years; clay/concrete tiles, 20+ years; slate, 30-100 years; metal roofing, 15-40+years. Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities and financial obligations they will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lifetimes.
What will a new roof cost?
The price of a new roof varies widely, depending on the material selected, the contractor doing the work, the home itself, area of the country, local labor rates, time of year, and more. To get a good idea of the cost for your roof, get two of three estimates from reputable contractors in your area. Keep in mind that cost is only one factor, and it must be balanced against the quality of the materials, workmanship and warranties. For each roofing material there are different grades – and corresponding prices. Plus, there are a variety of styles and shapes. You need to look at the full product range and make a choice based on your budget and needs. Within the roofing profession there are different levels of expertise and craftsmanship. Paragon Exteriors is committed to quality work.
How can I determine my annual cost?
We know when you see the initial price your jaw will drop. We want to remind you that your roof is what protects your home from the harsh Wisconsin weather. A basic $10,000 roof will cost one dollar a day for the expected life of the roof. When you consider what it protects, it is a cheap insurance plan.
A formula for you to follow when determining your annual cost is;
Total Cost (materials and labor)/Life Expectancy of Roof (in years) = Annual Cost
