FAQS
Roofing
Q: HOW MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASPHALT SHINGLES ARE?
A: The most common material is asphalt roof shingles, which happens to also be the most durable and affordable. But not all asphalt shingles are the same.
Asphalt shingle technology advances have increased over the years and shingles from 20 years ago pale in comparison with today’s asphalt shingles. The most common type of asphalt shingles is the common “Three Tab Shingles.”
Three-tab shingles are sturdy, affordable, and widely used. However, they don’t perform as well as the super-durable architectural shingles.
Architectural shingles have the look of cedar shingles; however, they resist as asphalt shingles do. They also are more durable because they are thicker.
Q: I HAVE A ROOF LEAK, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
A: Maybe you do your regular maintenance and notice a few missing shingles or one day you wake up and the kitchen ceiling has a leak stain, or even worse, is leaking right there.
In the case of a roof leak, you have options. Sometimes you may ask if you need a new roof because of a leak, and the answer is always the same: it depends.
Variants in your current roof will determine want to do next. The first step is to always get the issue inspected by Bernard Roofing, an honest roofing company in the Albany, NY area.
Depending on the inspection's results, will then determine your appropriate way to go:
-
Sometimes a simple roof repair is an answer
-
Calling insurance to see if your roof qualifies for a replacement
-
A new roof
Q: DO NEW ROOFS HAVE WARRANTIES?
A: Either you just got a brand-new roof or maybe you have a roof that is a few years old and you are still covered by a warranty, most roofs do have warranties.
Just like roofing prices, roofing warranties vary depending on the company that roofs your home and the type of shingles you select.
Thus, product warranties are determined by the shingle supply company. The labor warranty depends on the shingle installer, but for example, here at Bernard Roofing, we offer a lifetime labor warranty.
Always do your homework when it comes to a roof warranty before getting a new roof!
REASONS TO HAVE A ROOF REPLACEMENT INCLUDE:
-
Age, a typical asphalt shingle roof performs well for about 20 years
-
Cracked or curled shingles
-
Excessive shingle granules in your gutters
-
Missing shingles
-
Moisture on your interior walls
-
Water spots on exterior walls
-
Water stains on your ceilings
Q: SHOULD I REPLACE MY ROOF IF IS NOT LEAKING?
A: Your roof doesn’t need to start leaking to show it needs replacing. Other problems can cause worrying, resulting in a roof replacement. It is better to replace the roof if there is extensive damage.
For example, if the roof starts sagging or has a few shingles missing, it could be time to replace it. The shingles protect your decking and gutter from harsh weather elements, like wind and humidity. If yours are missing, your roof is exposed to more damage, eventually leading to making a replacement.
Q: HOW LONG WILL A SHINGLE ROOF LAST?
A: Shingle roofs have a lifespan that falls anywhere between 10-60 years. The determining factor is the type of shingles used; the more durable the material, the longer it will last. Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than others. They can generally last for between 12-30 years. Copper shingles last longer in good conditions, with some staying for over 60 years.