Roof•A•Q™

A: It can be tricky to know when the wear on your roof stops being repairable and needs replacement.

Here’s one good rule of thumb: a small spot of wear or storm damage can generally be repaired. Depending on where you live if it affects more than 30% of your roof, the cost may be high enough to warrant replacement. Some areas may require replacement in certain cases, so always consult your local building codes. Extensive damage to deeper layers below the shingles may also require replacement.

We discuss roof replacement vs. repair in more detail here.

A: Many factors can affect your cost, including the size and slope of your roof, the type of shingle, color and system accessories you choose, the warranty protection you choose and the amount of damage to your existing roof. Check out this article to understand all the factors affecting the cost of your new roof.

There are also numerous financing options available. Look for loans with no pre-payment penalties, low monthly payment and/or deferred payments. Ask your independent roofing contractor for details on financing options when you get a quote.

A: Your asphalt shingle roof will generally last between 20-30 years. Architectural shingles normally have a longer life, while 3-tab shingles may have a shorter life. Some Owens Corning shingles feature optional extended protection for up to 50 years. A full roofing system with insulation, ventilation and a water-proof underlayment, can also help extend the life of your roof.

A: Owens Corning® shingles and hip and ridge products feature a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Extended warranty coverage is also available, including workmanship coverage. And when multiple Total Protection Roofing System components are used together—including synthetic underlayment, ice and water barriers and ventilation—your full shingle warranty coverage will extend to those products as well. This article helps explain the details of our roof warranties.

A: It depends on the state of your old roof. For normal aging, you may just need to replace the shingles, underlayment and potentially ice and water barriers under heavy flow areas. If there is damage to the roof deck from storms or fallen objects, your contractor may recommend repair to your roof deck and any intake or exhaust vents that may have been damaged. It’s always best to strip your roof down to the deck during replacement to ensure you don’t miss any potential damage. Learn about the anatomy of a roof.

A: Common causes include general aging, missing or damaged flashing, granule loss, cracked or damaged shingles, excessive algae or moss growth, ice damming and physical damage to your roof. Spotting a roof leak can be simple if you know what to look for. Keep an eye out for dark or wet spots on your ceilings or in your attic.

A: Ice build-up alone is not always an issue. However, during heavy snowfalls, heat from your home can rise, causing snow on the surface to melt. When it reaches the edge, it can freeze and cause water to build-up behind it. This is called ice damming, and this sitting water can leak into your home and cause water damage.

Removing snow from your roof will help reduce ice damming. A properly insulated attic can also reduce heat transfer to your roof, while adding water and ice barriers to your roof will help prevent leaks.

A: Hailstorms can seriously damage a roof. Larger hailstones are more likely to bruise or crack roofing shingles, potentially leading to water damage in your home, but it is possible for smaller to medium-sized hailstones to cause damage. You’ll want to inspect your roof as soon as possible after a storm.

A: Signs of storm damage on your roof can vary based on the weather. For hail damage, look for signs of damage around your home, including trees that are missing leaves or branches, as well as damage to cars, siding, windows, shutters, AC condensing units or other outdoor furnishings.

For wind damage, inspect your property for fallen trees or other damage. You can also inspect your roof from the ground for missing or curled shingles, or spots of impact damage. This helpful checklist can help ensure you don’t miss any potential damage. If you’re not sure if your roof is damaged, consider getting an inspection from a roofing contractor.

Yes! Roofs are a perfect spot for solar panels, and they work great over asphalt shingles. Make sure you have enough space, that your roof slope is facing the right direction and that you don’t need to do any major repairs. If your roof is close to the end of its life, it’s best to replace before installing a solar panel. Looking for more information? Check out our full guide to preparing your asphalt roof for solar panel installation.

A: The right color can completely transform the curb appeal of your home. Consider your siding color. You can either build harmony with a similar color or make a statement with a contrasting color. Browse our style boards for inspiration, or create your own with different textures and tones that move you.

Read more about choosing the right roof color for your home here. You can also check out what a brand new color can do for your home with our Design EyeQ™ Visualization Tool.