Frequently Asked Questions
In general a roof 15 years or older is usually in need of a replacement. Newer roof systems are
designed to last 30-50 years, however older roofs weren’t designed to last as long. Also bad
rains, poor roof maintenance and other factors can cut the lifespan of a roof.
Other obvious signs, a hole, missing shingles, curling shingles and damaged flashing are also
clear indications.
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 the case of a roofing leak, you have options. Sometimes people ask if they need a new roof
because of a leak; it depends.
Factors such as the age of your current roof, the current warranty (if there is one), and the
extent 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 professional 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:
● Sometimes a simple roof repair is an answer
● A new roof installation is needed
● Partial roof replacement
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. Additionally plywood (OSB Decking or Sheathing replacement)
can add to the cost.
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 Owens Corning Cool Duration shingles (the best) come with a 50-year 120
mph wind-resistance warranty.
That being said, product warranties are determined by the shingle supply company like
Certainteed or Owens Corning or GAF. The labor warranty depends on the shingle installer, but
for example, here at American Cool Construction we offer a 10 Year Workmanship Warranty.
The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles. They are the most durable and
affordable.
Asphalt shingle technology has increased tenfold over the years and shingles from 2005 pale in
comparison to asphalt shingles in 2022. 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.
California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings
(Title 24, Part 6) contains requirements for the thermal emittance, three-year aged reflectance,
and Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of roofing materials used in new construction and re-roofing
projects.It requires all residential and commercial structures in the state to employ roofs that
have a minimum solar reflectivity.
A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight than a conventional roof, absorbing less solar
energy. This lowers the temperature of the building just as wearing light-colored clothing keeps
you cool on a sunny day.
On Average: 3-5 Days. This depends on a few factors including the needed in progress
inspections by the City/County and also size and type of roofing system.
This includes removing the old roof shingles and underlayment, followed by replacing both with
new underlayment and shingles, followed by a thorough clean up!
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 certified by Owens Corning for
example.)
● Is your roofing company a BBB Accredited Business?
● Do you have references and reviews?
● What does your roofing warranty look like?
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.
Contact our team of roofing experts at 916-800-2892 or info@Americancoolconstruction.com
and we would be glad to help!
We’ll help you understand the ins and outs of your roof and roof replacement project.