We have seen several questions over the years. Here are some of the most common questions we have seen and thought it was time to put pen to paper!
Are roofing nails galvanized?
Roofing nails are used to secure shingles to a home or building’s roof. Depending on the type of roof, there are roofing nails that match. For shingle roofs, it is recommended that you use a galvanized roof nail which is a steel nail that has been treated with zinc. For tile roofs, it is recommended that you use a stainless steel nail, which is also used for metal roofs in coastal climates. If you are living in an environment without salt, you can also use aluminum nails for your metal roof.
Will roofing nails rust?
Roofing nails are designed to not rust, but depending on your location, certain nails are better than others. Shingle roofs generally use galvanized roofing nails which are made out of steel and treated with zinc. They are rust-resistant and can last for years. Tile roofs and metal roofs require stainless steel roofing nails which are rust-resistant and will not rust on the seashore. If you live inland, you may be able to get away with aluminum nails, which are rustproof for regular water but will rust in salt.
How long will my roof last?
This is a big depends, and it is best that you talk to one of the experts at Dreambuilders to get the full answer. However, the typical shingle roof will last between twenty and thirty years, depending on weather, climate and location of your roof. While on the other side, metal roofs and tile roofs can last for up to 50 years or more if properly maintained and depending on the climate and weather in the location.
What does a new roof cost?
This is an impossible question to answer via text, as each roof is different! However, we do offer free quotes that include material costs, labor costs, and other fees associated with roofing. These quotes will give you a customized price, and some options in terms of material. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to roofing quotes!
Can my roof be insured?
Typically, your roof is included in your homeowner’s insurance for significant issues such as loss, major damage, or problems pertaining to weather or water. However, for smaller issues, you may be covered by a builder’s or manufacturer’s warranty, and some groups offer between one and ten years of coverage. For specifics, please chat with your insurance agent or one of our staff here at Dreambuilders for information on our warranties and the manufacturer warranty that comes with the material.
My roof leaks, what do I do?
First and foremost, you need to chat with our team to get on-site as soon as possible. Next, you will need an inspection to see the issues and determine the source of the leak. If it is minor, you can probably get away with a spot repair and move forward. If it is a little more significant, you may need to look at a roof replacement. The best way to determine the road ahead is to chat with on our experts and get one of our roofers on site!
How roofing shingles are made?
Roofing shingles are made in a particular way to ensure they can last in multiple environments for years. It starts with either a roll of fiberglass mat or organic felt is fed into a dry looper. The material then passes through a pre-saturation chamber to prep for the next step. Finally, it then goes through a saturator tank filled with hot asphalt which then coats the fibers evenly. For some manufacturers, the material will then go through another looping machine that is wet to complete the process.
What is flashing?
No, we are not talking about that kind of flashing! Flashing is the material that is used to cover the joints that are used in roof construction. It is designed to protect your roof, and the home from water that could seep into the valleys of your roof, the area around your popes, chimney and even skylights. Generally, flashing is made out of either galvanized steel or aluminum.
How long does a roof take to install?
This will naturally depend on your home and the complications that we will need to tackle. A new roof generally can take up to a couple of weeks, but a standard asphalt roof can take a couple of days. If we are in optimal conditions with a full crew, roofs can be done from demo to new installation in about a week. However, we suggest touching base with our team to find out specific timelines about your potential roof installation.
Can you install a roof in winter?
The simple answer is yes, but it will be a little complicated. Winter roof installation is a little more robust in winter as we do not have the consecutive bright and hot days that we have in the summer. However, we can handle winter installation if necessary and can provide you with a detailed timeline in our quote.
What is with the green and black stains on the roof?
If you live in a wetter environment, then green and black stains on your roof are the norm. The stains are not stains, but they actually plant growth. Depending on your location, it may be moss, lichens or algae, and if you do notice them, it is time that you looked at some treatment options, including professional roof washing. This plant life will eat away at your shingles which can lead to rot, mold, leaks, and if not treated, can lead to significant water issues.
How can you spot a failing roof?
There are a couple of ways to spot a failing roof. First, if you have an asphalt roof and it is over twenty years, it is time to replace it. As well, you can look for areas that the shingles are curling, cracked or simply vanished. As well, on a sunny day, head to the attic and try and see if there are any pinholes or water damage. If you notice any issues, it is time to replace the roof!