When it comes to your roof, there is no shortage of questions and concerns to address. After all, your roof protects your entire structure from the elements.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to go far to get answers to some basic questions. As luck would have it, my husband, Jeremy, is a roofing professional with more than a decade of experience in commercial and residential roofing.
In 13 years of marriage, I’ve heard—and learned—plenty about roofing and construction just from watching him work or hearing about his day.
I’ve asked for clarification during our own home projects or when he’s telling me about his day and gets a little too detailed, so sitting down in our living room to ask him more questions should’ve been easy, but let me tell you, it was anything but.
He lost me more than once while answering these questions and was more particular about phrasing than the writer in me expected. Honestly, I’ve heard so much about roofing, I thought I knew how he’d answer. Clearly, I’ve zoned out a bit more in previous conversations than I thought—sorry, honey!
During our conversation, I found myself wondering about caring for the roof we both live under—the same roof that protects our twins year-round. Even though I’m lucky enough to not have to stress about ours since he has it covered, this turned into a much more educational session for me, and I hope it will be for you, too! Now excuse me while I go lecture my mom on the age of her roof…
With so many types of roofs available, is there really one that’s better than the rest, or does it depend on your structure and/or preferences?
In my opinion, no. There isn’t one that’s better than the rest; it depends on your structure and geography. Take into account the slope (wife translation: angle) of your roof, whether your location suffers from significant temperature swings, etc. Any roofing professional will be able to guide you.
Can you “mix” roofing types, or is it better to pick one and stick to it? For example, I know a few people who chose shingles for their home but have rolled rubber roofing on what my Nana called her “Florida room.”
No complications at all. It’s actually pretty common. Most roofing professionals go through specific training, so we can make proper suggestions for your entire structure and not just one part. Having rubber over a flat roof, like those on covered patios, is common. It’s where considering your structure comes into play.
Speaking of geography, for homeowners who live in the Snowbelt, how important is it to remove snow from your roof?
It can be crucial, depending on how much snow you have. Anything over a foot should be removed quickly—and safely. I’ve seen snow twist metal I-beams and collapse commercial structures.
We’ve all undoubtedly seen a house with icicles stretching from the gutters to the ground. Often called ice dams, these aren’t our friends and can do a lot of damage to a structure. Do you have a tried-and-true method to remove them?
Ice buildup is a sign that there’s an issue with your insulation or ventilation. So, with ice, it’s always better to call a professional. Trying to remove an ice dam of any size can pose a big risk to your gutter system, downspouts, siding, windows, landscaping and the roof itself.
If you’re worried about ice, consider taking preventative measures like making sure you have enough insulation in your attic as well as a proper soffit and ridge-vent system, which allows for adequate airflow. Other options include swapping your gutters for a heated gutter system or using something like ice-melting cables.
If you’re having a new roof installed, make sure your contractor uses proper ice and water shield, which is a self-adhering, self-healing membrane that acts as a waterproof barrier and will help prevent any ice dams from leaking into your house.
Whew, that was a lot. Snow and ice aside, are there other maintenance tasks that should be completed seasonally to prolong the life of your roof?
The same guidelines that apply for gutters, apply for a roof. Keep them clear of leaves and other debris, and make sure to trim any tree limbs that are too close to the structure.
Shifting gears to talk about the life of your roof, can you provide any guidance on when to repair versus when to replace?
Regardless of the material, you probably want to have your roof assessed by a professional after about 15-20 years. When it comes to repairing damage compared to just replacing it, that’s situational.
When it comes to replacing a roof, is there a better time of year to do it?
Late spring to early fall is ideal, but emergencies happen, so we’re constantly working around Mother Nature. Contrary to what many believe, we can actually roof in inclement weather.
Regardless of repairing versus replacing, when does insurance typically cover it?
Shouldn’t you be answering that?
Good point.
While roofing claims can be complicated, most insurance policies cover sudden damage, but not faulty work, wear and tear or missed maintenance.
Each policy will be different in what is covered and how it’s covered, so it’s important to contact your local Erie Insurance agent. They can walk you through the specifics of your policy, help determine whether you need to file a claim and guide you through the claims process.
When it comes to covering what you value most—whether it’s your home or business—ERIE is here to help. Contact a local ERIE Agent today to review your policy or start a new one.
*Interview edited for clarity and length, and to remove exasperated sighs when I asked him to repeat himself. Oops.
