The following are frequent questions we come across when customers call about roofing, solar, gutter, or any other type of home improvement projects we can do:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
2. How much does it cost for an estimate for gutter work?
Nothing. As with a roof replacement, as long as you own the home (and it is not in escrow or part of a real estate transaction for the buyer) the estimate is free.
3. How much does and estimate cost for roof tear-off?
Nothing if you are also having us re-roof your home. However, if you are just looking to have everything torn off, then you’ll need to call the office for an estimate. There are many things that go into the estimate for a roof tear off. Call the office for an over the phone estimate. In rare situations, an estimator may need to come out to view the property before giving an estimate cost for tear off. Again, this is in rare situations; most estimates for tear offs can be done over the phone.
4. How much does it cost for a roof repair?
Nothing. As with a roof replacement, as long as you own the home (and it is not in escrow or part of a real estate transaction for the buyer) the estimate is free.
5. How much does an estimate cost for any other work (painting, siding, windows, remodeling, installation, etc.)?
Nothing. As with a roof replacement, as long as you own the home (and it is not in escrow or part of a real estate transaction for the buyer) the estimate is free.
6. Will I get an estimate right after you are finished with your inspection?
It ultimately depends on what type of estimate you are getting. For big projects, like reroofing, our estimators will make an appointment with you to come back and give you a proposal and estimate of the cost of the work. They will the set up that appointment with you for a few days after your estimate appointment.
7. Do I need to be home during my estimate inspection?
Ideally you need to be home during the estimate inspection. This is a time for you to meet with the estimator, where he will ask you a series of questions as well as measure and inspect your roof (or other project). It is a time where you can discuss all of your needs and concerns so he can put together a realistic and accurate proposal of the work and how much it will cost. Of course we will work with you and do our absolute best to fins a time that works for both you and the estimator so that you can have this meeting.
If for whatever reason you are simply unable to be there physically for the estimate inspection, we ask that you make sure that we can get on to the property and access the roof. Also, we ask that you give a phone number where you can be reached during that time so the estimator can ask you the needed questions.
8. Do I need to be home while the work is in progress?
You do not need to be home for exterior work. For interior work, then yes. If you cannot be there during exterior work, we ask that you provide a phone number where we can reach you while we are there in case questions arise.
9. When will my estimate be ready?
Depending on the extent of the work that needs to be done, an estimate can be given over the phone (like in tear off jobs) or within a few days of the estimate appointment (like in re-roofing jobs).
10. Can I just call and get an estimate over the phone?
We usually cannot give estimates over the phone. This is because there is so much that goes into generating an estimate that one has to physically see the property to properly inspect it and generate an accurate estimate.
11. Can I get addresses and phone numbers of previous jobs you have done so I can see some of your work?
Due to privacy laws, we cannot release the names and phone numbers of previous clients. We can, however, give you a few addresses where you can drive by and look at the home. Please do not approach the house or stare for a long time and be sure to respect their space and property. We don’t want to make our customers nervous!
12. When can you start the work?
Depending on the time of year, how many jobs we are currently working on, the weather, and your needs, will determine how soon we can start the work. Usually we can start a job within a few weeks after your decision.
13. What payment options do I have?
You can pay with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or a check. We also offer financing options and 6 months same as cash. Feel free to call our office for more details.
14. How can I, as a homeowner, recognize when my roof has problems?
It is important to carefully inspect your roof often for cracked or missing tiles, shingles, or shakes. Be careful. But remember that catching problems early on can save much more money in the long run.
Periodically-about twice a year-inspect your roof and look for cracked, warped, or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.
15. My roof leaks. Do I need to have it completely replaced?
Not necessarily. Leaking can result because some flashings have come loose or because a section of the roof has been damaged. A roof failure, however, is generally irreversible and results from improper installation or choice of materials, or from the installation of a roof system inappropriate to the building.
16. Can’t I just do the roof work myself?
Most work should not be do-it-yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof. Novices can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and severely injure themselves by falling off or even through a roof in need of repair or replacement. Homeowner maintenance should be confined to roof inspections in both the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles, and to cleaning rain gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must see the roof for yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof) if possible.
17. What does hail do to a roof?
A hail hit on a shingle looks like a “bruise” or a dark spot where the granules on the shingle have been knocked off and the asphalt underlayment and sometimes the fiberglass mat is exposed. New hail hits will have a shiny appearance because the asphalt has been freshly exposed and has not had time to weather to a dull color.
Shingles are designed so that the granules block the UV of the sun and protect the asphalt underlayment. As the shingles age the granules fall off over time. As the asphalt is exposed the UV, it dries out and the shingle gets a “potato chip” appearance as the corners start to curl up. A shingle at the extreme end of its life is bubbled in appearance and is brittle to the touch. A 20-year shingle is warranteed by the manufacturer to have a useful life, under optimal ventilation conditions, of 20 years. Hail does several things:
- Accelerates granule loss.
- Accelerates shingle aging.
- Voids manufacturer’s warrantees.
- Leads to other associated problems.
18. How can wind-driven rain be a problem?
Wind driven rain can cause shingles to lift up and allow large amounts of water into the open areas of the roof. This can soak underlayment, felt, sheathing, and even insulation. Therefore, if you have loose shingles, wind-driven rain can be a big enemy. This is a big reason why it is so important that the roofing material is nailed down properly. We don’t want roofing materials to be doing the fan wave ever.
19. How do I measure the slope (or pitch) of my roof?
The slope is measured by rise in inches for each 12 inches of horizontal run: a roof with a 4-in-12 slope rises 4 inches for every foot of horizontal distance. So, using a tape measurer, measure 12 inches vertically and then measure how many inches it goes up from that base point. A common roof is 4-12. Anything 6-12 is considered a steep roof. Anything lower than 4-12 is considered a shallow roof (more flat).
20. Why do you need to know my email address?
We use your email address as an alternate way to contact you if we are not reaching you via phone. We also may email you to confirm an appointment. We will never share your email with others and will likely not email you for any other purpose.
21. When are the roofing materials delivered and will they block access to my driveway or garage?
The roofing materials will be delivered just prior to starting the work. Roofmax takes extra special precaution to keep a clean working site. This includes keeping materials and trucks from interfering your daily life as much as possible. Often, the driveway is the only place to put the materials and you may have to park on the street for a time. However, the crew cleans up each day, and you should be able to use your driveway and garage each evening.
22. Do you do tar and gravel roofs?
We do not do tar and gravel roofs. Tar and gravel are obsolete roofing materials that require heavy equipment and are inferior products to the many other roofing materials available today. Basically, it is an old roofing practice that isn’t done much anymore.
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