FAQ
CALL US FOR A NEW ROOF!
Are You A Licensed Roofing Contractor And Why Is This Important?
We are licensed by the state of Minnesota. This is important for the following reasons: licensed roofing contractors must pass examinations based on specifications, standards, and practices supported by roofing industry professionals, and they must meet mandated qualifications in verifiable work experience, education, and moral character. Licensure also helps protect you from “storm-chasers,” those out-of-town scammers looking to make quick money off you — someone they plan on never seeing again!
Are You Insured And Bonded? Why Is This Important?
We are a professional, fully insured and bonded company and we’re happy to provide you with copies of our liability and workers’ compensation certificates. This is vital to you as the homeowner because it protects you in the event a worker gets injured on your property.
Can You Give Me An Estimate Over The Phone?
We understand that people are busy and that it can be difficult to take time away from work, family, and other commitments. While we are able to give you estimates without visiting the property, we often prefer to physically inspect the home’s exterior (especially in cases of storm damage). This allows us to provide you with the most accurate assessment of its condition, which enables us to give you the most accurate appraisal and recommendations.
Do I Need A Permit To Repair My Roof?
Every municipality has specific requirements regarding permits. Our professionals are able to take care of obtaining permits when necessary.
How Long Will It Take To Repair My Roof?
One day is the standard for a typical residential roof. Keep in mind that there are many factors that influence a timeline for completion: roof size, amount of work needed, and issues that may arise during installation, and of course — the weather.
I've Heard That Roofers Are The Messiest! What Can I Expect For Clean-Up?
While that is certainly true of some, we pride ourselves on treating your home as if it were our own! Our crews protect the house and landscaping with tarps and plywood, where necessary.
We ensure our job site remains clean with the use of our exclusive revolutionary catch-all system.To minimize dust and debris, you can help us by doing the following:
- Remove and/or cover items stored in the attic (sometimes dust falls between gaps in the plywood or planks)
- Consider temporarily removing breakables from walls and ceilings (due to vibrations during the construction process)
- Move outside breakables at least 20 feet away from the house (vehicles, lawn furniture, ornaments, planters, etc.)
- Make sure the grass is mowed and leaves are raked (we make every effort to collect all nails and even the smallest scraps, but it helps when they don’t have a tall lawn to work their way down into)
From the time our installers arrive, they have a ground crew that is constantly removing debris and maintaining the landscape. Upon completion, roller magnets are used to pick up any stray nails.
What Forms Of Payment Do You Accept?
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, and credit cards.
Is A New Roof Cheaper In The Long Run?
Even if only a section of a roof is showing wear, it can be more cost-effective in the long-run to consider an entire replacement rather than a partial repair. While replacing only sections of tile or shingles can be a good short-term solution to your problems, it’s best for the structural integrity of the roof to have consistency in the age and quality of your roofing materials.
How Long Will My Roof Last?
The general life expectancy of a roof varies, as with any home improvement project, but most high-quality roofing shingles can be expected to last for about 20 years before failing or otherwise needing to be replaced. Areas with high wind speeds, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperatures can expect that lifespan to be shorter. Having spare shingles on-hand in the event of strong winds is a good idea and will provide you with a good opportunity to get up on your roof and assess its overall quality on a regular basis.
While most roofs have a 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 may last longer. Most roofs, however, are designed to last between 15 and 25 years; some types of slate and metal roofs can last longer.
My Roof Leaks. Do I Need To Have It Replaced Completely?
A leaking roof is a bad thing. However, it doesn’t necessarily warrant a complete roof replacement. How much repair and work needs to be done on your roof depends on the level of damage caused by leaking. Talking to a professional here at Exteriors Plus is the best way to know whether only minor repair or a full roof replacement is necessary.
There are many problems that can lead to roof leaking, which is why it’s important to inspect your roof periodically and check for common warning signs. You can perform this inspection yourself, but it is a good idea to hire a professional at least once a year to check for any serious roof problems.
Can I Do The Work Myself?
It depends — if you are someone who is generally successful with DIY home improvement projects, then you may have the ability to take on a project of this magnitude and importance (for your home’s health).
However, if you are someone who is generally not successful with DIY home improvement projects, then you should definitely consider looking into professional roofing services.
Your roof is vital to the health of your home’s structure and internal condition. To botch repairs or wing a full replacement can lead to serious damages. Even more, you will end up spending both the time and money in performing the DIY roof project and then spend more time and money later on when you need to hire a professional to do it right.
What Will It Cost To Repair The Roof?
Costs vary greatly depending on the pitch of your roof, the type of shingles you have, what condition the roof is in, and how many layers of shingles you have. The best way to find out the cost is to have a free quote done. Contact Exteriors Plus for your exterior home remodel quote today!
What Size Hail Is Damaging To Roofs?
There are a lot of factors that go into whether or not hail is damaging to a roof. The age and condition of the roof can greatly impact how large a hail pellet needs to be to cause significant damage. In general, however, pea- and marble-sized hailstones do not typically cause damage to a roof without high winds also being involved.
Are All Homes In One Neighborhood Affected The Same Way By Hail?
No, hail storms can vary tremendously even in a small area. The roofs can all vary in terms of age and condition as well, which will impact how they are affected.
How Can I Find The Exact Location Of A Leak?
Leaks can be tough to spot because water wants to find the path of least resistance and can travel for a while before finally showing up through your ceiling. You can try going into your attic or crawl space with a flashlight the next time it rains and try to trace it, but your most accurate answer will come from having our restoration specialists come out to find it and give you a quote.
My Roof Is Leaking, But I Just Had New Shingles Put On Last Year – What Could It Be?
The shingles may not have been properly installed, they could have been placed over an existing layer of shingles that is not giving adequate coverage, or there could be new damage due to a recent storm. The best way to find out is to have an inspection and estimate done.
How Hard Is It To Repair A Leaking Roof?
The answer depends on several factors, such as what is causing the leak, and the overall age and condition of the roof. If the leak is caused by a few minor issues with the shingles or flashing, this can be repaired easily in a few hours. However, if the roof is old and subject to widespread problems, it may need to be replaced, which could take a few days.
Should I Have The Old Roof Removed Before The New One Is Put On?
While it is technically possible to layer one set of shingles on top of another, this may be setting you up for future problems. If your current shingles are curling, cracked, missing, or are covered with moss or algae, you will need to strip them to install the new roof. Likewise, if you already have two layers on your roof, they will have to come off to install the new shingles.
How Long Does It Take To Replace Or Repair A Roof?
Every roof is different, and what the roofers find when they get up there will affect how long repairs will take. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size and the scope of the job.
What Is A Roofing Underlayment?
A roofing underlayment is also known as felt paper, and is installed beneath your shingles, over the wood of your roof. It helps protect your roof from wind-driven rain that can get beneath your shingles and potentially damage your home.
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.
What Type Of Roof Should I Get?
The roof that you choose should complement the style and features of your home. You should also take into consideration the material, how long it lasts, and the costs to make this personal decision.
What Color Roof Should I Get?
The roof color you select should complement the rest of your home. This should be a secondary consideration to what type of material you choose for your roof. Be sure to get a color guide or brochure for the type of shingle you select to see what is available.