Q: How long does a roof last?
A. An average roof will last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. It is difficult to give a definite answer to this question because it depends on several important factors:
| Type of Shingle |
Some shingles are prone to premature failure, others have exceptional longevity |
| Insulation and Ventilation |
Excessive heat in the summer and ice dams in the winter greatly shorten the life of a roof |
| Location |
Continuous shade or year-round direct sun change the lifespan of a roof |
| Maintenance and Upkeep |
Routine maintenance of a roof will lengthen the lifespan. Homeowners can take an active role by cleaning off debris and paying attention to changes in the roofing material. Noticing when flashings need to be fixed, before water has the opportunity to damage the interior structure of the home, lengthens the life of the shingles, too. |
| Quality of Installation |
One of the biggest factors is quality of installation. Even the highest quality and longest lasting materials, if installed improperly, can cause your roof to fail prematurely. Poor installation is the most common problem we find when we go out on repair calls and estimates for failing roofs.
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Q: Does a contractor need to be licensed and insured in order to perform work on my home?
A: Yes. Any work done in excess of $600.00 requires a license in the state of Michigan. Any contractor that has employees or subcontractors is required to have insurance. Depsite the law, some contractors do operate without proper licensing and insurance. Always check to be sure your contractor is properly covered.
Q. How long does it take to replace a roof?
A. Replacing a roof is labor-intensive and largely ways dependent on the weather. Depending on the type of roof, it could take a couple days or a couple weeks. Like any exterior construction project, the time involved in completing a roofing project is affected by the weather. While we work through many difficult weather conditions, sometimes wind, rain, snow or the threat of these will slow down progress on a project.
Q: Should I have icicles hanging from my eaves?
A: No. Small icicles are not generally a worry. However, any build up of ice, especially if you have gutters on your home, is definitely cause for concern. Debris in gutters could be the cause, but inadequate insulation and/or ventilation is a more likely reason. Many homes are severely under ventilated and, if your home is more than 15 years old, it is likely to be under insulated also.
Q. What is an "Ice Dam"?
A. When roofs are not adequately ventilated, they become warm. Snow melts near the ridgelines of warm roofs and the water runs down to the cooler edges of the roof and refreezes. The recurring process of snowmelt and refreeze leads to an ice dam. This dam allows water and ice to seep under the shingles, soak into the decking, and even into the house itself. Because the heat from the house melts the ice, serious leaks can occur even when the temperature is below freezing. To prevent ice dams, maintain proper ventilation in the attic to keep the roof cool. Ice and water shield, a rubber-like membrane should also be installed under the shingles at high-risk areas such as eave edges and valleys.
Q. How often do I need to clean out my gutters?
A. Gutters should be kept clear of debris. In our area, this usually means a cleaning in the late spring and two or more cleanings in the fall. If your home is under tree cover, you may need to clean more frequently to maintain free flow of rain water through the gutters.
Q. Do I need to worry about heavy snow on my roof?
A. Yes. You should keep snow cleared off, especially away from eaves and ridgevents.
Q: How do I know if my roof is failing?
A: The best way to find out is to call our office, request a free estimate, and have one of our trained professionals inspect your roof. You can also click here to view some common tell tale signs of roof failure.
Q: What should I look for in a roofing contractor?
A: When you entrust one of your most significant investments to a contractor, you need to be sure you can trust their work. As stated above, proper license and insurance are two essential requirements for anyone working on your home. Beyond that, look for someone with quality references, repeat business in the area, a commitment to resolving customer concerns, and experience with roofing projects like yours. For more information on choosing a contractor, check out this downloadable brochure.
Q. Why should I choose Advantage Roofing for my project?
A. In the end, we know that what matters most is trust. Trust that the project will be completed with quality, efficiency, and for a fair price. Trust that your home will be safe in our hands. We work to build and maintain that trust from the professional estimate, offered free of charge, that helps you choose the best plan for your roofing or remodeling project. We provide educational information through our website and our staff, available to answer your questions. Our high quality workmanship during the project, detailed clean up after the project, and our workmanship guarantee make sure you know that we value your satisfaction with the project. But you don't have to take our word for it. Contact us for a list of references and projects in your area. The more you learn about us, the more you'll understand why we are the best choice for your project.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us and we will help you find the answers you need.