Troy Young,
Remodeling Specialist

One of the worst sounds a homeowner can hear is the steady drip, drip, drip of a leaking roof. One of the worst things a homeowner can see is water damage resulting from that leak. It’s an unexpected crisis but one that can be prevented if you know what signs to look for when checking your roof for wear and tear.

Our remodeling specialist Troy Young is also the roofing guru at Dale’s Remodeling and he’s here to answer our clients’ top nine questions about their roofs.

1. WHY WOULD I NEED TO REPLACE MY ROOF? 


All roofing products are a wearable item, they have a specific life expectancy and it is important to replace these items before they fail. Your roof’s average life expectancy depends on a number of factors, from roof design to climate, and how well you maintain your roof. In addition to that, wet wood is “food for bugs” like ants and termites.

2. WHAT SIGNS WILL I SEE THAT WILL TELL ME I NEED TO REPLACE MY ROOF?

Look for signs of discoloration, lifting or missing shingles, especially after a storm.

3. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LAYERS OF A ROOF, AND ARE THEY ALL INCLUDED IN THE PRICE ESTIMATE? 

The products used can differ, but most often there is sheeting, which includes plywood for composite, skip sheeting or battens for shingles and tile. A vapor barrier such as felt is laid down next, then drip edges and flashing and, finally, your shingle of choice. 

4. HOW LONG WILL THE PROJECT TAKE? 

Project schedules depends on the products used, the extent of damage, and the overall size of roof.

5. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BRAND OR BRANDS OF MATERIALS? WHY DO YOU PREFER THEM? 

There are a lot of good products out there, so I suggest trusting the contractor you choose to use a product they are comfortable offering you a warranty on.

6. WHAT ARE DRIP EDGES AND ARE THEY A MUST HAVE? 

Yes, Drip edges protect the ends of raw materials from water contact and “wicking,” water drawn up into the thin air spaces between roofing materials as the water is exiting the roof.

7. CAN WE REUSE THE FLASHINGS AND VENTS? 

Flashings and vents aren’t expensive, only about four dollars, and they can wear out, too. You want to be sure your roof is in the best shape, so I wouldn’t reuse them. Start fresh.

8. WILL THE WARRANTY COVER ALL THE PARTS? 

Each company will have warranties that are specific to their products, so make sure your contractor explains the warranty clearly and it is reasonable in its coverage.

9. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO REPLACE MY ROOF? 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Don’t put off replacing the roof until it is failing and you have to deal with more severe water damage and rot deeper inside the structure of your house.

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