Homeowners are tasked with a big responsibility when they purchase a home. They are now responsible for the care and maintenance of each part of their investment, from the lawn to the HVAC system. The roof is an important part of the home, but many times, it is overlooked by homeowners because it’s not something they interact with on a regular basis, or they simply don’t know anything about roofs. When it comes to their roof, many homeowners lack general knowledge of routine maintenance and repairs, and often have questions. Here is a list of the most commonly asked questions about roofs, and the answers:
Question: How do I know my roof needs to be replaced?
Answer: There are multiple signs that a roof may need to be replaced. One of the most common indicators is the presence of a leak inside the house. The presence of a leak indicates that there has most likely been water intrusion in the roof, and a professional inspection is in order. However, leaks are not the only sign that roof damage has occurred.
Another sign that your roof may need to be replaced, or at least inspected and repaired is damaged, cracked or missing shingles. Shingles are the gateway to a roofing system, and when they aren’t functioning properly, they leave the entire roof susceptible to water intrusion, UV damage, and further shingle damage.
However, roof damage is not always able to be seen and identified by a homeowner, which is why routine roof inspections are so important. If you have questions or suspicions about your roof, don’t hesitate to call a professional roofing company to take a look, because the earlier damage is identified, the easier it is to fix.
Question: Does a roof leak mean I need a whole new roof?
Answer: Not necessarily. A roof leak is a sign of damage to your roof, and needs to be addressed as soon as possible to minimize damage. Depending on the length of time the water intrusion has been present in the roof, and the extent of the damage, it may be necessary to replace the entire roof, however that is not always the case. The best way to find out if the leak has progressed to the point of needing a roof replacement is to schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible.
Question: Can I do the roof work myself?
Answer: The short answer is no. In the age of DIY Youtube videos and blog posts, many homeowners are inspired to do their own maintenance work. However, installing a roof is a complicated, and dangerous, process. In order to end up with a roof that is installed well, it is necessary to call a professional. While this is an upfront expense that homeowners have to pay, in the long run, they will most likely save money on repairs stemming from an unprofessional and potentially damaging installation. These types of mistakes will often surface very quickly.
Question: How long does it take to replace the roof on a home?
Answer: Here at Cenvar Roofing we aim for 1 day on an average size roof. This means that we will show up, tear off your roof, install a new roof and clean up all in a day's work. Our goal is to leave your house in better condition than we found it, every time. Some larger homes require more time, and aren’t possible to finish in a day. In this case, we will clean up before we leave on the first day, and return to finish the job first thing the next morning. During the estimate process we will provide a projected timeframe for the replacement.
Question: How long will my roof last?
Answer: It depends. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the lifespan of a roof, including the type and quality of materials, the quality of installation, and the frequency of maintenance and inspections. The average North American roof is made of shingles, which have a projected lifespan of anywhere from 20-50 years. However there has been a rising popularity of metal and synthetic roofing materials, which can last anywhere from 70-100+ years. When you choose a roofing material, our sales representative will give you all of the information about your new roof and its projected lifespan.
Question: How are roofs measured?
Answer: Roofs are measured in “squares” with 1 square being equal to a 10’ x 10’ size area or 100 square feet. The average American home is between 17-20 squares, although that number can vary greatly, depending on the size and style of your roof. Typically, roofing material is sold by the square.
Question: Can I switch to a new roofing material?
Answer: Probably. Each home and roof comes with unique needs and circumstances. Some roofing materials are better suited for certain slopes or certain types of weather, or require a specific structure to support them, but most homes are able to receive multiple types of roofing materials. Our qualified sales representative will explain all of your options in the estimate stage, and answer any questions you may have.
Question: Are Gutters An Important Part Of My Roof?
Answer: The main function of a gutter system is to divert water away from the house. Heavy rainstorms have the potential to leave your roof waterlogged, and can cause heavy damage to your siding, doors, windows, and even foundation. When your gutters are fully functional, that water will be diverted away from key structures of your home, and drained in a safe location. Here at Cenvar Roofing we have the largest in-house gutter division in the Lynchburg area, and area able to assist with any gutter needs you may have.
Cenvar Roofing
In addition to questions about roofs, potential clients also have some questions for our company. Here are the answers to the 4 most common.
Question: Are you licensed and insured? Can I have a copy of your insurance certificate?
Answer: Yes and yes! Cenvar Roofing meets or exceeds every legal requirement placed upon by the state of Virginia! As early as the initial estimate process we will be happy to provide you with copies of all of our licences and insurance information to ensure full transparency. If you have any questions, our sales representative will be happy to answer them.
Question: Is a down payment required?
Answer: No. Cenvar Roofing has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on all roof replacements. This means that we won’t charge you a dime until we have completed the work, and you have confirmed that you are satisfied with the final product. Until then, we will work hard to make sure every expectation is met, and you are happy with your new roof.
Question: How much will it cost?
Answer: We can never estimate even a ballpark price without first inspecting your unique roof and home situation. Please give us a call and we will schedule a time for one of our qualified sales representatives to come to your home, measure your roof, and give you a customized estimate on site. During that time, they will discuss your material options, the specific needs of your roof, and answer any questions you may have.
What Financing Options Do You Offer?
While Cenvar Roofing doesn’t offer in-house financing plans, we understand that a new roof is not something that all homeowners can afford to pay cash for. For this reason, we have partnered with Truist (BB&T) to help provide homeowners with excellent value and the best interest rates and terms available. Call them at 855-209-9097 to learn more about your options.
While these are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners have, this list is by no means exhaustive.
If you're ready to take the next step for your roof, schedule a free estimate appointment to get started!
