Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long can I expect my roof to last?

A. The condition and lifespan of your roof will depend on the type of roof you have, the effects of your local environment and the maintenance which the roof has received. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, asphalt shingles generally last 15-20 years; wood shingle/shakes 10-40 years; clay/concrete tiles 20+ years; slate 30-100 years; metal roofing 15-40+ years. Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities
and financial obligations they will assume if their products fail to reach their
expected lifetimes.

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

A. Not necessarily. Leaking can result because some flashings have come loose, or because a section of the roof has been damaged. A roof failure, however, is generally irreversible and results from improper installation or choice of materials, or from the installation of a roof system inappropriate to the building.

Q. How can a homeowner recognize when a roof has problems?

A. All too often, roof problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections can often uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles, loose seams and deteriorated flashings, excessive surface granules accumulation in the gutters or downspouts and other visible signs of roof problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.

Q. What is a ridge vent? Do I have to have it?

A. A ridge vent is part of the exhaust ventilation system that helps circulate hot air and moisture from your attic to the exterior of the house and provides for more energy efficient heating and air conditioning. Moisture can build up in your attic by way of the kitchen and bathroom, eventually causing damage to the roof deck and framing. A ridge vent reduces heat and moisture in your attic saving you problems later on. Good ventilation help prevent rotting, mildew, drywall damage, peeling paint and warped siding. When combined with eave vent it provides the most effective ventilation system available. Every home should have a ridge vent or one of several other types ventilating system installed. A ridge vent is considered the most excellent system for attic ventilation.

Q. What is a roofing square?

A. A roofing square is a unit of roof measure covering 100 square feet.

Q. Why should I tear off my old roofing?

A. Roofing over a bumpy material will telegraph through the new roof. Tearing off the old shingles will assure that your roof deck is in good condition and not the source for future problems. Tearing off the old shingles will provide access for installing new leak barriers in eaves and valleys around penetrations. With the old shingles gone, we'll be able to install new metal flashing which is essential to a new roof.

Q. How long will it take to put on a new roof?

A. The duration of the job varies widely depending on the size and complexity of the job. A small, uncomplicated roof job can usually be finished in a day or two. A large, complex project can last a week or more. Our estimator can answer any question you may have concerning your roof, the cost and duration of the job. Please Contact Us for a free estimate.

Q. What is Radiant Barrier?

A. A radiant barrier is a layer of aluminum foil placed in an airspace to block radiant heat transfer between a heat-radiating surface (such as a hot roof) and a heat-absorbing surface (such as conventional attic insulation).

Q. Do you use subcontractors?

A. Houston Roofing Specialist does not use subcontractors. We are with our customers from beginning to end of all roofing jobs. This includes flashings, gutter systems, radiant barriers and skylight installation.