Q:
My insurance company told me they will only pay for
a roof repair but some of my neighbors are getting
full replacements, do I have to accept their offer
or do I have other options?
A:
This is one of the most common roof repair
questions. You may have other options. Even if
you were told your roof did not sustain enough
damage to warrant a full replacement; we have
inspected many roofs where the homeowner was
told they were only going to be paid for a roof
repair and we were able to get them a new roof.
It is important that you have a company like
Texas Roofing Solutions representing you when
dealing with your insurance company. But if all
you need is a repair, make sure you hire someone
that is familiar with roof repairs. There is a
lot more to repairing a roof then slapping a few
shingles on it.
Q:
My insurance company has paid me to replace my
roof due to hurricane, wind or hail damage. It looks
OK and is not leaking. Do I really need to replace
the roof?
A:
It is likely the hail and/or wind has
degranulated your shingles. This condition compromises the
protection from the weather and sun that your roof
gives your home. This is the technical reason your
roof should be replaced. Please also be aware that
if you do not replace your roof with your insurance
proceeds and you have further damage at a later
date, insurance companies will not pay for the
additional damage. If your insurance representative
has paid you for an entire roof replacement, keep your
coverage in full effect by replacing the roof now.
Q:
My roof has a total of 3 layers. Can I overlay my new
roof or should I tear it all off?
A:
For the best installation the roof should be torn
off to the deck. Roofing material is designed to be
installed over a hard substrate, like roof decking.
Most homes are designed for a weight load of only
one layer of roofing material. Also, the more layers
you have on the roof, the more susceptible the roof
is to hail and wind damage. Multiple layers of
shingles will also affect the look of the roof.
Multiple layers can keep the shingles from lying
totally flat, causing an uneven appearance.
Q:
My gutters are old and rusted. Can I repair them
or should they be replaced?
A :
It depends on the amount of rust and corrosion in
the gutters. Once metal starts rusting, it does not
stop. Some gutters can be repaired, but eventually
the rust and damage will cause leaks. We can consult
with you on the portions of your gutters that
require replacement. As a preventative measure,
homeowners should keep the gutters free of debris
and should clean them out at least twice a year.
Q:
I have a wood shake roof on my house now. I want
to replace it with something that looks like wood.
What products should I consider?
A: There are many products available today that look
like wood shingles, from high-end laminate shingles
to lightweight concrete tile. There are many products
for you to consider, they include the Celotex
Presidential series of asphalt shingles or
lightweight tile productions like Westile’s Featherstone, Pioneer’s
Lightweight products, or Lifetile’s Lightweight
tile.
Q:
How do I know if my roof has problems?
A: Most roof problems are discovered after damage has occurred from a leak. However, not all
leaks produce visible damage immediately. Some leaks
can occur for up to a year (longer in rare cases)
before showing any signs of damage. For this reason
it is important for you to have your roof inspected at least
once per year by a qualified contractor.
Q:
How long should my roof last?
A
: This question will always depend on a few factors
(roof type, pitch/slope of the roof, proper ventilation,
installation, maintenance, and weather). this is a
good rule of thumb to go by: basic three tab
fiberglass shingle: 15 to 25 years. Flat roof: 5 to
15 years.
Q:
What is the best time of year to have my roof
replaced?
A:
There is none. This is a bit of a myth, roofing
materials are safe to install virtually year round in our
service area.
For a FREE
estimate and/or claims consultation, call us today at the numbers listed
below.
Houston-Galveston
7430 S. Gessner Dr. Houston, TX. 77036
Houston: 832-295-9929 / Toll Free: 800-299-8123
Austin
- Central Texas
102
Old Bowman Rd. Suite A, Round Rock, TX. 78664
Austin Area: 512-275-6200 / Toll Free: 800-299-8123
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