Roofing FAQs – All Your Questions Answered

We get a lot of questions when it comes to roofing, especially around springtime when the snow has all finally melted away and we can actually see our roofs. So, here is a list of our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you out!

Does a leaking roof have to be replaced?

Not necessarily. In many cases, a leaking roof is a sign that your flashing (the stripping along edges where your roof meets a wall or chimney) is not doing it’s job. If it’s just the flashing that’s causing your roof to leak, there’s no need to replace your roof - a simple repair will do!

If the leak is contained to one small area, the damage may be able to be patched up and repaired without doing a complete roof replacement.

If you need help figuring out what’s causing the leak in your roof, our professional roofers can help! Contact us to talk to a home improvement specialist.

See our 5 signs that you need a roof replacement.

When is the best time to make repairs to a roof?

As soon as you notice the damage! The sooner you make repairs, the less likely it will grow into a bigger problem. We recommend tackling roofing projects in weather above freezing—when it’s below 32ºF, shingles can become brittle and difficult to work with.

When is the best time to replace a roof?

Many people put off replacing their roof until fall when winter is just around the corner and they’re starting to think about the snow that will be piling on soon. But we recommend spring as the best time to replace your roof – although we have expert roofers that work year-round on roofing replacement projects!

What qualities should I look for in a roofing contractor?

There are 4 main factors that you should look out for when hiring a roofing contractor: insurance, licenses, guaranties/warranties (on both materials and labor), and references.

You should also make sure that you feel you can communicate clearly with your contractor every step of the way.

What can I do to help prolong the look and quality of my roof?

A new roof is a pretty big investment, so you want it to last as long as possible! At Aspen Home Improvements, we offer Scotchgard Protector on every roof we install to help keep your roof looking new and in great condition for longer. Scotchgard Protector helps to prevent against algae growth (which causes those terrible dark streaks on shingles) and works on any roof.

Do you have any additional questions about roofing or roof replacements? Contact our team today!  

5 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

The roof is one of those things that most of us really don’t start to pay attention to until something goes wrong. Your home’s roof is one of the most important parts of your house; it protects you all year long, so now it’s time for you to protect it.

So what are some signs that it’s time for you to replace your roof? Let’s take a look:

1. Attic Leak

This should seem obvious, but if your attic has puddles after a rainstorm, it might be time for your roof to be replaced. This problem could arise due to a variety of issues such as: inadequate shingle underlayment, poorly installed flashing (the aluminum or steel pieces between joints), or deterioration. Wind is one likely culprit of a leaky roof, and ice damage is another (we all know how the Pennsylvania snow can be sometimes).

2. Blistering/Peeling Paint

When the paint inside or outside you home begins to blister or peel off, it may be because of a high amount of moisture in the house. The cause of this is the air not being able to ventilate correctly.

3. Stains, Mold, or Mildew on Ceilings and Walls

Let hope you’re able to catch stains on your walls and ceilings before mold starts to grow, but any of these things inside your home could be warnings that it’s time to replace your roof. Failing shingle underlayment may be causing water to manage to seep into your house.

4. Dark Spots

Dark dirty looking spots could just be dirt, but it could also mean mold, fungus, algae, or vegetation growth! This doesn’t necessarily mean your roof needs to be replaced, but it definitely should be taken care of. At Aspen Home Improvements, we offer roofing complete with Scotchgard™ Protector to help protect against algae on your shingles.

5. Missing, Cracked, or Curling Shingles

Your roof’s shingles are out in the sun all day long, and over time the sun can slowly dry them out. If you can touch your roof’s shingles and they fall apart, it’s time for a new roof. While a single broken shingle may just need a quick repair, multiple damaged shingles could require replacement.

If your home is experiencing any of these signs (or all, yikes!), contact us. There’s no better time to replace your roof than before the winter snow hits!