Roofing FAQ – The 7 Most Frequently Asked Roofing Questions

Do you have a roofing question? We probably have the answer. 

As one of the premier roofing companies in the Northern, VA area, we understand your concerns when it comes to replacing your roof, repairing your roof, and simply navigating the home exterior remodeling industry. 

That is why we put together this article that contains some of the most frequently asked roofing questions, or call it a “Roofing FAQ.” 

The 7 Most Frequently Asked Roofing Questions 

1. What are the signs my roof has problems? 

Perhaps the most common question we get (and any roofing company for that matter), is the question about knowing when a home’s roof has issues. 

The simple answer is that the signs are obvious, the complicated answer is that the roof issues signs aren’t so obvious. 

At first glance, you can see common roofing issues such as: 

• Missing shingles
• Water stains inside of the home
• Exposed roof components that look out of place

However, there are also times where you might not see apparent roof issues such as rotting plywood, pipe collar cracks, or leaks. In this case, you have options, which lead to our next question. 

2. I have a roof leak, what do I do?

Perhaps you do your springtime maintenance and notice a few missing shingles or one morning you wake up and the bathroom ceiling has a leak stain. 

In the case of a roofing leak, you have options. Sometimes people ask if they need a new roof because of a leak, and the answer is always it depends. 

Factors such as the age of your current roof, the current warranty (if there is one), and the scop of your roof leak will ultimately determine the next steps. In either case, the first step is to always get the issue inspected by a roofing company… an honest roofing company. 

Depending on the damage on your roof causing the leak – a few missing shingles or a serious problem – will then determine your appropriate actions:

1. Sometimes a simple roof repair is an answer
2. Calling insurance to see if your roof qualifies for a replacement 
3. A new roof

3. How much does a new roof cost?

In the event that it makes sense to move forward with a brand new roof, you have a few options, but the most common question we get is, “How much will a new roof cost?”

The answer varies depending on a few factors. One, the size of your roof will ultimately determine how much a new roof costs first and foremost. Roofs are measured by what is called “A Square” and this means 100 square feet. 

Pricing is done per square, which includes tearing off the existing shingles, laying the new garment, followed by the asphalt shingles. The cost per square is determined by the type of shingles a homeowner selects. 

In our complete roof pricing guide here, we share that shingle prices per square include: 

• Three Tab Shingles – $380 per square
• Archinetcutual Shingles – $400 to $425 per square

Using these numbers, an average size home at about 20 square would run a homeowner anywhere from $7600 to $800. 

While this is just an estimate and assumes there are no extras needed (like replacing plywood, fixing flashing, etc) the price is determined by the size of your roof! A townhome is much cheaper than $7600 just like a larger home with a hip roof will be more. 

4. Do new roofs have warranties? 

Whether you just got a new roof or perhaps you have a roof that is a few years old and you are still covered by a warranty, most roofs do have warranties. 

Similar to roofing prices, roofing warranties vary depending on the company that roofs your home and the type of shingles you select. 

For example, the Landmark Pro Archinetcutral shingles (the best) come with a 15-year 110 mph wind-resistance warranty in addition to a 50-year limited transferable warranty against manufacturing defects. 

That being said, product warranties are determined by the shingle supply company like Certainteed or Ownes Corning. The labor warranty depends on the shingle installer, but for example, here at Top Dog Home Pro, we offer a lifetime labor warranty. 

Always do your due diligence when it comes to a roof warranty before getting a new roof! You can read in full detail how roof warranties work here!

5. What are the different types of asphalt shingles? 

The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles, which happens to also be the most durable and affordable. But not all asphalt shingles are created equally. 

Asphalt shingle technology has increased tenfold over the years and shingles from 2005 pale in comparison to asphalt shingles in 2021. That being said the most common type of asphalt shingles are your common “Three Tab Shingles.” 

Three-tab shingles are hardy, affordable, and very common. However, they don’t look or perform as well as the super-durable architectural shingles. 

Architectural shingles give the look of cedar shingles, however, hold up as asphalt shingles do. They also are more durable because they are thicker. Shingles come in a variety of colors. 

>> Read all about our shingles here!

6. How long will it take to replace my roof? 

One day. 

A good company can replace a single-family home’s roof in one day. This includes removing the old roof shingles and underlayment, followed by replacing both with new underlayment and shingles, followed by a thorough clean up! 

7. What should you ask your roofing contractor before hiring?

Perhaps the best question we get, and the one you should ask the most before ever selecting a roofing company to install your new roof, is the right hiring questions! 

Making informed purchasing decisions is vital, especially when it’s an item like your roof, which we recognize is not a small investment. Anything costing a few thousand dollars is a large investment for most households. 

That is why we put together this quick “Hiring a Roofing Contractor Checklist:” 

Hiring a Roofing Contractor Checklist: 

• Is your company insured?
• Is your company licensed?
• Are you certified by the shingle manufacturer? (We are a certified Certainteed Shingle Master for example) 
• Is your roofing company a BBB Accredited Business?
• Do you have references and reviews? 
• What does your roofing warranty look like? 

Final Word

When it comes to your roof, the investment is large, but so is the actual roof, however, the return on investment is also worth it! It is said that in the resale process a new roof can have over an 80% return on investment!

That is why we take roof replacements and new roof consumer knowledge seriously by promoting the concept of an informed buyer. We want our customers to know EVERYTHING about their home’s roof before getting one.

So if you found this article helpful let us know! If you have a question about your roof we didn’t answer, feel free to submit your question here and we can add it!