YOUR HOME HERO, LLC

FAQ

FAQS

1. My roof leaks. Do I have to replace all of it?

Not necessarily. Leaking can result because a portion of the roof has been damaged, or some flashing has become loose. A roofing professional can determine the extent of the damage with an inspection.
 

2. What are the indications that a roof has problems?
 

Roof problems are frequently discovered after leaking or other serious damage. Periodic inspections (at least once a year) can uncover warped or missing shingles, loose seams and deteriorated flashing. Further signs are excessive surface granules
accumulating in the down spouts or gutters. Indoors signs may include discolored plasterboard or cracked paint.
 

3. If I decide to reroof, what are my options?
 

Your two basic options are:

A. A complete roof replacement, which involves removing the old roof entirely; or
 

B. A roof repair, which involves the installation of a new membrane and surfacing. This
can only be done if the old shingles are lying flat, and the deck is in good condition.
 

(Check with building code compliance.)
 

If your original roof has already been recovered once, check with a professional roofing contractor to determine if your roof can support an additional recover.

4. Does a roof need felt?
 

Not anymore. The better, state-of-the-art material we use today is Synthetic Underlayment. This is a high tech, high performance layer of material installed prior to the shingles on areas of the roof decking not covered by ice and water shield. Underlayment provides an extra level of water resistance and protection. It is usually made from long-lasting polymers, which provide added strength and longevity. New warranties often require complete deck coverage.

5. Is it true that felt or synthetic underlayment doesn’t allow the shingle or shake to breathe, causing them to rot underneath?

No. Inadequate ventilation is what causes the underside of a roof to sweat and eventually rot. Good ventilation will add many years of life to your roof. It will also keep your interior cooler in the summer.
 

6. How long can I expect my roof to last?
 

The longevity of your roof depends on the type of roof you have, the maintenance it receives, and your local environment. The average roof for most homes requires some type of repair approximately every 10 years. The good news is that our new roofing
systems made from asphalt often are warrantied for up to 50 years.

7. What are asphalt roof shingles?
 

The most common covering used on residential properties are asphalt roof shingles. In general, they are made with fiberglass mat and asphalt with the top surface coated with mineral granules (sunlight, water and algae resistance), and the bottom coated with
materials to prevent the shingles from sticking together in storage or shipment.

8. Can’t I just do the work myself?
 

Most roofing work should not be “do it yourself.” Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently perform a roof repair or replace a cedar or asphalt roof. A novice can harm a roof using improper roofing techniques. They may also injure
themselves through falls or other accidents.
 

9. What’s the difference between a cedar shake and cedar shingle?
 

The most significant difference is the amount of material that is exposed to the weather. An 18″ shake has 7.5″ exposed. An 18″ shingle has 5.5″ exposed to the weather. Thus, shingles applied at 5.5″ becomes a 3 ply roof (there are 3 layers of shingles at any spot
on the roof), while shakes are 2 ply. Shakes are layered with felt between each layer, thus having 2 layers of felt at any spot. No felt is required for each layer of the shingles. Cedar shakes are split off. Cedar shingles are sawed smooth on both sides and tapered. Cedar shakes are thicker than shingles.

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In general, cedar shakes are more durable and longer lasting than shingles. Shakes are thicker and made from premium grade wood.

10. What’s the difference between organic and fiberglass shingles?
 

The difference between organic and fiberglass shingles is the type of mat that is used in its production. Organic shingles are composed primarily of cellulose fibers. Fiberglass shingles are composed of glass filaments of various lengths and orientation, and bonded together by inert binders. Both shingles, when installed properly on well made roof decks, perform similarly.

11. Why do my shingles have algae growth?
 

Algae growth is generally seen on light colored shingles. It exists as brown to black discoloration of the shingle and is caused by algae known as Gloeocapsa. Most new shingles used today have protection against algae growth.