Weather Tight Roofing

FAQs

How long will my roof last?
Generally speaking, we can expect properly installed and maintained asphalt shingle or tile roofs to last between 25-35 years. If you have purchased a home and do not know when the roof was first constructed, we recommend that you have a roof inspection to determine the remaining useful life of your roof. This will help you to both better maintain the roof to maximize longevity, as well as begin to budget for a new roof if you anticipate needing one while you own the home.
Can I really extend the life of my roof?
All roofing materials will eventually deteriorate and erode, especially in Southern California harsh sun and weather conditions. However, you can absolutely extend the life of your roof with proper maintenance. The mistake most homeowners make is to ignore small repairs as needed. A missing shingle takes little time and cost to fix; but ignoring that missing shingle may allow water to seep in, debris to accumulate and pry other shingles loose, or damage to affect the underlayment. Taking care of small problems can prevent the larger problems for decades.
What is the best thing I can do to ensure my roof lasts as long as possible?
Periodic visual self-inspections and annual professional roof inspections are invaluable to a homeowner. As discussed, a small problem can become a major issue if not addressed. Regular inspections allow you to make minor repairs before they become larger projects, and before a small leak becomes a major leak or a mold issue.
How can I know if I have a roof leak?
If you do not identify any damage on your roof before it becomes a leak, there are several ways to identify water intrusion. If possible, head up to the attic and check the wood framing for signs of moisture such as dark spots or rot. You can also look at insulation to see if it is matted, damp, or eroding. All can be signs of a roof leak. During and after major rain storms, you can also walk through your home and look at the ceilings and walls for signs of staining, bulging or drips. Should you see any of these, call for professional assistance immediately.
Should I get a new roof before I sell my home?
If your roof is at the end of its useful life, you will likely have a much easier time selling if the roof is replaced. Home buyers may not be able to obtain a mortgage on a home with an expired roof, and the expense of putting on a roof may scare them away. If you know it is going to be an issue but cannot afford to put the new roof on without selling the home first, speak to your agent about ways to negotiate the price of the roof into the sale of the home.
How long will it take to reroof my house?
The installation process can vary depending on the size and shape of your roof, the number of workers in the crew, the selected materials, and the weather can all affect the amount of time it takes to properly install your roof. It may be a day or a couple of weeks depending on all factors.
What happens if someone gets hurt while working on my roof?
When you hire legitimate roofing contractors with the correct license, liability coverage and workers’ compensation insurance, you won’t have to worry. Workers’ compensation insurance covers every employee of the company in the case of accident or injury. You will not be held responsible for damages. Make sure you ask your roofing contractor to show you a copy of their active workers’ compensation policy.
What are my options if I decide to reroof?

You have two basic options for shingles: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of your existing roof system, or re-cover the existing roof system, involving only the installation of a new roof system. If you've already had one re-cover installed on your original roof system, a tear off would be required as building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete replacement is necessary.

For a tile roof, the most cost effective option is a remove and replace job where the existing tile is removed and all new waterproofing underlayment is installed and the original tiles reinstalled. You can also choose to put all new tile. Ask us today what is the best option for your roof.

My roof leaks. Do I need to have it replaced completely?

Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
There is no simple answer for this. It depends on how big your house is, what type of roofing material you choose for your new roof, as well as the labor involved in your roof replacement.
Does the Wood Beneath My Shingles Need to Be Replaced?
If the wood beneath your shingles shows signs of water damage, it will need to be replaced as well.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
There are a lot of factors that go into how long a roof will last. While most roofs have a manufacture warranty, this doesn’t mean that your roof will necessarily go this long without needing to be replaced. Some will wear out faster due to severe weather and environmental conditions, while others could last longer. Most existing roofs, however, were designed to last between 15 and 25 years. New technology means new roofs can last 30-50 years. And of course, some types of slate and metal roofs could last even longer.
How long is your workmanship warranty?
Our workmanship warranty is four years and is transferable to one new homeowner should you sell your home.
And what if my new roof leaks? Then what?

Manufacturer shingle warranties are now lifetime. Most manufacturers’ warranties are transferable to the new homeowners for a small fee. That covers the roofing shingles.

Regarding roofing shingle installation and roofing contractor workmanship: Weathertight Roofing, Inc.’s workmanship warranty is very clear with as little legal jargon as possible. The integrity of our roofing work is reflected in the warranty, which of course, is transferable to the new owner should you sell your home.

Our roofing contractors will repair any leaking on a new roof at no cost as it would be included in our workmanship warranty. Here at Weathertight Roofing we stand behind our work and should any issues arise, you can rest assured that we will happily return at no cost to you.

Do you install skylights?
Absolutely, the best time for a skylight installation is when having a new roof installed. We also install Solar tubes.
Is a down payment or deposit required to start my project?
Not always, repair work is payable in full at time of repair completion and no down payment is required. New roofs and re-roofs require a down payment of 10% or $1,000.00 whichever is less.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we have been licensed since our opening in 1983 and carry a full line of insurance including Worker's Compensation and General Liability. We recommend always asking any contractor working for you for proof of insurance.
Will having my roof maintenanced really extend the life of my roof?
Having your roof regularly maintained will absolutely extend the life of your roof and may prevent larger damage from occurring. All roofing materials will eventually deteriorate and erode, especially in Southern California weather conditions. The mistake most homeowners make is to ignore small repairs as needed. A missing shingle takes little time and cost to fix; but ignoring that missing shingle may allow water to seep in, debris to accumulate and pry other shingles loose, or damage to affect the waterproofing underlayment. Call Weathertight Roofing today to ask about our Roof Maintenance Program!
How do I know if I need a re-roof? Does a leaking roof need to be completely replaced?

A leaking roof does not necessarily mean you will need a complete replacement done. The extent of the damage and age of your roof will factor into whether it is more cost-effective to have the roof repaired or replaced. Some signs that you may need your roof replaced are quite obvious and can be spotted during a visual inspection. Some of these warning signs are:

- Loose or missing shingles, multiple broken and slipped tiles, or obvious wear on the material. Such as curling, cracking or blistering material.
- Exposed nail heads.
- Obvious sagging.
- Excessive granules in your gutter or coming off the roof.
- Missing or damaged flashing.
- Dark or stained areas.
- Water stains on the uppermost ceiling.
- High utility bills.

Having multiple of these signs may indicate the need for a replacement. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it may need replacement even if it isn't showing outward signs of failure. This is because much of the waterproofing, especially on tile roofs, cannot be seen as it is under the installed material.

Does my Homeowner's insurance cover my roof?
Most homeowners' insurance covers structural damage caused by acts of mother nature such as hail, high winds, fire, and falling trees. Depending on your policy, coverage may include repair or replacement and may require a deductible. Some policies also include exclusions for certain conditions.
I had my roofed maintenanced a couple of months ago and it's leaking! Doesn't having your roof maintenanced mean that no leaks will occur?
Roof maintenance does not necessarily mean that no leaks will ever occur. A roof maintenance will address visible issues such as missing materials, broken seals, and debris. Most times, especially on tile roofs, the waterproofing is underneath the tile or other material and cannot be seen until the leak actually occurs.
Do you offer Financing?

Yes, we offer financing through GreenSky. If you are interested in financing, just let us know when you call for a free estimate!