7 Roof FAQs Answered By Our Roofing Contractors In Mobile, AL

Friday, 30 April 2021 10:51

At Ethos, we are proud to be roofing experts, and over the years, we’ve heard plenty of intriguing FAQs from our clients. We take great strides to educate homeowners in Alabama and share our tenured industry expertise with them. For that reason, we asked our roofing contractors in Mobile, AL to provide answers for the top FAQs we hear all the time. If you have a question about your roof, you might be able to find the right answer you’re looking for here.

If you can’t find your question on this list, give us a call! We are always happy to pick up the phone and provide in-depth answers for any roofing-related questions.

Without further ado, let’s dive into these FAQs!


How Do You Tell If Your Roof Is Damaged?

Many homeowners struggle to identify roofing damage because they simply don’t know what to look for. However, there are a handful of key signs of roof damage that even untrained eyes can spot. These include:

  • Cracked, dented, broken, or warped shingles
  • Loose or missing shingles
  • Shingles that have lost granules
  • An accumulation of shingle granules in your gutters
  • Interior signs of water damage (e.g., water stains on ceilings or walls, interior mold growths, etc.)
  • Structural damage in your attic (e.g., rotting rafters, cracks in your roof, etc.)
  • Surprisingly high energy bills

Most industry experts recommend that homeowners get into the habit of inspecting their roofs at least twice a year (and after any bad storms). Be sure to plan those biannual inspections for bright, sunny days to maximize your visibility. Remember to prioritize your personal safety at all times and minimize your risk of injury whenever possible.

If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting your roof on your own or you’re just unsure whether you’ve correctly recognized the signs of damage, give our roofing contractors in Mobile, AL a call! We provide FREE, no-obligation roofing inspections, so we’re always happy to lend a helping hand.

Which Roofing Material Should You Choose For Your Roof?

This is a decision that you don’t want to take lightly. Your choice of roofing shingles will influence the lifespan of your roof, your home’s curb appeal/total value, and your wallet. Unfortunately, there is not a “one-size-fits-all” answer to this question.

The right shingles for your home will depend greatly on factors like your available roofing budget, your home’s location, and your current roof structure.

If you’re interested in saving money, then 3-tab shingles will likely be one of your better options.

If you’re selling your home soon and want to boost your curb appeal, then designer shingles may be the best choice.

However, the most popular roofing material in Mobile, AL is actually metal roofing. This is because metal roofs are great deterrents against the intense storms that Alabama is known for. Metal roofs can withstand wind speeds of up to 140 miles per hour and, unlike other roofing materials, metal roofs will not spark or ignite into flames during fires or from a lightning strike. Plus, the materials do not corrode due to moisture thanks to the rust-proof coating and they will reflect solar heat in the summer to help keep your home nice and cool.

If you’re unsure which material is right for you, our roofers will provide personalized suggestions for you to help ensure you make the right decision for your property.

How Long Does A Roof Last?

Similar to the last FAQ, there is no perfect answer to this question. Different roofing materials have differing lifespans. And other factors, like maintenance and weather, can influence the lifespan of a roof too.

In most cases, the lifespan of a roof is determined by the quality of the shingles and roofing materials that are used. Inexpensive materials, like standard asphalt shingles, typically last for 15-20 years. On the other hand, more durable roofing products, like metal roof panels, have longer life expectancies of 40, 50, or even 60 years.

Most homeowners have a follow-up question to these answers: “How can I extend the lifespan of my roof?” The answer is with routine maintenance, so be sure to get your roof regularly inspected, cleaned, and maintained to make it last a little longer.

How Long Will A New Roof Take To Install?

Again, there’s not a definitive answer for this frequently asked question. Whether your roof needs a few repairs or a complete replacement, the timeline of your roofing project depends on several factors. These include:

  • The total scope of the project
  • The slope of your roof and its total square footage
  • The roofing materials you’ve selected
  • The installation process
  • Delays due to inclement weather
  • And the clean-up process

A completely new asphalt shingle roof could be fully installed within just two days (National Home Improvement)! However, you can generally expect a roof replacement to take anywhere from a few days to a week or two.

On the other hand, if you just need a few minor roof repairs, those can be completed within just a day or two!

Can You File A Claim To Cover The Costs Of Your New Roof?

Your homeowner’s insurance policy can help reimburse you for all kinds of interior and exterior property damage (Investopedia). However, your policy will likely only cover storm-related property damage.

That said, it’s unlikely that you can file a claim to cover the repair costs for roof damage due to gradual wear-and-tear. For that reason, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your homeowner’s insurance policy and what your provider will cover.

If your roofing contractors near Mobile, AL determine that your roof damage is due to a recent storm, then you should file a claim ASAP! However, before you do so, just remember that filing a claim will likely raise your premiums. In fact, a study published by Insurance Quotes found that filing even one insurance claim can increase your annual premium by 9%.

It’s in your best interest to first evaluate whether the pros outweigh the cons. If the estimates you gather from roofing contractors are lower than your annual premiums, then it might not make sense to file a claim this time around (even if the damage is covered under your policy).

Does A New Roof Increase Your Property Value?

Absolutely! If you’re considering selling your home, then a new roof should be at the top of your home improvement checklist.

This absolutely comes with a footnote though. While your new roof may add great value to your home, you won’t always see a significant ROI from the renovation. According to Remodeling’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report, your home would likely only recoup roughly 61% of the installation costs of your new metal roof.

However, we should note that additional research from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry has suggested that a new roof could provide a sizable return up to 109%. Again, the over ROI depends on a few factors like materials and the quality of craftsmanship.

Can You DIY Your Roof Repairs?

Unless you have prior roofing experience, it is not recommended that homeowners handle their roofing repairs on their own. This is because of a few reasons. First off, improper repairs could void the warranty on your roof. You also increase your personal risk of injury when working on your own roof. And of course, an ill-repaired roof may also lead to further property damage down the line, which will cost a pretty penny.

It’s just a better decision all-around to rely on the expert work of roofing professionals in Mobile, AL.

Learn More From The Top Roofing Contractors In Mobile, AL

if you’re looking for experienced roofers, look no further than Ethos Roofing & Restoration. Since 2006, we’ve been repairing, restoring, and replacing roofs of all shapes and sizes. Throughout that time, we’ve accumulated plenty of knowledge on the roofing industry, including best practices for insurance claims, minute differences between roofing materials, and much more. Thanks to that knowledge, we’ll happily provide you with thorough explanations for all of your questions and deliver unparalleled craftsmanship for your roofing project.

Contact Ethos Roofing & Restoration today to schedule your FREE roofing inspection with our roofing contractors in Mobile, AL.