New Roof FAQ
If you’re in need of a new roof, it can be a little overwhelming to contemplate all the questions and concerns you have about the process. Even though roof replacement is one of the best things you can do for your home, it’s not unusual to worry about all it encompasses. Pinnacle Roofing & Restoration can help you feel confident in your decision to move ahead with a new roof! Read through our FAQ below to learn more about what to expect from our installation, from start to finish.
Is a new roof necessary?
Replacing your roof is a big investment, and you may be wondering if it’s really necessary, or if you could squeeze a few more years out of it with repair work. It’s an understandable reaction, but the truth is, if you need a new roof, you shouldn’t delay in replacing it. Failing to do so can lead to thousands of dollars in home repairs from issues like leaky shingles and structural damage. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to bite the bullet and plan for a new roofing system.
- Wet spots on the ceiling, in the attic, or in crawl spaces.
- The chimney masonry has cracked.
- Shingles are curled, buckling, missing, or broken.
- Blistered shingles
- Shingles that are badly aging and/or missing granules.
- Signs of roof rot, like as a spongy feeling when you walk on it.
- Water backup in your eaves.
- Your flashing is damaged, or otherwise completely compromised.
Even if you don’t see any signs of damage, a roof that’s very old may be prone to breakdowns. To be sure you’re making the right decision for the right reasons, give us a call and we’ll send our expert team to your home for a free roof evaluation. Our professional roofers will inspect your roof thoroughly for signs that it’s time to replace it, and will give you honest, straightforward advice based on our findings.
Why should I choose professional roofing experts like Pinnacle?
It’s important to choose the right contractor to replace your roof in order to ensure a rewarding experience overall, as well as a roof that will last you many years without issue. We are your Memphis roofing experts, with years of experience, fast turnaround times, and top-quality results. Our highest priority is to install products to manufacturer specifications to give you a roof that meets all your specific needs. The key aspects of every roofing system we install include:
Roof deck protection
High-quality synthetic roof felt is an important component in protecting your roof deck. It’s placed under the roofing shingles, allowing us to offer a lighter roof deck barrier that is also resistant to water and radiation resistant. Essentially, these materials make for a more efficient water barrier without the factoring of mass. In simpler terms, this means the sheets are significantly thinner and lighter compared to a felt paper roofing underlayment.
Leak Barriers
The most common type of leak-barrier is an ice and water shield. Used under standard asphalt shingles, this shield is able to resist water penetration in rainy or wintry weather. It’s normally used around vents, chimneys, skylights, and valleys. Leak barriers are a great way separate superior roofing contractors like us from the average roofer! We use leak barriers anywhere that water tends to collect and flow as an extra step in the roofing process, ensuring you a leak-free roof for many years.
Starter strip shingles
Improper installation of starter shingles is one of the most common sources of failure in a roof system. They’re also one of the most skipped accessories on a roof system because homeowners don’t always know what starter strip shingles are or how important they are for a complete roofing system as the first line of defense against wind uplift along the edges of a roof. Our Memphis roofing team never skips this step!
Proper shingle nailing
Nailing errors like under-driven or angled nails can cause issues for your shingles, from premature failure, to blistering, to blow-offs. The type, location, length, and angle of the nails are all critical to installing shingles, as well as the force of application. We make sure all of our team members take their time when installing nails so that the job is always done correctly.
The amount of nails each shingle gets is another important aspect of installing a new roof system. We always install six nails per shingle to allow for a higher wind rating on the manufacturer warranty.
Proper valley installation
Because we’re experienced in fixing old roofs all over the Memphis and the Mid-South area, we know that many valleys prematurely fail due to not only excessive water and debris, but poor installation as well. Because valleys are a prime area for leaks, it’s important to carefully plan a precise installation. Our installers have all been properly trained by the manufacturers to install valleys according to their standards.
Flashing installation
Wherever surfaces intersect on a roof, there is a chance of water seepage. Flashing is what helps direct the flow of water around any openings, and is highly recommended for waterproofing these critical areas of your roof. Many people reuse old flashing but don’t take the proper steps to make sure that it is reusable. Our expert team replaces all bad flashings on every new roofing system.
Ventilation/ridge cap
Hot, moist air in your attic space can damage your possessions, increase your energy costs, and potentially reduce the longevity of your roofing system. Proper ventilation is critical in reducing that kind of air. We install ridge vents on some of the highest parts of your roof, but always utilize the proper safety equipment to prevent falls or injury on your property.
Job site cleanliness
As professional roofing contractors, we have developed specialized techniques and equipment for keeping the job site clean. This includes sheltering and protecting bushes and plants that might be affected by material dropping from the roof, and using a tarp to catch as much material as possible. We also run a magnet over the ‘drop zone’ to collect any nails that might have escaped. It’s our mission to leave every place a little better than we found it!
What options do I have for a new roof?
There are many choices when it comes to choosing a residential roof, which is why we recommend getting advice from roofing industry experts like us. Asphalt shingles are the most widely installed roofing materials in the United States, and for good reason! Some of the features that make asphalt shingles a superior choice for residential roofing, include:
- A variety of beautiful colors to choose from
- A wide selection of textures
- A huge range of shingle styles
- Affordable
- Many pricing options
- Cost-effective
- Superb value
- Long-lasting
- Not too heavy or light
- Reduced risk of leaking
- Durable
- Excellent uplift resistance
- Easy to repair
- Low maintenance
- No additional structure required to carry weight
- Wide availability of products
Here at Pinnacle, we believe that GAF offers the best system and warranties in the entire roofing industry. We recommend their roofing systems because they are affordable, long-lasting, and easy to service!
How long can I expect my new roof to last?
Even the best quality roofing system has an expiration date, but the better your contractor and materials, the longer your investment will last. 20 years is seen as an acceptable lifespan for a new roof, but this will depend on the level of maintenance, weather conditions, and the original construction. With over a half century of combined experience, you can be sure that you’re getting the best roofing system and services Memphis has to offer when you choose our team.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my new roof installation?
While all the major work will be on our part, there are a few small steps you can take to get things off to a smooth start. Remove loose items from your walls and shelves, as hammering can sometimes cause enough vibration to make unsecured items fall. Clear your driveway and around your home as much as possible, since roofing materials can fall into these areas. Pinnacle Roofing & Restoration works to complete new roofing projects with a quick turnaround time so that any interruption to your daily life is minimal!
Replace your roof with confidence
By choosing Pinnacle Roofing & Restoration to install a new residential roof for you, you’re guaranteed expert service, high-quality products, and a commitment to meeting all your roofing needs. If our New Roof FAQ hasn’t answered all your questions, you can reach us at 901.250.1361 or click here to schedule a free roofing evaluation.