Blog – Shelton Roofing

It’s been a few years since you had your roof replaced. You’re starting to see some wear and tear, but you’re unsure if it’s time for a new roof. After all, roofs are expensive, and you don’t want to replace them any sooner than necessary. So how often should you replace your roof in California? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of roofing material, the climate, and how well the roof has been maintained. In general, however, most roofs will need to be replaced every 20-30 years. If your roof is approaching this age or showing significant wear and tear, it’s probably time to contact roofers in Santa Cruz County for replacement.

How to Know When you Need to Replace your Roof?

Your roof is more than 20 years old

The first sign that you may need a new roof is the age of your current one. In general, most roofs will last between 20 and 25 years before they need to be replaced. If your roof is approaching or has already reached this age, it’s time to start considering a replacement. When a roof gets older, it becomes more susceptible to damage from storms, wind, and hail. It’s also more likely to develop leaks, which can cause severe damage to your home.

You see signs of damage

Another sign that you may need a new roof is if you’re seeing signs of damage on the outside of your home, like cracked or missing shingles. If you notice any damage, getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage to your home. Some roof damages, like a few missing shingles, can be easily fixed. However, if the damage is more severe, like large roof sections are missing, you’ll likely need to replace the entire roof.

The roof is leaking

If your roof is leaking, it’s time to replace it. A leaking roof can cause significant damage to your home, and it’s not something you want to wait to fix. If you’re unsure whether or not your roof is leaking, look at the ceiling in your home. If you see any water stains, that’s a good indication that your roof is leaking and needs to be replaced. A leaking roof can also cause mold and mildew to grow in your home, which can be dangerous for your health.

The roof is sagging

One of the telltale signs you need a new roof is if your roof is sagging. This could be due to several reasons, such as water damage or the roof’s age. If you notice your roof is sagging, it’s essential to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible to determine if you need a new roof. To notice a sag, stand back and look at your roofline. If the line is not straight, then your roof may be sagging.

If the roof has holes

Another sign that your roof may require replacing is if you see daylight coming through the roof boards. If you can see sunlight, there are holes in your roof. These holes can be caused by several things, including severe weather or animals. If you see daylight, it’s time to call a roofer. A repair will only be a temporary fix, and the holes will eventually open up again.

Holes in your roof can also let in water, which can cause severe damage to your home. Water can cause mold and mildew to grow, leading to health problems for you and your family. It can also damage the structure of your home, causing it to weaken over time.

The gutters are full of shingle granules

If you notice your gutters are full of shingle granules, it’s a sign that your roof is starting to deteriorate. Shingle granules are the small pieces of asphalt that makeup shingles. As shingles age, they begin to lose these granules. When you see them in your gutters, it’s a sign that your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.

What are the common causes of roof failure?

There are many reasons why roofs fail prematurely. The most common cause of roof failure is poor maintenance. When gutters and downspouts become clogged with debris, water can back up and seep under shingles, causing them to rot and eventually leak. Another common cause of roof failure is inadequate ventilation.

Heat and moisture build up inside your attic without proper ventilation, causing the wood to warp and rot. This can lead to leaks and, eventually, a roof structure collapse. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, such as high winds or hail, your roof is more susceptible to damage. Also, if your home is in a fire-prone area, your roof is at risk of damage from embers and flames.

Can you extend the lifespan of your roof?

You can extend the lifespan of your roof by regularly maintaining it and having it inspected by a professional every few years. Regular maintenance includes cleaning your gutters and downspouts, trimming trees near your home, and ensuring your attic is adequately ventilated. It would help if you also had your roof inspected by a professional every few years to check for any damage or wear and tear. Taking these steps can help ensure your roof lasts for many years.

If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to have your roof inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Ignoring these signs can lead to severe damage to your home and even health problems for you and your family. To avoid these costly repairs, replace your roof before it’s too late. Consult a professional before making any decisions, as they will be able to properly assess the condition of your roof and advise you on the best course of action. To learn more about roofing, visit https://sheltonroofing.com/.

Name, Address, and Phone

Shelton Roofing,

2-1245 E Cliff Dr f Santa Cruz CA 95062,

831-464-4120

Follow Us On Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/SheltonRoofingSantaCruz

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One of the things people won’t tell you about building construction is the huge cost of roofing. Despite the huge cost, you already understand its importance in providing shelter against weather elements. Choosing the right roofing Santa Cruz CA and roofing contractors can make the cost worthwhile.

Considering the growing number of roofing contractors in any local community, selecting one from the pool can be tough. Many homeowners admit they had a hard time choosing the best available roofers in their community. Others attested to recommendations being the deciding factor, while a huge number of property owners lamented losing money to incompetent roofers.

So, how do you choose a roofing contractor? Below are some of the important things to keep in mind during your search.

Roofing Contractor Qualification

Qualification is a vast umbrella term when it comes to hiring a roofer. There are many small things you should pay attention to before signing a roofer to handle your project.

Below are some of those important areas to focus on;

Experience: Experience is a huge part of your hiring decision. You deserve to work with an experienced roofer who has handled similar projects in the past. An experienced roofer also knows the common issues they may encounter and can improvise to address those problems. When seeking experience, look for roofers with more than 5-years of practice experience.

Another important factor to consider is the number of projects the roofer has handled. Obviously, it would help if you went for a roofer who has handled more projects successfully. For example, it is better to choose a roofer with two years of experience that has handled 100 roofing projects than one with five years of experience and ten projects.

Licensed and insured: A roofing license is what sets a roofer or roofing company apart from any DIY person on the street. Most states and local authorities have strict guidelines for obtaining roofing licenses. You can be sure that your roofer has passed the minimum requirement to handle your project.

You should also never compromise on insurance. Ensure that the roofers you’re vetting have the right insurance coverage for their business and the services rendered. An uninsured roofer puts you at risk, especially if anyone is injured on your property during the project.

Bonded: Bonding means that the roofer has money available to cater to your claims, especially when they did a bad roofing job. This gives you the guarantee and peace of mind that you can recoup your money should the roofers do a bad job.

Willingness to provide references: Roofers who are proud of their work should be willing and ready to provide references. Be sure to ask for these references and contact them. You can also go online to read reviews on independent review platforms. The reviews will give you a good idea of what to expect from the roofer.

Willingness to provide an estimate: Your roofer should be willing to provide an estimate for the services and materials needed. This estimate gives you an idea of what they are charging as fees, the materials used, etc.

You can also use estimates as a basis for comparison. Collect estimates from two or more roofers and compare what they’re offering.

Roofing Contractor Services

The services offered by the roofing contractor also matter in the selection process. Choosing a roofer that offers a variety of services can save time and stress of looking for others at a later time. Some of the common services you should expect the roofer to offer include;

Roof inspections: Roof inspections always come first. This is where the roofer checks your roof for minor or major damages and what’s needed to fix them. Inspections usually check for leaks and damages.

Repairs and maintenance: Roof repairs are cheaper and help to keep you protected. Roof maintenance practices prolong your roof’s lifespan and help you get more value for your money.

Installation or replacement services: Your roofer should offer roofing installations and replacement services. Installations for new constructions and replacements for old roofs.

Other nice to have services you can look out for include;

· Weatherproofing, insulation, and ventilation services

· Shoveling or snow removal service

· Roof sealing, painting, and treatment

· Debris removal

· Roof cleaning

· Gutter services

The more services the roofer offers, the better protection you’ll get for your roof.

Questions to ask your roofer

Having scaled the hurdles and proven themselves to be true professionals, you can relax your guard and ask questions to help you make the final selection. Some of the recommended questions to ask during the hiring phase include;

What types of roofing do you install?

Depending on your needs, your roofer should be familiar with residential or commercial roofing types. As a homeowner, you’re better off working with a roofer familiar with common residential roofing types like asphalt shingle, slate roofing, tile roofing, metal roofing, etc.

As a commercial property owner, you need a roofer knowledgeable in flat roofing, rubber roofing, EPDM roofing, etc.

Do you work with homeowner’s insurance to file claims?

A roofer that works with the homeowner to file insurance claims after heavy damage can save time and energy. You should ask this question and ask about the company’s process. This can significantly affect your quality of life after a disaster affects your roof.

Do you have a current license to work in my area?

You should be sure that the roofer is legally allowed to work in your area. Roofers without the appropriate license should be shunned.

What type of insurance do you have? What is the coverage?

It is not enough for your roofer to be insured. You should ask to know the type of coverage they have. Roofers with comprehensive insurance coverage offer a higher level of peace of mind.

Do you offer a free on-site inspection?

On-site inspections are the status quo. Avoid roofers who offer quotes on the phone without seeing your home. You should also ask about the cost of the on-site inspection. Most roofers offer free on-site inspection and quotes to customers.

Will you give me a written estimate?

Written estimates give a breakdown of what the roofer intends to do, the problems, the fixes, and the costs. You can use this estimate to compare two or more roofers before deciding who to hire.

Ask whether the roofer offers a detailed written estimate and at what cost.

The considerations above can guide you in selecting the perfect roofer for your roofing project. You can, however, save yourself the stress by contacting experienced and vetted roofers at https://sheltonroofing.com/

Shelton Roofing,

2-1245 E Cliff Dr f Santa Cruz CA 95062,

831-464-4120

Find us on Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/SheltonRoofingSantaCruz , https://www.instagram.com/sheltonroofing\_/

Shopping for a new roof is something the average person does once maybe twice in life. Unless you have experience in the trades (construction related professions) you likely wouldn’t know where to begin, what to look for, or even what questions to ask the contractors you are considering hiring. In fact, you probably found this article by searching “how do I find a good roofer” or “how to avoid hiring the wrong roofer” because you are looking for some direction. We are here to help! Below are a few helpful tips to ensure you choose the right roofing contractor for your job.

Hire Local

Imagine this, it’s 11pm with heavy downpour and for some reason your roof has a leak, or due to natural causes was compromised and water is getting into your home. You are going to want your roofer nearby to help. Good luck getting an out-of-town roofing company to arrive in a timely manner (yes people make this mistake). Ask your prospective contractors if they provide emergency assistance and what that looks like. See what their workmanship warranties cover and for how long.

Get at least two or three bids

Every contractor will have a different approach for your home. A great contractor will ask probing questions to get an idea of what you want/need and then propose the best solutions for getting you there. You do not want to go with the first bid you receive for a few reasons:

The most obvious is you need to compare pricing. Discuss your budget with your contractor and see what options are possible for what you want. Because each contractor’s approach will vary, pricing is likely to vary. You want to avoid low ball bids because it likely means something is unaccounted for that you will have to pay for later, or corners are being cut. If you receive a ridiculously high bid, communicate that with your contractor and make sure you are comparing apples to apples with other bids. They should be happy to walk you through their proposed roofing solution and explain where the cost is coming from as well as what can be done to fit your budget. The more you communicate with your contractor, the happier you will be with the outcome.
You need to see if it is a relational fit. Getting a new roof is a big deal and you want it to be treated that way. The last thing you or any contractor wants is a bad working relationship. You may get a killer deal on a roof but absolutely dread having to deal with the people involved. Even worse, you may pay top dollar for a roof and then leave completely dissatisfied with the customer service experience. How you are treated from the beginning should set your expectations for what you can expect for the rest of your time together.
You need to compare a roofer’s experience. Is the contractor a first, second or third generation roofer? Have they been in business for a proven period? Experienced roofers should have already weathered the learning curve of hundreds of puzzling jobs that required innovative solutions and succeeded. Second and third generation roofers have decades of experience passed down to them and have likely grown up mastering the art themselves. Your roof protects your entire home so you want to make sure that you are hiring an expert who can spot problems before they arise and have the proven solutions for getting it done right, the first time.

Confirm License & Insurance

Any reputable contractor is going to be licensed and insured and will happily share this information with you. Why is this important?

It is illegal for any person to roof your home without a license, and you could be fined if caught and forced to pay for your entire roof to be redone.
Only a licensed roofer can guarantee your material and workmanship warranties. Uninsured contractors do not know the proper codes and specs needed to pass inspections or secure warranties (which they can’t get either way). Your home is valuable, and you want to make sure you are covered.
If for any reason something harmful happens to your home while the project is underway, the only guarantee of payment or correction is if your hired roofing contractor has general liability insurance. This avoids any out-of-pocket expense or personal home insurance claims. Workman’s Compensation insurance is also a legal requirement in California and protects the worker in the event they get hurt on your property. This is another layer of protection to avoid being liable for any injuries. Only a licensed roofer will be and keep you protected.

In effort to keep this short and sweet, we will end the tips here. Though not all-inclusive, this list should provide a foundation for what to look for and give you confidence that you’re making a more educated decision. At the end of the day, great working relationships, a beautiful/watertight roof, and warranties intact are all one could hope for. If you have any roofing related questions, we are happy to be an educational resource for you. You can reach our commercial and residential roofing services in Santa Cruz, CA, at the contact form below. At Shelton Roofing “we’ve got you covered!”

CALL (831) 464-4120

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