Q: My insurance company has paid me to replace my roof due to hail damage. It looks OK and is not leaking. Do I really need to replace the roof?
A: It is likely the hail has deregulated your shingles. This 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, your insurance company will not pay for the additional damage. If your insurance representative has paid you for roof replacement, keep your coverage in full effect by replacing the roof now.

Q: My roof has 3 layers on it. Can I overlay my new roof or should I tear it all off?

A: 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. Products you should consider include the Celotex Presidential series of asphalt shingles or lightweight tile productions that include Westile’s Featherstone, Pioneer’s Lightweight products, or Lifetile’s Lightweight tile.