Frequently Asked Questions
QualitySmith Shingle Roofing FAQ
Roofing FAQ
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How do I know if I need a new roof?
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How long does it take to replace a roof?
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What should I expect during a roofing project?
What is QualitySmith Shingle Roofing?
QualitySmith Shingle Roofing is dedicated to simplifying the process of finding a contractor for your project. We provide you pre-screenedd professionals who are eager to work on your project. The most rewarding part of working with QualitySmith Shingle Roofing is the value to our customers—our services are absolutely free to you.
Why should I choose QualitySmith Shingle Roofing?
Before QualitySmith Shingle Roofing, you'd have to ask friends and family to recommend a contractor. If they didn't know one, you'd have to page through the phone book, calling contractors with your fingers crossed. You'd have to do your own research to find out if each contractor was licensed and insured. QualitySmith Shingle Roofing helps you absolutely free. Tell us about your project and we'll provide you with up to 4 contractors. They will call you and set up the appointments directly.
How do I know if I need a new roof?
Leaking roofs, poor drainage, and clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to significant water damage inside your home. To help determine if you need a new roof, your roofing contractor will conduct an inspection:
Outside Roof Inspection
Inspecting a roof from outside is very simple. All that is needed is a pair of binoculars and a viewing point that is unobstructed by other buildings or trees. Following is a checklist of problem signs you can look for during an outside roof inspection.
- - Blistered, curled or split shingles
- - Loose or missing shingles or tiles
- - Loose nails
- - Exposed nails that could cause leaks
- - Dark patches on asphalt shingles and/or large amounts of granules in the rain gutters that show the granular coating is wearing away
- - Sagging either on the ridges or in the center of the roof
- - Broken or loose shingles at the ridge lines and hip lines
- - Rusty or corroded metal flashing and loose shingles in the valleys, plumbing vents or near chimneys. It may be necessary to remove excess debris and leaves to inspect thoroughly -- and lots of leaf debris can cause damage to these sensitive areas of the roof.
- - Rusty metal or loose shingles in locations where a vertical side of the house meets the roof
- - Overflowing gutters or excess water pooling near the foundation of the house
- - For flat roofs, look for blisters, depressions near vent pipes, separations in flashing, and clogged drains.
Indoor Roof Inspection
Following is a checklist of problem signs you can look for during an indoor roof inspection.
- - Sagging decking between the rafters. If the decking is sagging or deteriorating, the decking will also require replacement when a new roof is installed.
- - Outside light that can be seen through the roof. This may not be a problem on shake roofs, since the wooden shakes will swell during the wet months, effectively preventing any leaks.
- - Signs of water damage or leaking, usually in the form of water stains or sagging ceilings. This could be due to an active leak in the roof or to condensation caused by poor roof ventilation.
- - Signs of leaking in the attic -- dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof. Test dark spots in the wood with a screwdriver to decide if they are old or current problems. If the spot is still wet, or if it is soft, the spot is a current problem. If the spot is dry and hard, it is most likely an old problem that has been fixed.
If you observe any of the signs listed above, you need roof repairs or a new roof. Depending on the degree of damage, you can decide what is best for you and your house. Often the cost of fixing or replacing a roof is less than dealing with the damage an old roof can cause to your home.
How long does it take to replace a roof?
Replacing a roof is a labor-intensive project and could take anywhere from a few days to 2 or more weeks, depending on the type of roof and the number of roofers in the crew. The time involved is substantially affected by the weather, as well. Wind, snow, rain, or even just the threat of one of these and will slow the process considerably.
For built-up roofs, removing and replacing the roof will probably proceed at a rate of approximately 1,500 square feet per day. For single-ply roofs, the rate is closer to 2,000 to 4,000 square feet per day. Careful planning and close project management can reduce some of the delays caused by bad weather.
What should I expect during a roofing project?
Any construction project for your home can be an inconvenience. Knowing what to expect during a roofing project can make the process easier for you, your neighbors, and the contractors.
- Inside your home:
- - Light fixtures, ceiling fans, and any ceiling mounted items may be damaged by a roofing project. Ask your contractor about which items should be taken down during the project. In many cases the workers will assist you in removing the items to prevent damage to them during the roofing project.
- - Fragile items on the walls, such as pictures and mirrors, may move or even fall. Remove these items to ensure their safety during the project.
- Outside your home:
- - Traffic will increase due to supplies being delivered, workers arriving and leaving, and dump trucks removing debris. Warn your neighbors of the additional traffic as a courtesy.
- - Expect lots of noise, depending on the type of roof being installed. Talk to your contractor about what you can expect for your particular roofing project. Especially during summer months, workers will start early and stay late to optimize work during the cool hours of the day.
- - Pieces of old and new roofing materials will fall around the house. Protect special or fragile plants and landscaping ahead of time and talk with the contractor about your concerns. Ask the contractor to sign a document stating that they are aware of the plants and items of concern.
- - Erosion and damage to your yard will most certainly occur if there is not a direct access (e.g. a driveway) to your roof. Once again, talk to the contractor about your concerns and what they will do to protect your lawn and yard during the project. Despite everyone's best efforts, most likely, some damage will occur, but it can be kept to a minimum.
- - Protect your sprinkler system by clearly marking the sprinkler heads with red tape or string so that the workers can see them without difficulty.
Still don't see the answer to your question?
Contact us at info@qualitysmith.com