FAQs About a New Roof
Choosing a new roof for a home or business is an exciting aspect of a total build project, renovation, or restoration. There are numerous roof styles, designs, and materials to choose from across budgets both residential and commercial:
- Asphalt Shingles
- Metal Standing Seam
- Concrete Tiles
- Metal Shake
- Wood Shake
- Clay Tiles
- Vinyl Membranes
- PVC or TPO Rolled Flat Roofs
- Copper Panels
- And Many More
With so many options, our team at Total Roofing & Service Inc. has put together some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received over the years regarding a new roof installation.
Q: For an existing building, how do I know when I need a new roof?
A: Damage to a roof is typically structural in nature or due to the elements like snow, wind, or rain.
The signs of this damage are usually visible in the form of cracks, missing components like ripped-off shingles, flapping or loose pieces, discoloration due to rot and mold, plants actually growing on your roof, and often the most obvious, leaks.
If any of these things are occurring, we highly suggest hiring a roofing inspector to do a safety and stability check to see how extensive the damage is. Sometimes damage can be repaired on just a part of the roof, but other times the damage is so extensive that a total replacement is the best course of action.
A roof’s purpose is to keep the building dry, protect the building against outside elements, and help regulate the temperature in the building or home. If any of these components are compromised, it’s time to call in the experts.
Q: For a replacement roof, how long does it take to take off and put on a new roof?
A: The time for replacing a roof depends on the type of roofing material you choose. It also depends on whether further structural damage to the actual frame of the building (specifically the rafters) is found upon removing said roof. In addition, timeliness can depend on your construction crew and their workload as well, so it’s important to have clear communication and set expectations with your contractor or the foreman on site for the project.
Then there are things like the weather. If it is raining, for example, you’re not going to want your old roof to be removed at this time or a new roof to be installed with wet materials.
Based on our experience, if all of the components are solid, the weather is good, and the job is straightforward, a standard asphalt roof replacement can take less than a week to finish completely. A more involved roof like one made from individual copper pieces takes a different level of skill and installation techniques, so always ask your contractor for a realistic estimate.
Q: Is there a better time during the year to replace my roof?
A: YES! We love fall in particular for any roof projects if the timing works out.
It’s not too hot, but it’s also not too cold, so the temperature is ideal for construction teams and the roofing materials themselves. The weather in the fall tends to be more consistent, and you often do not see extreme weather like thunderstorms or hail.
Q: What is the most cost-effective yet efficient roofing material?
A: Of all the materials we work with, the most cost effective is the asphalt shingle option.
They are extremely popular among homeowners and do a good job protecting a home. Asphalt shingles are also easy to replace, which is another money-saving component. A solid and well-installed asphalt roof can last 15 to 30 years when taken care of correctly.
Q: What are the benefits of a metal roof?
A: Metal roofs are great! They are extremely strong and durable and can last upward of 40 to 70 years or longer. There are some historic copper roofs in the United States, for example, that have been in use since the early 1727s.
Metal roofs come in a variety of material options, and they are energy efficient (green roof), more environmentally friendly, and extremely safe (they are naturally fire resistant).
Commercial & Residential Roofing Services in Southern Vermont
If you are a home or business owner in Southern Vermont and have a question about a new roof or are ready to get your project started, contact our team at Total Roofing & Service Inc.!
We have been in this industry for over three decades and pride ourselves on offering high-quality roofing materials, installation, and restoration services. Our team also specializes in roof repairs and replacements. At Total Roofing & Service Inc., we work with all major roofing materials, ranging from asphalt shingles and metal roofs to commercial flat roof options and more elaborate slate roofs.
Give us a call or get a quote online through our convenient contact form.