- What do I need to look for in a company and how do I know if the roofing contractor is legitimate?
After natural disasters, hurricanes or large storms, fly-by-night roofers stampede to Florida and will show up at your door making lofty promises. It’s always best to choose an established, Florida State Licensed local company to perform roofing work. This will ensure you know who to turn to if you encounter problems as you don’t want to be stuck with an issue six months down the road and your roofing contractor is 3,500 miles away!
A good roofing contractor will also carry both workers’ compensation insurance which protects the contractor’s employees while working on your job and liability insurance, which protects you against personal injury to anyone at your home while the contractor is performing work, and be committed to worker education and safety for all.
Read online reviews, compare quotes, and do research before choosing a company. It’s also a good idea to find a company with a strong warranty to guarantee the work as a solid, transferable warranty is the long-standing mark of a great company.
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- How long do roofs last?
Asphalt shingle roofs last from 20 to 30 years, metal and tile roofs can last for 50+ years but insurance companies tend to hesitate to insure roofs by the time they get to these ages or offer insanely high premiums to do so.
That said, things like climate, extreme weather, and maintenance can affect the lifespan of your roof. Homeowners with roofs that are regularly inspected and maintained can expect their roof to last a bit longer and will be able to plan better for future roof replacements.
- How can I tell if my roof needs to be replaced?
An asphalt shingle roof that is older than 20 years or a tile or metal roof that is over about 35 years old is overdue for a replacement. By this time, important materials begin to fail.
If you’re not sure of the age of your roof you can check your local city documents online to see when the last time a permit was pulled for your home, and there are also a few visible signs it’s time for a replacement. For shingle roofs, look for shingles that are curling, areas where they’ve cracked or maybe gone missing, or shingles that are missing the granules(small, pebble like materials that give the roof its color and also is the first layer of protection) on top. For metal or tile roofs, look for discoloration or cracks. Additionally, you might consider heading to the attic on a sunny day to check for internal water damage shown as wet spots on the interior side of the wood decking––water damage that has seeped all the way to the attic can be a serious problem.
- Why are my shingles discolored?
In the humid and wet climates we have in Florida, it is completely normal for your roof to develop black and green inconvenient stains over time. These stains are actually plant growth: moss, algae, fungus, mold, or lichens, which latch onto your roof and begin to spread. As it begins to spread, it can cause leaks, rot, mold, and even major water damage as it eats away at the asphalt granules and shingles that work to keep your home safe and dry.
We have many partners in the home services industry and can provide safe and professional roof cleanings through them which can be included in your price to get your roof replaced. So if you notice that your neighbors have many green or dark streaks on their roofs, please ask your roofing consultant about our inclusive pricing. Regular cleaning keeps your roof looking spotless, and can extend its lifespan significantly.
- My roof is leaking, do I need a total roof replacement?
A roof leak is a sign that a problem exists, but it does not necessarily mean that your roof needs to be replaced as it does not always mean there is a major disaster going on.
Sometimes leaks result from relatively minor causes, that if are dealt with immediately, the resulting problems can usually be solved by repairs. If ignored and allowed to compound, however, a minor leak can grow into a major problem which can only be solved by replacing the entire roof.
It’s important to make sure you call a professional at the first sign of a leak if you’re looking to avoid a total roof replacement. Our roofing consultants will determine how much damage has been caused by the leak and then make recommendations based on our expertise.
- What is the cost of a new roof?
This is a great question but it’s the equivalent of asking how much a vehicle costs as the variables involved are endless. Every aspect of your home, like configuration, size, slope, and location, will affect the price of your new roof, as will the material you choose so colors, styles, textures, designs, and other factors weigh into this calculation as well.
The best way to find out what a new roof will cost is to get several estimates from licensed, professional roofing contractors in your area. Also remember though that cost is only one part of the total picture as you must balance the quality of materials, workmanship, warranty, and reputation, among other deciding factors too. A low bid is not necessarily the best bargain. At PSLD Enterprises, we offer free estimates for all of our potential clients. With no obligation, our roofing consultant will visit your home and provide an estimate for your roof replacement.
- How long does it take to replace a roof?
Most of our roof replacements are completed within 1-3 days. Timelines vary by building size, roofing type, slope of the roof, material availability, and weather, among other determining factors.
- When is the best time of the year to replace my roof?
There is no correct answer to this question. Weather conditions always play a factor into getting onto our production schedule as well as how long your roof replacement will take, but we will always use our expertise to safely and efficiently schedule your roof replacement. We suggest that you take care of roof replacements as soon as it is financially feasible for you and your family.
- Should I do the work myself?
Roofing is serious business and is not for “do-it-yourselfers.” Repairing and replacing modern roofing systems requires specialized knowledge, highly specific skills, quality materials and workmanship with longstanding warranties as well as proper permitting so that your roof work will be officially on record in your local county for verification from a potential buyer in case you ever go to sell your home in the future.
Home and building owners are best served by confining their efforts to periodic roof inspections and routine maintenance. Roof repair and replacement should be left to professional roofing contractors who are licensed and trained to perform these tasks safely, efficiently and correctly.
- What kinds of warranties are available?
Most home insurance policies protect homeowners from major unexpected damage, like vandalism or natural disaster.
Specifically in the roofing industry, there are several types of warranties: contractor’s warranties that cover workmanship/labor, manufacturer’s warranties that cover materials and extended warranties that cover both workmanship and materials. It is important that you clearly understand their respective terms and conditions.
In terms of minor, workmanship issues, most roofs come with a warranty that typically lasts around 10 years. Every roofing contractor provides different warranties, and different roofing materials come with different manufacturer warranties protecting from damage. It’s a good idea to take a few bids from multiple roofers to see what warranties they’re offering, and decide which is best for you.
