In many instances a roof or its components can be repaired. Holes, failing flashing around chimneys, gutter problems, and bad pipe vent boots are often the cause of a leak. And they can all usually be repaired.
Every roof has a "life." The life of your roof is "how long it should last under normal conditions." If you have an older roof, OR if your shingles or metal are failing in several places, your roof probably needs to be replaced.
And then there is the case of storm damage. Wind, rain, debris, trees can all cause major damage to a any roof. Knowing whether to repair or replace a roof with catastrophic damage will require a professional evaluation. If you choose us, we'll also help you with communicating necessary technical details to your insurance agency.
The most common types of roofing are asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and tile roofing. Asphalt shingle roofing is the most popular type of roofing because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles, but it is also more durable and can last for many years. Tile roofing is the most expensive type of roofing, but it is also the most durable and can last for centuries. Another roof type is slate roofing, which is a premium roof system made primarily out of natural slate tiles. The most inexpensive is roll roofing, which works well for utilitarian structures such as sheds, shops, barns, garages, and most types of outbuildings. Wood roofing is perhaps the oldest type used. It is a very good insulating material, but is high-maintenance and also flammable. Other roof materials involved include flashing, sheathing, roofing paper, roofing felt, tar, and nails.
There are a number of methods that can be used to repair a roof. The best method will depend on the type of roof, the extent of the damage, and the budget. For minor damage, such as a few missing shingles, repairs can be made by simply replacing the damaged shingles. More extensive damage, such as large holes or cracks, may require patching or sealing.
There are a few key things you can look for to determine whether your roof ventilation is adequate. One is to look at the amount of soffit vents installed. If you have few or no soffit vents, it's likely that your roof ventilation is inadequate. Another thing to look for is the condition of your shingles. If your shingles are curling or buckling, it's a sign that your roof isn't being properly ventilated.
There are a number of ways to prevent roofing problems, but some are more effective than others. One of the most effective ways to prevent roofing problems is to have your roof inspected regularly by a professional roofing contractor. This will allow them to catch any problems early on and prevent them from becoming bigger issues. Another effective way to prevent roofing problems is to make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear and free of debris.
There are many companies that offer roofing services, so it is difficult to say who offers the best services. However, there are a few things you can look for when choosing a roofing company. First, you want to make sure the company is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case something goes wrong during the roofing process. Second, you want to read reviews of the company online to see what other customers have said about their experience.
There are eight common causes of roof leaks which include:
- Nail Pops
- Old Metal Ridge Vents
- Chimney Damage
- Poor or Improperly Installed Flashings and Skylights or Chimneys
- Storm Damage (wind or hail)
- Old Age
- Misinstalled Shingles
- Missing Drip Edge or Starter Shingles
Yes. You can usually seal a minor roof leak by caulking over the top of shingles or by gently removing the shingle and then sealing holes or penetrations underneath. Many of the adhesives can be face seal the shingles as well.
You can typically select either a polyurethane or silicone roofing caulk, but first, check your shingle manufacturer's specifications as some discourage using silicone caulking to seal leaks.
Yes, roof leaks are covered by homeowners insurance if caused by storm damage such as wind or hail. Check with your insurance policy to make sure there are no exclusions regarding your roofing.
Interior damage to things like drywall or flooring is always covered by insurance, but roof damage is only covered if caused by a storm.
Yes. You can reflash skylights, valleys, chimneys, walls, and pipe boots without a complete roof replacement. Replacing flashing without replacing a roof depends on the roof age and condition of the surrounding shingles.
It’s also important to note that if your shingles are discontinued you may have trouble finding the correct sizes to mate new shingles to old, please read the manufactures recommendations for the shingle on your roof. Even if the shingles on your roof are not discontinued, they may not match. Be more aware of shingle match in more prominent and visible areas of your home.
Locate the leak and place a bucket to catch the water. Remove any valuables from the area to prevent further damage. Contact a roofing company to tarp the affected area and assess the repairs.
Roof leaks caused by an aging roof or incorrect installation typically do NOT lead to insurance claims. Unless you have had a recent storm, a professional roofer should be your first call, not your insurance company.
Not necessarily. Minor roof leaks can be repaired without having a new roof installed. Leaks can be repaired without replacement. Old ridge vents, valleys, nails, flashing, boards, and shingles can all be fixed without completely replacing a roof. Leaks from improperly installed or missing underlayment, failing components, starter drip edge problems, or incorrect nailing pattern are instances that require a full roof replacement.
Replacing wall flashings typically starts at $1000 and can be as expensive as $80-100 per linear foot. Usually to reflashing a wall only requires restep flashing it, but some jobs require counter flashing as well. Step flashing a wall requires tearing off all shingles against the wall, adding back a leak proof barrier ice and water shield against the roof deck (and up the wall if possible), and new step flashing on top of every new shingle that meets the wall.
It is common for older style metal ridge vents to leak. Metal ridge vents require more face screws or face nails causing them to be more susceptible to leaks through fasteners securing them to the roof. Also old metal ridge vent are narrow, barely covering the opening created for hot air to escape from the attic, usually 4 in for the ridge cut, the old style metal ridge vents are only 5 in or 6 in wide. Modern ridge vents are plastic with shingles over the top and when properly installed should not leak.
Modern ridge vents consist of a 4-foot plastic ridge vent which is then covered by shingles. The roof opening that is cut in a ridge is 4 inches wide for hot air to escape. Modern plastic ridge vents are between 10 and 13 inches wide so there is plenty of coverage over the openings in the roof. Also newer ridge vent styles do not have any exposed nails or screws like the old style metal ridge vents did.
Before completely replacing a leaking valley it is best to have a professional roofer ensure that it is not a localized issues like nail pop causing the leak. localized leaks are usually easier and cheaper to fix. Inspect the nails securing the valley, the nails should not be within a foot of the center of the valley (or as manufacture suggest) this will keep the valley from leaking through these nails.
Inspect the valleys to check for signs of wear or improper installation, and to confirm shingles aren’t getting crushed or broken by foot traffic in the valley. If any of these are present it might be necessary to replace the valley.
If valley replacement is necessary, remove everything around the surrounding the valley, install an ice and water barrier on the roof decking. Install the shingles with one of 3 options, a California cut, an open metal valley, or woven valley.
Roof valleys can leak due to several reasons which include:
No, a roof leak can not be repaired from the attic space. Even if you were to caulk the space around a nail coming through the roof, the water would go further into the roof system, causing the leak to move elsewhere.
First, contact a roofing professional for a service call to ensure your leak isn’t a localized problem, such as a nail pop, missing sealant, or lifted shingles.
If your chimney flashing is too short causing a cap, the flashing needs replacement. The wood around the chimney should also be inspected for rot, with any rotten wood needing replacement.
Fixing a chimney leak typically consists of removing old shingles and flashing, replacing rotten wood, installing new ice and water shield around the perimeter, adding a new cricket if necessary, reinstalling step flashing, and installing counter flashing.
Homeowners insurance covers interior damage caused by chimney leaks, but not exterior damage to the roof, unless the roof damages are caused by wind or hail damage from a storm. Misinstalled roofs and chimeny flashings are not covered by homeowners insurance.
Yes, hail can cause holes and craters in your shingles. If your roof is leaking due to storm damage, contact a roofing professional immediately, as it will need to be tarped or shrink-wrapped as quickly as possible. Insurance will typically pay for this since they want to protect the property from further water damage.
Yes, hail causes holes and craters in your shingles or knocks off granules or shingles, exposing roof felt and leading to leaks. If left unrepaired, water can spread throughout the roofing system and cause further damage. Contact a roofing professional immediately to have your roof tarped or shrink-wrapped.
The life of your roof depends primarily on the material used. An asphalt shingle roof will typically last between 15-30 years. Severe weather and roof maintenance routines can also impact your roof’s longevity. Regularly inspected and maintained roofs typically last longer than commercial properties where it is harder to see the roof.
Many roofing contractors include a free roof video inspection taken from cellphones or drone during roof inspections. (insert roof inspection with free video product) Drone roofing inspections are one of the fastest growing technologies in the roofing space. Drones can measure roofs, and even collect and submit storm damage reports to insurance companies for adjuster review.
Roofing inspections are usually free (including drone inspections) as this will increase the opportunities for the roofing company to generate a sale. Accompanying roof reports can vary in cost from $100-$1000 depending on the size and scope of the inspection.
There are no rules requiring multiple proposals or that you go with the lowest bidder. It is not required that home owners get 3 quotes for insurance inspections or work, despite popular opinion.
Often the insurance companies have captive or dedicated insurance restoration contractors like Servpro, Puroclean, or Service Master who will perform most or all of the work for an insurance claim without outside bids or competition, further illustrating this point.
The insurred or property owner is free to choose who they would like to perform the restoration work. The insurance companies use a standardized bidding platform called Xactimate to create preliminary estimates and guidelines for the amount of money that should be paid for claims.
Which roofing material you use depends on several factors, such as your budget, need for the geometry or steepness of the home, or prevaling weather conditions. You will want to first consider the lifespan of each material and the climate in your area before making a choice.
Oftentimes, a new roof requires new flashing. Our roofing contractors will remove the current damaged or old shingles, and evaluate your flashing as work progresses. The best approach is to examine your roofing professional to understand your roof flashing needs.
Roof flashing is a flat, thin, waterproof material that is placed underneath shingles. Roof flashing directs moisture away from the most vulnerable areas of your roof and prevents water from entering cracks or openings. Some leak-prone areas of your roof that may require flashing are:
Installing flashing in these areas offers your home protection against water damage and increases the overall longevity of your roof.
Standard weathered wood or charcoal 30-year, architectural, dimensional roofing materials are the most appropriate to the area and agrees as long as they are in compliance with local HOA, permitting, and certificate of usefulness considerations. Adding designer look to shingles for aesthetics can lead to a much greater cost to roof usually designer shingles are double the amount of a standard architectural shingle roof.
Improving aesthetics can be accomplished by adding accent roofing over covered porches or roofs over bay windows, a standing seam metal can add lots of character and charm.
For highly visible roofs (that are lower in grade than the adjacent roads so the roofs are looked down upon), homes on the water, homes of greater value, designer, 50-year shingles, or standing seam metal roofs can be appropriate.
There are two (2) types of metal roofing: Standing Seam and Classic Ribbed. Both styles are steel sheet metal cut to length for each facet of the roof (meaning no returns on custom materials that are made-to-order). Metal roofing materials are harder to handle, lay out, and assemble leading to higher costs. Plan on the manufacturing of metal roofing products taking 2-4 weeks.
A classic rib is usually a little less than 2x the cost of a standard dimensional shingle and standing seam is around 3x the cost of a standard dimensional shingle. Plan on a classic ribbed roof taking double the time to install as a standard shingle roof and standing seam taking 5x longer than shingle installs.
Generally, construction, repair, alteration, or replacement projects to a single-family residence that cost less than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) do NOT require a residential permit. Structural work would always need to be permitted.
Each burrow around Asheville, NC will have specific governance for permitting, so you’ll want to double-check with your local municipality.
A new roofing system consists of synthetic felt underlayment, starter shingles, hip and ridge shingles, drip edge, ice and water shield at the eaves and valleys, a ridge vent, pipe boots, and flashing.
Most roofing contractors offer financing, cash, credit cards, and checks for payments. Always get a paid invoice to document the transaction of any funds with your contractor.
NEVER pay a roofing company upfront, and NEVER sign over an insurance check to a roofing contractor (less scrupulous roofing companies may take your money and not perform the actual work).
Yes, many roofing companies offer a day-of discount if you decide to sign a contract and move forward the same day. If you are negotiating with a roofing contractor, be ready to sign a contract and move forward with ordering materials right away.
You can get the best overall value on your new roof by choosing a local roofing contractor willing to act as a consultant for your waterproofing and exterior needs. A contractor who can repair the roof if needed to get a little more life out of it, file insurance claims when they are warranted, and recommend best fit solutions for materials and efforts.
This knowledge creates opportunities for you to save money and delay cost where possible.
The cost of roof replacement in Asheville, NC, and surrounding areas depends on roofing materials, the steepness of your roof, the proximity of your home to a town, the steepness of the driveway, and how many layers your roof currently have. For a new asphalt shingle roof, you can generally expect to pay the following:
These prices don’t include replacing rotten decking.
Considering that the average roof life is 15-25 years, this is a very long period of time to sacrifice quality materials. Additionally, cheap roofs can end up being expensive if you have to continually fix problems. With this in mind, don’t attempt to sacrifice long-term quality in order to save a few dollars in the short term.
No. You should never allow the seller to replace a roof on a home you plan on purchasing. In most cases, the home seller will opt for the cheapest roofing material available in order to fetch the most value from the sale.
While it is indeed normal for roofers to ask for a deposit, savvy homeowners won’t release deposits until the materials are delivered. Some roofing contractors ask home owners to sign over an ACV check (first insurance check. This is a very bad idea for all of the reasons one can imagine. Pay deposits UPON RECEIPT OF MATERIALS.
Considering that the lifespan of a roof and gutter systems are very similar, it makes sense to replace the gutter system while contractors are already replacing the roof. This is doubly true if you have a steeper roof, which causes debris from roofing to do more damage to the gutters below. Additionally, adding new gutters is a relatively inexpensive way to accent your home and increase curb appeal.
Steep roofs typically cost $50-$100 more per square or $0.50-$1.00 dollar per square foot on average.
Steep roofs are generally considered roofs that are greater than 7:12 pitch.
Many homeowners attempt to file insurance claims themselves. However, having a roofing expert consult you throughout the process can help avoid additional out-of-pocket costs. A roofing insurance claim can equate to a large amount of money, so it can pay to have a personal advocate to ensure you get the best opportunity to have your restoration fully funded. Most roofing companies offer this service for free.
Yes, poor roof ventilation can cause superheating of your attic that seeps into your other living spaces. This excess heat causes problems with your roof system by delaminating the glues in the plywood or OSB board decking on your roof, causing it to fail faster. Additionally, when moisture cannot escape from your home, it can lead to mold problems.
Yes. Reading your insurance policy before filing a claim will help you better understand the claims process, learn of any exclusions, and know what deductible amount you will pay before repairs begin. Your insurance policy will also detail the process of arbitration if your insurance company doesn’t agree with the roofing contractor’s scope of loss or amounts of loss. You can contact your insurance company for a copy of your policy.
In Asheville, North Carolina, the best time of year to replace your roof is generally in the Spring or Fall. Extremely hot or cold temperatures can lead to damaged roofing materials and also pose a danger to roofing technicians replacing your roof.
Try not to install shingles below 40 degrees as they can crack, and try and avoid putting on shingles above 90 degrees as they easily scar up from foot traffic.
Yes. Placing a second layer of shingles over an existing roof system is common in many places. However, if you can afford to remove the existing roof and dispose, this is preferred over laying a second layer of shingles. Many manufacturing standards and codes do not allow a third layer to be applied.
Yes. While some roofing contractors will not recommend replacing half of your roof, it can be advantageous in specific situations. These situations might include when you have damage to only the front or back half of a newer roof.
Yes. The metal roof materials installed over old shingles are one of the cheapest options on the market. At a minimum, roof installers must add 1x3 perlin strips and popping screws or nails at least every three feet.
These roofs commonly have problems especially with high wind speeds from storms.
The most obvious signs of a roof that has been installed incorrectly are:
Financing a roof can be a good deal considering it allows the homeowner to hold onto their cash and have the ability to pay off the loan balance quickly if desired. Interest rates on roof financing fluctuate, so whether roof financing is a good deal at the time depends on current market offerings. You should discuss the financing options with your roofing contractor to learn if this method makes sense.
Generally, your credit score needs to be in the 600-650 range to obtain roof financing. However, the minimum credit score varies among financing companies specializing in home construction loans. Financing companies will look at your credit score combined with your household income. When applying for a roof loan, expect a hard pull on your credit report.
The largest roofing and home improvement financing companies in the United States are:
There is nothing wrong with paying roofers in cash, just ensure that you receive a receipt from them.
Yes, many roofing contractors offer internal financing with 30, 60, and 90-day payment terms. Talk to your roofer about both in-house and external financing options after they assess your roof if you do not qualify or don't want to use traditional loan mechanisms.
Yes, in some instances if the mold is isolated to the plywood boards and not the rafters. Experts recommend you contact a mold remediation specialist to inspect your home before doing any work, or at a minimum obtain a home mold test kit to make sure that all signs of hazardous mold to worry about before during and after construction. These kits usually require you to collect air in the area mold was found and mail it in for testing.
Yes. Most roofers will accept credit cards for payment of work. Make sure you receive a paid invoice receipt for your records.
No. There are several different grades of asphalt shingles categorized by cost and lifespan. The primary types of asphalt shingles arranged from the cheapest and shortest lifespan to the most expensive and longest lasting are:
30-year shingles and 50-year shingles, aside from lifespan, differ in weight, number of bundles per square, installation techniques, impact resistance, wind uplift resistance, and style. 50 year shingles are often referred to as designer shingles for their attractive or unique look.
Despite the name, lifetime shingles are not going to last an entire lifetime. Lifetime shingles refer to an extended and often prorated warranties of up to 50 years against manufactures defects.
The lifespan of typical roofing materials often makes extended roofing warranties not worth the price necessary to obtain them. Extended warranties can increase the overall cost of your new roof by $2,000-$3,000. With this in mind, if you are interested in an extended roofing warranty, obtain three competitive quotes to evaluate the benefits compared to the costs.
When choosing a roofing company, make sure you hire one that has a physical office, is licensed and insured, and has a thorough understanding of the safety coordination plan for the project. All other deciding factors about the company will be your personal preference or rapport with the company and its agent.
In most cases, you cannot deduct the cost of home improvements, such as a roof replacement, on your tax returns. Some roofs may qualify for energy efficiency tax credits. If you operate a business from your home or are selling your home, you may also qualify for certain tax deductions or write offs. If you plan to replace your roof, talk to your accountant to discover any new deductions or credits that may be available.
Yes. There are roof tax credits for ENERGY STAR-certified metal and asphalt roofs with pigmented coating or cooling granules designed to reduce heat gain. These tax credits are for materials only and do not cover the roof installation costs.
Yes, standing seam metal roofs can last longer than shingle roofs. However, corrugated metal roofing doesn’t appear to last much longer, as the screws used to fasten the roof to your home go bad and rust, leading to ongoing maintenance problems.
The easiest way to estimate how many squares of shingles your house needs is to take the square footage of the top floor of your home and multiply it by 1.5. This will be a good guideline to check against any other measurements for your roof.
Between 5-6 nails per nail strip will go into a shingle. The top nail strip overlaps the lowers shingles, so each shingle should have between 10 and 12 nails in 2 different rows. This is why high-nailing shingles is so detrimental because the top row of nails does not go into the lower shingle.
Besides shingles, your new roof will include:
Yes. Let your roofing crew put tarps over things like HVAC or ornamental bushes that are too large or impractical to move. Move any grills, cover hot tub covers, and move patio furniture as best as possible to avoid falling debris.
Yes. Mowing your grass will help roofing technicians find any fallen debris or nails more easily. Furthermore, cover or mark delicate garden plants, bushes, and flower beds to alert the roofing team to their presence and prevent them from being damaged.
It is not a bad idea to request that the company you hire to do your roof use tarps around the perimeter of the roof and in the areas of falling debris.
Usually, a roofer willing to waive a deductible does not plan on being in business very long. The roofing contractor will still be taxed like they receive a deductible, so it does not make much sense to do so. In some states, it is illegal to waive deductibles.
3:12 is typically the lowest roof slope for shingles. While there are some techniques that roofers can employ to lay shingles on lower slopes, these are typically proprietary and will not be applicable in many situations.
As long as the shingles are laid in the correct pattern, and the nails are properly spaced it does not matter if your roofing technicians use nail guns or hand nail the shingles.
Once work begins on an asphalt shingle roof, you can expect it to take 1-2 days, unless some other issue arises, such as inclement weather or additional damage to part of the roof deck is discovered.
To prepare for a roofing project, you should:
Yes. Obtaining referrals from friends, family, review platforms like Google, or neighbors before hiring a roofer is a good idea. Vetting roofers in this manner will help you avoid dishonest or deceptive roofing contractors from causing problems. It will also help ensure you are hiring a company who can complete the job properly.
The biggest scam that roofers pull is taking money and then not performing the work. To avoid this, NEVER pay roofers up front, NEVER sign over insurance checks to a roofing company, and always ask for references, license, and insurance.
No. Professional roofers will not ask you to pay before a start date has been agreed on or roofing materials arrive. Never pay a roofer up front and don’t sign over an insurance check to a roofing company.
When comparing retail prices versus those produced by the insurance tool Xactimate, it’s normal to see exterior roofing materials that are 20-30% higher per square foot than the actual market. At the same time, roof repair prices and interior repair prices for painting and drywall are usually much lower than the market. It’s important to note that these prices are estimates and not definitive prices. There are other insurance tools, such as Symbility, that typically produce insurance values that are lower than Xactimate.
Your roofing contract is legally binding and should include all the most important aspects of the roofing process including:
Roofing contingency contracts are similar to normal roofing contracts, except the roofing work is contingent on the insurance claim being approved. These contracts can be useful in securing a spot on a roofers calendar to perform the work while conforming to your insurance company’s claim filing window.
Politely decline to sign over your first insurance check or ACV check to a roofer until a start date is agreed upon in writing and the materials arrive at your property.
After you and your roofing contractor have signed a contract, you can expect work to begin within 2-4 weeks unless extenuating circumstances arise, such as storms in the area.
Insurance contingency contracts are not the same as retail or cash-funded contracts. These contracts depend on the timing of the insurance company, the adjuster, and the mortgage company.
While spring and fall are the ideal times to replace your roof, situations can arise which require a new roof immediately. Roofers can install a new roofs in winter, however, expect the process to take more time due to the extra caution roofers must exercise when handling and installing materials, daylight, winter weather, and material storage concerns.
There are numerous factors affecting how long your roof will last, beginning with the correct installation. The roof pitch, color, insulation, and ventilation of the roof impact its longevity. Weather is also a factor affecting lifespan. Strong winds, sun exposure, hail, snow, ice, trees, branches, and leaves can all decrease your roof's lifespan.
Routine maintenance can help the roof to last longer. It is usually the western-facing slopes of the roof that wear out the quickest as a result of sun exposure, heat, and westwardly winds.
Yes. Roofers and insurance companies use Xactimate software to estimate the value of roofing and home repairs. Xactimate produces line items and unit costs for each damaged item that is part of a claim.
No. Xactimate is a software product created by Verisk Analytics. Verisk began as an insurance rating bureau for various lines of property/casualty insurance. The company was privately held from its beginning in 1971 until going public in 2009.
Xactimate pricing is a median survey based on both local and regional information from suppliers who service your market. The pricing does not always reflect up-to-date market conditions.
Yes. Xactimate is the primary software that insurance companies use to create a settlement offer they make you.
Symbility and Xactimate are the 2 main programs for estimating insurance loss values.
It is important to know which estimating software your roofer will use, as pricing can vary between estimation programs.
The easiest way to estimate your roof's square footage is to multiply the uppermost floor by 1.5 for the total square footage of the roof. Convert this to squares by dividing by 100, so 2000 sq ft of roofing is 20 squares. Multiplying by 1.5 is a quick way to measure and should have the waste in that amount.
You can also contact a roofing company to measure it via manual measurement, drone, or satellite.
The best way to calculate the pitch of your roof is to use a pitch gauge, also known as a pitch & slope locator, and use the picture on your phone or iPad to compare the steepness of the roof.
Typical home roof pitches range from 3/12 (flattest) to 18/12 (steepest).
The easiest types of shingles to differentiate between are 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles. 3-tab shingles will have distinctive three uniform cutouts on the lower edge of the shingle. GAF brand shingles have a standard pattern and consistent look. Tamko shingles have a fairly standardized look. If your roof has an exotic color, it’s most likely a CertainTeed Landmark shingle.
You first want to discover where the water is coming in from the attic and measure the length and width of the from a know exterior feature like a door or window. These measurements will typically lead you to a pipe boot, chimney, dormer, roof edge, or some roofing item or area that is the probable cause.
With this information, you’ll be better prepared to explain the problem to your roofing technician.
The least expensive types of roof repairs to make are nail pops and pipe boot replacements. Missing shingles need assessment by a roofing expert before replacement. In some cases, replacing shingles can cover up damage the insurance would report and repair in their insurance claim.
Yes, but be aware that you may inadvertently cover up damage that insurance companies can find when assessing your roof. It may save money replacing shingles yourself but prevent an otherwise successful insurance claim. If you notice missing shingles, it’s best to contact a roofing contractor that is familiar with the insurance process first.
Repairing a sagging roof is often the most expensive type of roof repair. Leaks caused by a sagging roof are often due to structural issues or rot. Sagging roof repairs can cost between $3000 and $7000, depending on roof height, roof steepness, and the extent of the damage. It is highly recommended to have a roofing contractor access and repair sagging roofs if you suspect this is causing your leak.
For minor roof repairs, you should expect it to cost between $250 to $500, depending on where you live. The total cost of repairs also depends on the height and steepness of your roof.
Anything repair involving several shingles or less and doesn’t include ridge replacement, flashing replacement, or valley replacement is usually considered a minor repair. If you have more than 3-4 missing or damaged shingles, you probably have a viable insurance claim.
Yes. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can repair a section of your roof.
Rotten eave repairs typically start in the $1500 range. Your eaves usually meet your gutters and can typically involve removing shingles, replacing boards, and reapplying shingles and gutters. Eave damage suggests problems with your gutters, so replacing these is often a good idea. If you have rafter tail rot, this wood will need replacing along with facia boards, so a lot of work is involved.
Because the life cycle of gutters and roofs are similar, it makes sense to replace them when replacing your roof. New gutters are inexpensive, complement the aesthetic appeal of your new roof, and their cost can be included in your roof financing.
Yes. There is a 2-story roofing cost that is factored into Xactimate. Roofers include this cost in their retail estimates.
Yes financing for roofing AND gutters is very common.
Calculate the monthly cost of your new roof by multiplying 1.5% by the total roof value. That should be your monthly payment. For example, a $20,000 roof job would cost around $300 per month.
First, you want a roofing company that employs contractors who are licensed and insured. Second, find a company with positive referrals, ratings, and reviews. You’ll want to consider timelines, project quality, safety protocols, and process differences. Last, make sure that the company has a physical location like an office, not just a PO box.
No. The steeper your roof project, the more you absolutely need an experienced, insured, and knowledgeable roofing contractor. Steeper roof projects typically cost more because of the inherent challenges, safety protocols, and technical skills and experience they involve.
Roofing costs are highly variable. Your roof may cost more than surrounding homes due to you having a bigger home, steeper roof, more than one story, more layers on your roof, or more damage. Different insurance companies also pay differently, and most of the time, roofers will accept what insurance companies offer towards the cost of repairs as it can be difficult to adjust.
Roofers can offer a wide range of referral bonuses to their customers. Some roofing companies in North Carolina pay out around $100-$250 for a referral that results in a replacement roof.
Yes. If your roof has two (2) layers of shingles, you can expect replacement cost to average $0.50 more per square foot than a single layered roof.
Based on low rates and long repayment terms, some of the best home improvement loan companies are SoFi, LightStream, Upgrade, and Discover Personal Loans. Marcus by Goldman Sachs ranks high for flexible terms, and PenFed has been rated high for small loans.
HELOC construction loans involve going through your bank. Hard money construction financing loans are obtained through your roofing contractor (via an external lender). Oftentimes, HELOC loans have a lower interest rate, but are less convenient. Construction financing terms typically have no early termination fees, and your roofer may also be able to get a higher amount of financing.
Yes. Most insurance and contractors will accept any mix of financing and personal funds. Ensure you understand your payment schedule and the amount that needs to be paid and when it is due.
Yes. Homeowners will often add the deductible cost to the financing amount they apply for to prevent having to pay out any up-front money for their insurance claim repairs.
A successful insurance claim for a roof is often challenging and occasionally easy. Insurance companies’ primary form of income is through investing money from insurance premiums. Because of this innate relationship with the stock market and economy in general, insurance companies can be more reluctant to pay insurance claims during bad times, and more willing during good times. In some cases roofing contractors may request the assistance of appraisers, adjusters, and even attorneys in order to get insurance companies to cover the cost of roof repairs.
To measure the square footage of your roof, take the square footage of one floor of your home and multiply by 1.5. This measurement usually accounts for pitch and overhang and should be an accurate estimate. For a more precise measurement on more complex roofs, a pitch gauge can be used. Several online calculators can also factor in the cost of waste.
Roofers will typically employ one or more methods to measure roofs. They may take a manual measurement using tape measures and pitch gauges. Or they may roof aerial software and drones such as RoofSnap to measure a roof without getting on it. Lastly, they may use a geospatial (satellite) software program such as EagleView to take a measurement without leaving the office. Geospatial measurement costs are typically passed onto the homeowner and can cost between $50 and $100.
Professional roofers charge anywhere from $300-$600 per square of shingles. The exact cost depends on what area of the country in which you live AND the exact shingles that you use.
Roofers calculate square footage in four primary ways:
The amount of bundles in a square depends on the type of shingles. The typical amount of bundles in a square is:
When choosing a shingle type, weight should be a consideration to discuss with your roofing contractor. Dimensional shingles typically weigh between 200-230 lbs per square. 30-year shingles weigh between 220 - 240 lbs per square and 50-year shingles weight between 250-350 per square.
Yes. Longer ridges and valleys on your mean more cut ups, more facets, and more waste. The higher amount of labor and material involved means replacing the roof will be more expensive.
For a GAF brand roof, you can expect to pay between $300 and $600 a square. There is a GAF natural shadow model that’s slightly cheaper. GAF Timberline HDZ shingles are slightly more expensive, usually around $25 more per square.
Yes. Roofs are typically more expensive in the north for a variety of reasons. One reason is that there are fewer months roofers can work in the north due to inclement weather and colder temperatures. Northern states also have more stringent permitting processes. Also, unions are more prevalent in northern states resulting in higher labor costs.
A “cut up” roof is one with many facets, which means more ridges and more valleys.
Yes. Flashing does add to the total cost of a roofing project. Specific styles and decorative flashing can increase the cost.
Owens Corning and GAF material prices are very similar. In 2023, GAF Timberline shingles have an average price of around $115, and Owens Corning definition duration shingles start at $110.
Many construction companies do not focus exclusively on roofing but instead work on a variety of projects. While you may save money up-front by hiring a company that doesn’t exclusively focus on roofs, the consistency and quality you get are usually not worth the savings.
By hiring a professional roofing company, you are paying a little more for their knowledge and experience and ensures you get quality products that are properly installed.
There are numerous low-quality or outright incorrect roof estimate calculators on the web. So it makes more sense to hire a roofer you trust and let them perform a professional estimate. Roofing companies usually provide this as a free service to homeowners.
You should obtain anywhere from one (1) to five (5) estimates from roofers. There are no insurance rules that require you to obtain multiple estimates. You should hire a roofer that you trust, feel comfortable working with, and who is willing to act as a consultant to guide you through the roofing process.
Yes. Although, you should be aware that residential roofs are not their primary focus and may have different processes. If you receive an estimate from a commercial flat roofer, it is best to obtain a second or third estimate from a residential roofing company for comparison.
Yes. Hover is one such software widely used by roofers. GAF e360 and Beacon 3D+ are other alternatives, but many more exist. These apps work by using photos of your home to receive an interactive 3D model of your home that allows you to see your home with different roof and siding color combinations.
Yes. Installing sun tunnels at the same time as a new roof can decrease the overall costs. Ask your roofing contractor if sun tunnels make sense when your new roof price is estimated.
Yes. Most roofing companies install both gutters and gutter guards at the same time. There are four primary types of gutter guards: micromesh, standard mesh, solid metal, or halo style.
A rough calculation for how much you should expect your new roof to cost is $4 per square foot of roof (average cost off and on in Southern states).
For gutters, take the square footage of your roof and multiply by 1.5 for a total cost of gutters and downspouts.
Roof (total area of roofing x 4) so for 2,000 sq ft of roofing the total would be $8000.
Gutters (2000 sq ft roof x 1.5 = $3000 for gutters).
Reroofing your home with builders-grade shingles is not recommended and should be done at your own risk. While slightly more expensive shingles can last 15-30 years, many homeowners begin to see problems requiring repairs after just five years.
Tamko and IKO brands are widely considered builders-grade roofing materials.
Homeowners can fix nail pops or apply caulking to a leak easily. For any other issue, the money you save usually is not worth the risk of accidentally covering up damage that could be included in an insurance claim or performing work that does not rectify the roof problem. Even with minor repairs, it is best to have an experienced roofer perform the roof repairs.
The cost to repair rotted rafter tails varies widely. Most of the time, you will also have to replace fascia metal, soffit, and gutters in the damaged area.
Decorative repairs can involve more repair work because it is the face of your home and must be done correctly to prevent future problems and retain the beauty of your home.
Expect between $50-200 per rafter tail that is sistered together once they are exposed.
Ridge vents are often a line item in roof replacement, and so there is a cost, but it doesn’t add substantially to the cost of a roof replacement. Homeowners want a good, working ridge vent, as these vents ensure proper ventilation in your attic and prevent mold, mildew, and wood rot.
While Energy Star shingles help homeowners save a nominal amount (around $50 a year) on energy bills, the shingles are considered designer shingles and therefore are more expensive. Because it takes around 30 years to recoup the money spent on the shingles, it’s often not going to save enough money on your bills for you to have a meaningful impact.
Tax credits change often and could be a difference maker for energy star products, be sure and confirm the tax offers first.
Yes. Roofers use satellite imagery services to produce a complete and 99% accurate roof report and project estimate. Roofers can perform this service before meeting with homeowners on their property, and costs the roofing company between $50 to $100.
There are four (4) popular ways for roofing companies to measure roofs. These measurement techniques include:
As of January 2023, here is what you can expect to pay for roofing materials:
You can technically do both and get two different estimates for comparison. Insurance restoration will be higher priced and will attempt to find a way to file an insurance claim. Insurance restoration companies aren’t typically going to know how to prepare a roofing bid, but instead, just read the insurance bid from Xactimate.
Roofers specialize in work but also know the insurance process (they can do it all).
Retail roofers typically focus on bid work for cash or finance.
Not necessarily. Inspectors may discover items possible for roof repairs, but these repairs are not mandatory. However, the buyer may ask that any problems be fixed or for credit in the amount of the repairs.
In some situations and housing markets, a new roof can increase the sales amount by around 7% on average. Before replacing your roof in preparation of a sale, you should consider your roof’s age, cost of replacement, the local housing market, and how fast you’d like to sell.
Yes. Replacing your roof with new asphalt shingles will increase your home’s overall value. Some 2022 reports found that you can obtain a 107% to 109% return on your investment in certain market conditions.
Professional roofing companies' prices for roof replacement must factor in expenses for labor, roofing technicians, management, and materials.
Yes. Most roofers continuously invest in their technology to make it easier for homeowners to enlist their services. When hiring your roofing contractor, ask what type of service management software they use. Some companies still use paper contracts.
It is not necessary for your roofer to also be a general contractor. In instances where your home needs other structural repairs in addition to the roof, it may make sense to hire a general contractor who is a roofer. Just expect to pay slightly more for their services than a roofing contractor.
Hiring a roofer that is not insured is a bad idea and extremely risky. As a homeowner, you could be held responsible for any injury or damage your roofing contractor causes. Credible and experienced roofers will offer a certificate of liability insurance upon request.
No. Roofing contractors are required to have a license in North Carolina. In many boroughs surrounding Asheville, pulling a permit is also required before any roofing work can occur.
Waste is calculated by taking the total value of the shingles coming off times 10%. For insurance companies, waste is calculated by the roof's square footage plus the length of the ridge and starter times 7%.
Roof vents, such as soffit vents and ridge vents, allow your roof to move and release air that can otherwise become trapped in your attic space, which can cause roofing issues. There are numerous types of roof vents, including static, whirlybird, dormer, off-ridge, powered, and box vents.
Yes. Every roof needs ventilation to keep the attic space from overheating and causing mold or damage to shingles, plywood decking, and rafter/truss wood.
Roofs without vents will have no air circulation, causing your attic to overheat and lead to hot, moist conditions. High temperatures and moist conditions cause roof shingles to fail, plywood roof decking to dry out and crack, and mold growth. It also makes your home less energy efficient and less comfortable.
Roof vents should be secured, sealed, and installed with flashing, deflectors, and screening to protect against rain. Even when properly installed, wind-driven rain can sometimes find its way into vents. A small amount of wind-driven rain typically occurs with roof vents that sit flat on the roof or have unprotected sides.
The two primary vents on a roof are intake vents and exhaust vents. Intake vents or soffit vents allow air to flow up into your home and run through baffles up to the top of your roof. The primary exhaust vent of a roof is the ridge vent which runs along the top peak allowing hot air from the baffles to escape your roof.
The most common roof vents are:
For most single-family homes, soffit vents for intake and a ridge vent for exhaust are the best selections. Roofs that cannot have soffit vents should instead use fascia vents. If you can't utilize a ridge vent, you should instead choose box vents.
Soffit vents are widely believed to be the most effective roof ventilation among home builders and roofing contractors. When combined with ridge vents, soffit vents allow your attic space to “breath” preventing issues created by extreme heat buildup and moisture.
Ridge vents are passive ventilation methods where air passes through them as hot air rises. Turbines, or whirlybird vents, work by drawing out hot air though negative air pressure caused when they spin. Turbines spin by catching wind in veins on their sides. Which vent is best for you home depends on your roof's steepness and ridge space. Turbines are not as effective during periods of little to no wind. Ridge vents cannot be applied to extremely steep roofs or on roofs with few ridges.
The most effective roof venting system is specific to your house and should fit your home and roof plan. Each roof venting system has a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. A roofing contractor can help advise you on the best venting solution for your roof and ensure it is installed and warrantied correctly.
Power vents are usually a better choice for homes in the Northeast US that have hip roofs which lack ridge line footage. Ridge vents, on the other hand, are typically installed in the Southern US as they are cheaper, more energy efficient, and easier to install.
Where applicable, ridge vents are often more suitable than gable vents as they deliver better ventilation and are not as prone to leaking. However, roofs with a pitch of 3-½” or less cannot have a ridge vent installed on them.
The 1/300 rule of ventilation is a minimum attic ventilation recommendation in most building codes. It states that for every 300 square feet of attic space, 1 square foot of ventilation is required. The venting system you select will have a Net Free Area (NFA) rating that states the square footage of ventilation it provides.
The amount of ventilation your roof needs can be calculated using the building codes in the municipality that govern your home. In the majority of the United States, this is either a ratio of 1:300 or 1:150. Meaning that for every 300 or 150 square feet (respectively) of enclosed attic space, 1 square feet of ventilation is required.
Many municipal codes dictate that roofs follow the 1 to 300 (1:300) ventilation rule. This code says that for every 300 square feet of roof space, roofs should have 1 square foot of ventilation.
For every 300 square feet of roof, roofs need to have at least 1 square foot of ventilation. For example, a 2000-square-foot home should have at least 6.6 square feet of ventilation. The amount of ventilation should be half intake and half exhaust. All venting products measure ventilation by square inches. Therefore, the 2000-square-foot roof would need 475.2 square inches of intake and 475.2 square inches of exhaust.
Yes. Having too much ventilation on a roof can be problematic. Too much ventilation can cause excess attic moisture as well as increased energy bills. An abundance of moisture can cause roof systems to fail and mold issues.
Too much roof ventilation on intake vents, such as soffit vents, can cause a build-up of moisture. Too much moist air can cause shingles and plywood roof decking to fail or mold to grow and rot the wood of your roofing system. Mold also creates a hazardous environment that can spread into your living area.
Too little ventilation and your attic space can become superheated, causing shingles to fail. It can also cause the glue in plywood roof decking to fail, damaging them. Too hot of an attic space can also lead to excessive moisture, which is detrimental to the roof system’s wood.
Too much ventilation can cause excessive moisture and lead to energy inefficiency, meaning you’ll pay higher energy bills.
Because it creates overheating and excess moisture, poor ventilation in an attic can damage the roof system. Super-heating and moisture cause wood to rot, nails to back out or rust, plywood to degrade, and shingles to crack.
A correctly vented roof will ensure your attic area can “breath”. This consistent flow of air ensures energy efficiency and prevents the build-up of super hot, moist air in your attic.
If your roof is NOT properly vented you will begin to have problems on your roof, or in your attic including:
The first step to fixing poor roof ventilation is to assess the roof’s current vents and determine if you have too much or too little ventilation. If additional roofing ventilation is necessary, it can be fixed by adding roof vents, soffit vents, gable vents, or fans. A roofing contractor can adequately perform a ventilation assessment and suggest the proper correction.
Yes. Anything between your roof and siding is considered part of the roofing system. Most roofing contracts also offer gutter repair, installation, and replacement.
When hiring a gutter installer you should ask:
One of the most important things to understand before installing gutters is your drainage plan. A drainage plan helps a homeowner understand where excess water comes from, soil type, lay of the land, and drainage layout. A roofing contractor can help you come up with a drainage plan.
Typical gutter installation mistakes include:
Make sure you select the right size and type of gutters for your home. Poor positioning of gutters or miscalculating the pitch should be avoided when installing gutters. Additionally, avoid using too many seams and ensure that miters are sealed. Hangers should be spaced properly and downspouts placed in the right spots. Safety precautions should be observed.
Correctly installed gutters will have the proper slope of a 1 inch drop every 20 feet. Additionally, any rotten fascia should be replaced and all gutter miters need to be sealed.
Primarily, gutters protect your foundation from water. Gutters also drain storm water away from your home and add to the aesthetic beauty of your home.
Without gutters to drain storm water, it sits and freezes at your foundation, causing damage. It can also erode the ground around your foundation and cause moisture to build up in crawl spaces.
Gutters prevent erosion and basement flooding and protect your home’s foundation and landscaping.
If the soil around your home can or needs to receive rainwater, gutters aren't necessary. Houses in Alabama and South Carolina, for example, sometimes don’t have gutters installed because of the surrounding soil composition.
Gutters are an excellent way to protect your home from rainwater and can last as long as a roof system, up to 15 years. Gutters also help protect the environment by preventing harmful chemicals from entering the water system.
While important to protecting your home, gutters do require maintenance and cleaning to keep them running at 100% efficiency and can be prone to warping.
Primary styles of guttering are K-style, half-round, and box gutters. Gutters are made primarily of aluminum but also come in copper, vinyl, or galvanized steel. The standard gutter size is either 5” or 6” in width. Homeowners can also choose from either rectangular downspouts or rounded ones. There are numerous styles of box guttering to choose from for commercial roofs.
The most economic and efficient type of gutter is a 6” aluminum K-style gutter with 3x4 downspouts.
K-style, seamless aluminum gutters are the most common form residential gutters.
Seamless gutters are typically better at preventing leaks versus standard gutters that have seams along the main channels of the guttering systems.
The best gutters for heavy rain are those with the proper slope of 1” drop every 20 feet and that is an adequate size for the building.
Some of the most common problems with gutters include:
Some of the issues from bad gutters include:
Poor maintenance or lack of gutter guards can cause overtopping. The fascia boards can rot due to water exposure causing gutters to sag or become detached.
It's always better to have gutter guards. They come in three main styles: halo style, micro mesh, and perforated mesh. Micro mesh gutters allow the most water to enter without overtopping.
Before buying gutters, you need to understand all the options available. You want to research the appropriate color and trim style. You also need to know what the best size gutters are and the best downspout locations.
Some considerations when choosing gutters are:
Seamless gutters, while more expensive than sectional gutters, are typically more durable and reliable. Seamless gutters also require less maintenance and decrease the possibility of water leakage.
Properly installed gutters with the correct slope and maintained regularly have a better chance of withstanding damage from ice and snow. Homeowners in areas that experience harsh winters should consider installing ice dams, salting the gutters, and removing excess snow from the roof.
The most common seamless gutters are made of steel, copper, and aluminum.
Correctly installing gutters requires precision and advanced knowledge. Mistakes such as improper slope can cause problems like damage to the foundation or rotten fascia boards. Roofing contractors can install your gutter systems quickly and efficiently and in a manner that prevents problems.
Typical gutter systems require annual cleaning. If your property has a large number of trees surrounding your home, it may be necessary to clean your gutters twice a year.
Gutter systems typically need maintenance in the form of cleaning annually or bi-annually.
Maintenance of gutters generally involves the removal of leaves, sticks, and debris. Avoid using a pressure washer on gutters as the high power could damage your gutters.
Yes. Gutter guards do eliminate the need to clean the interior of your gutter. However, you still want to remove any debris that builds up on top of the gutter guards, debris that does not dry up and blow away.
Yes. Gutters have a typical lifespan of 15-20 years. Because gutter lifespans are similar to roofs, it is best to replace gutters when replacing your roof.
Installing downspout screens and gutter guards prevent debris build-up on the interior of the gutter system.
Gutter guards and downspout screens can both help prevent clogged gutters.
The best way to remove leaves from gutter spouts is a leaf blower because they tend to clog up at the top of the gutter system.
Downspout screens can prevent blockage. Additionally, you can also clean them out more often.
Seamless gutters have joints only at the corners and downspouts, whereas other gutter systems have numerous seams which are sealed with a polyurethane sealant. Because of the fewer seams, seamless gutter systems are not as prone to leaking and typically last longer.
Pros:
Cons:
Seamless gutters don't have miters at the main lengths. Non-seamless gutters will have joint connectors around every 10-20 feet.
Gutter systems consist of downspouts, end caps, hangers, gutter sections, and mitered corners. Gutters come in many different styles and types. When considering gutters, you’ll select a size, style (k-style, half, or box), material type (aluminum, zinc, vinyl), and weight of the materials (27-32 gage aluminum, 24-29 gage steel).
Most seamless gutters are made from 27 to 32-gauge aluminum.
Residential gutters are typically aluminum while commercial gutter systems are more commonly made out of steel.
No. Seamless gutters are made of aluminum.
Seamless gutters range from 27 to 32-gauge aluminum.
Aluminum is the most common and affordable material for gutters. Gutter systems can also be made of steel or copper, but these materials are more expensive. Steel gutters can also begin to rust faster than aluminum.
Gutters can be secured with several types of hangers including:
Screw in hangers are widely considered the best type of gutter hanger.
Gutter hangers are most commonly made of aluminum, brass, or stainless steel. Aluminum gutter hangers are the most common because of their cost.
Gutters are cut onsite using a gutter machine which shapes aluminum. Once cut to size, the gutters are then installed end to end and mitered. The downspouts are the final portion of the gutter system installed.
Gutters are hung using gutter hangers which are mounted using screws into the fascia boards.
Geocel 2320 is a construction-grade tripolymer gutter and narrow seam sealant used to seal end caps and corners.
Geocel 2320 is the best sealant for gutter end caps as it offers good adhesion to many surfaces, is paintable, and is self-leveling.
Gutter end caps should be hammered onto the main gutter channels and then sealed using a polymer or silicone caulk.
Miter boxes connect two gutter sections at the corner. Miters come in either box style or strip style. Once installed, a thin strip of caulk is applied to the seam to completely seal the gutter corner.
Geocel 2320 sealant comes in a caulk form that can be applied to gutter joints to seal them and help prevent leaking.
Aluminum gutters commonly range from .027 to .032 gauge or thickness. In most areas of moderate rain and snowfall, .027 is sufficient, but a thicker gutter is recommended in areas that experience heavy rainfall. Consult a gutter installation contractor to determine the best size for your home.
The standard gutter size for residential homes is 5 to 6 inches. 5 inch gutters are considered standard, and 6 inches gutters are oversized. Commercial and industrial gutters can be 7-8 inches.
The standard gutter material is aluminum. Gutters also come in steel, copper, vinyl, and zinc.
Aluminum fascia typically ranges from .019 to .024 gauge.
You can measure your gutter size by using a tape measure and measuring from the base of your gutter to the lip. This will tell you the width of your gutters.
Homes larger than 1500 square feet or with steep roofs should be 6-inch gutters.
Aluminum gutters will come pre-painted. For touch-ups or repainting, you can order matching paint from your gutter supplier. This paint can be applied using either a spray or a pen.
Aluminum gutters are made of pure aluminum and are not coated with anything. Galvalume gutters are coated with a mixture of half zinc and half aluminum.
Yes. You can obtain the matching gutter paint from your installer. It’s important to thoroughly clean your gutters and allow them to dry before painting.
Gutters come in over 40 different standard stock colors. Gutter installation contractors can use a software application such as Hover to show homeowners what their homes would look like with various gutter colors. Each supplier has a slightly different variety of colors.
The most popular gutter colors are bronze and 80 degree white.
Yes the gutter and trim coil typically have exact match colors. To ensure that they are a perfect match, purchase the trim coil and gutter metal from the same supplier and make sure that they are manufactured by the same company.
Gutters should typically match or compliment the home’s shutters, windows, and doors. Gutters look best when they match the trip colors of the home.
K-Style gutters are the standard gutter profile. Half-round gutters are another more expensive option. Select the gutter profile that matches your home’s aesthetics and budget.
There are three primary gutter profiles: Box gutters, Half-round, and K-style. K-style gutters are the most affordable and common style.
Square guttering handles excess rainwater better than half-round gutters. Larger homes, homes with steep roofs, and homes in areas with higher volumes of rain and snow should opt for square gutters.
Incorrectly installed gutters can cause damage, so inspect them directly after installation. If you have a problem with new gutters, contact your gutter installation contractor and ask them to correct the issue. You also want to consult your warranty information to ensure the situation is covered. It may be necessary to hire a different contractor to fix the problem.
After installation, you can use a water hose to ensure water is draining properly from your roof and check for leaks. You can also visually inspect for sagging or lose gutters, bends or cracks, or nail holes. If you notice water leaking into the basement, puddles near your foundation, or landscape erosion, this is a hint that water isn’t being properly removed from your roof.
If your gutter installation is not performed properly, you should first call the installer to discover if they will rectify the situation. You’ll also want to review your warranty documentation to learn what is covered. It is sometimes necessary to consult a lawyer to ask about a lawsuit if you cannot get your gutters fixed through normal channels.
The most common problem with gutters is an incorrect pitch. Without a correct pitch, water doesn’t drain properly, causing standing water.
The second most common problem with gutters is that they are undersized and can overtop.
Yes. Seamless gutters can be detached and reset. However, older gutter systems using spikes and ferrules cannot be reset.
No. Older spiked gutters cannot be detached and reset without risking damages. Therefore it is best to replace them.
Gutter nails or “spikes” have a tendency to work themselves loose over time. You can hammer them back in, but they will gradually loosen again. Instead, you can replace the gutter spikes with gutter screws. Make sure to protect the gutter with wood when prying out loose gutter spikes so you don’t bend the gutter system.
After removing the old spike, put the new gutter screw in place and secure it to the wood of your home using a drill. If the area where the old screw won’t hold the new one, you can drop the hole a quarter of an inch and secure it.
Yes. Gutter spikes can be replaced with hidden gutter hangers screwed into the same surface as the gutter spikes.