Top Roofing FAQs: Essential Answers to Your Common Roofing Questions

Roofing Made Easy

Something like finding and installing a new roof can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never had to do it before. There’s a reason that people turn to roofing companies to help them with such a large project: your roof is the thing that keeps your home protected.

So what do you do when you notice some leaks or damage to your roof? It’s time to get educated! The more you know about roof replacements and installations, the easier it is to take the leap and get it done. Erie Home offers our expertise on roofing each and every day, and we have created a list of some of our most common roofing questions to help you get a better idea of what’s to come if you need a new roof installation.

1. When Should I Replace My Roof?

Do you have any noticeable signs of damage? Most roofing materials begin to wear down around the 20-30 year mark, but some pretty big signs to take note of include:

• Sagging: This usually indicates high levels of moisture or water damage. Moisture has likely rotted the boards beneath your roof, causing it to sag. You can tell it’s sagging by looking at your roof from different angles.
• Curling: Shingles are a popular roofing material, but they can curl as they age. They typically curl along the corners or exposed edges which can lead to wind damage and broken shingles down the road.
• Cracks or Gaps: Missing or cracked shingles can also indicate that it’s time for a roof replacement.
• Dents- In the case of metal roofing, the durability is unparalleled. It lasts 30+ years, and one sign it’s time to replace it is large dents or visible damage.
• Leaks- Another telltale sign is a leak. No matter what roofing material, a leaking roof is common at the end of its lifespan.

2. Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

The best way to determine whether it’s time to repair or replace your roof is to consider the age and level of damage. Have you repaired your roof before? Do you notice recurring problems? If this is the case, it might be best to commit to a roof replacement.

Another important consideration is the weather. What time of year is it? If you have extensive damage and there are storms in your future, it’s important to get a roof replacement right away instead of trying to repair something that could easily get further damaged by the weather conditions.

If you are unsure, simply give your local Erie Home a call for help. Our experts can help guide you on the next steps to keep your home safe.

3. What to Be Aware of When Replacing a Roof?

Before you commit to a roof replacement, you want to make sure you’re aware of the variables involved. Consider things like cost and materials. At Erie Home, we do our best to make the process fast and easy for you, keeping you in the loop on every detail.

Working with a trusted roofing company like Erie Home is the best way to ensure a proper roof replacement. We make sure that you know all the information you need to go into the process so you’re never caught off guard. Any specific questions you have can be answered by one of our experts, and we can work with you to find the right materials and price for your home.

4. What If It Rains During Roof Installation?

A common fear amongst homeowners is the weather. While we do tend to recommend roof replacements in the fall because of the mild weather conditions, any time of year will do.

Rain is always a consideration, and roofers know exactly what to do to secure the areas of your home in order to protect against any rain damage. If it begins to rain during installation, roofers will secure the site and delay the work for a time when the rain has subsided and conditions are safe for them and your home. 

5. How Long Does It Take for a New Roof to Settle?

Oftentimes a new roof will need to “settle.” This is simply a movement in the structure of the roof due to new installation. Shingles also can take a bit of time to settle and lay flat, and the sun helps speed up the process.

A new roof can take anywhere between one week and one month to settle, but the differences will be subtle. If your shingles do not lay flat after over a month of installation, give Erie Home a call for a follow-up inspection so we can address any problem areas and provide solutions. 

The More You Know

A new roof installation doesn’t have to take endless weeks of research or late-night scrolling. As long as you know the basics and you work with a trusted roofing company like Erie Home, the process can be seamless and even fun!

Now that you’ve got all your questions answered, schedule your free consultation and estimate for your new roof installation today!