Rain, wind, sun and snow make the Pacific Northwest one of the most beautiful places to live in the country. However, these same elements can combine to cause premature wear and tear of your roofs.
Here at Acme Roofing, we believe that keeping your roof in top shape is of utmost importance to the value and structural integrity of your home or commercial property. Here are some frequently asked questions about roofing in Washington State. If you have any additional questions that not covered in this article, please feel free to contact us. One of our roofing representatives will be happy to assist.
1. How I do know if I need a re-roof?
Oftentimes, the signs of roof damage are not always apparent or visible at the surface. If any of the following characteristics can be seen on the roof of your home, you may need the help of our Tacoma re-roofing experts:
If you have shingles on your roof, you may need to replace them if they look weathered or worn, or if they thin out or become brittle. Missing spots on your roof indicate that shingles need to be replaced.
For homes with wooden shakes, signs of roof damage include warping or curling of the shakes, splitting, exposed underlayment which dries out the oil and absorbs water, and damage from weather. If you have metal roofing, you will need to call a Tacoma roofing contractor if there’s damages to screws, rusting, sealant failure or corrosion.
2. Can I do a complete new roof installation myself?
Generally speaking, no. While roofing may look simple enough, it’s not a do-it-yourself home improvement project that you would want to take on. Roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently replace or repair your roof. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could inadvertently damage your roof and other parts of your house.
One of the biggest dangers of performing your own roof work is slipping and falling. Washington roofing contractors are required to adhere to specific safety standards, have the necessary equipment and education to safely work on your roof. To simply put it: roofing is just one of the things that you should leave to the experts.
3. How long will my new roof last?
The lifespan of a roof on the average home in the state of Washington is a bit shorter than other parts of the country. This is due to the inclement weather we have year-round. Snow, rain, ice and wind all contribute to the premature wear and tear of a roof. For example, a wood shingle or shake roof can last anywhere from 20-25 years, depending on the forces of nature.
4. How much does a new roof cost?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including roofing material and the size of your home. However, there are many different grades of roofing materials, products and styles to choose from, with something to fit every family’s budget.
Cost alone should not be a determining factor in getting a new roof. The quality of the workmanship is the most important thing you should take into consideration.
The best way to find out the cost of your new roof is to schedule a free consultation with Acme Roofing. During our initial consultation, we will carefully inspect your roof in order to determine the cost of your next roofing project.
5. What is the best type of roofing for houses in the Puget Sound?
For most people in the Puget Sound area, composition roofing is the best option. The shingles have a core made out of organic or fiberglass base, saturated with asphalt/adhesive salt and ceramic granules. This composition produces a very sturdy roof shingle that will stand up to the harsh weather elements of the Pacific Northwest.
The best thing about composition roofing is that it is available in many colors and shapes.
Visit our Tacoma roof showroom see the wide variety of roofing options and solutions we have available before your next roofing installation. We carry both local and national roofing manufacturers, such as PABCO Roofing and Malarkey Roofing Products.
6. What’s the quickest way to increase the property value of my home?
If the roof on your home is over 20 years old, you should consider re-roofing. It will immediately improve the look of your home and will most likely improve the value of it. A home buyer will have an inspector look at your house prior to making an offer. If you have an old roof, the inspector will make note of it and the buyer could offer less money than you’re looking for.
We take roofs for granted. They protect us from the elements and provide a safe and comfortable place to live under. However, roof damage is not always obvious or visible at the surface. If you have yet to schedule a roof inspection, contact our Tacoma roof experts today. We perform thorough and comprehensive roof inspections for a small fee.