Roof Looking a Little Old and Worn Out?

Summary:

• On Average, 40% of a home’s curb appeal is the roof.
• Looking and inspecting from ground level is not a complete picture of roof condition.
• A Roof’s system has a lot more to it than meets the eye.
• Not all roofers in Sacramento are qualified.
• If there are minor issues, maybe you only need roof repair.

How To Inspect A Roof

Looking From Ground Level:

Beyond the very basic appearance features, you can’t do a thorough inspection from the ground.

• Algae growth.
• Streaking.
• Granules in your gutters and downspouts.
• Peeling paint on your flashings.

Things You Can’t See From The Ground:

• Cracks around the pipe jacks (vents for plumbing, etc.)
• Deteriorated caulking around flashings.
• Worn out and rusting valley flashings.

What Makes Up A Roof System?

As you can see in this diagram, there are many different sub-components of a roofing system. Obviously, only the color and definition of the roofing shingles as well as the condition of the jacks and valleys contribute to curb appeal.

The parts and pieces under the shingles are the components that not only protect your home from inclement weather but, also have a lot to do with the overall health of your attic, energy efficiency, and the safety of you and your family.

You can’t evaluate the condition of these critical components from the ground. A qualified roofer with a trained eye can look for and identify potential issues that, left unchecked, can cost tens of thousands of dollars in attic and ceiling water damage as well as rot and mildew.

Hiring The Right Sacramento Roofing Contractor

There are several things that can (and do) go wrong when you hire the wrong contractor for your roof replacement.

Roofing Mistakes and overlooked details

Replacing a roof is a significant home improvement project, and while aiming for a smooth process, several issues can potentially arise during and after the work is completed. Being aware and educated of these common problems will help you know when you are hiring a fully qualified (Licensed, Insured, Certified, Experienced) Sacramento Roofer.

Here are some of the frequent things that go wrong with roof replacement:

• Poor Workmanship and Installation Errors: This is a leading cause of problems. Mistakes like improper shingle nailing, incorrect flashing installation around chimneys, vents, and valleys, or failing to follow manufacturer guidelines can lead to leaks and premature roof failure. Reusing old flashing instead of installing new is also a common error.
• Using Low-Quality Materials: Opting for cheaper, substandard roofing materials might seem like a cost-saving measure initially, but they are less durable and more susceptible to damage from weather and aging, leading to a shorter lifespan for the roof.
• Inadequate Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation is crucial for a healthy roof system. Poor ventilation can lead to heat and moisture buildup in the attic, damaging the roof deck, causing shingles to deteriorate faster, and potentially leading to mold and mildew growth.
• Failing to Replace Damaged Roof Decking: The wooden structure beneath the roofing material, the roof deck, must be sound before new shingles are installed. If damaged or rotten sections of the decking are not replaced, it compromises the integrity of the new roof.
• Property Damage: Despite precautions, accidental damage to landscaping, gutters, windows, or other parts of the property can occur during the tear-off and installation process.
• Unexpected Weather: Unforeseen rain or other severe weather during the replacement can expose the underlayment and roof deck to water, potentially causing damage to the interior of the home if not adequately protected.
• Improper or Missing Underlayment: The layer installed directly on the roof deck before the shingles, the underlayment, provides an extra barrier against water. Skipping this step or installing it incorrectly can leave the roof vulnerable to leaks.
• Scheduling and Communication Issues: Delays in material delivery, scheduling conflicts, or poor communication between the contractor and homeowner can lead to frustration and prolong the project timeline.
• Not Obtaining Necessary Permits: Failing to acquire the required building permits can lead to significant issues, including fines, delays, or even the need to redo the work if it doesn’t meet local codes.
• Poor Cleanup: Leaving behind debris like old shingles, nails, and other waste materials can be a safety hazard and indicates a lack of professionalism.

Being aware of these potential pitfalls and hiring a reputable, experienced roofing contractor who prioritizes quality materials and proper installation techniques can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering problems with your roof replacement.

Why Hire Yancey Home Improvements For Your Roof Replacement

1. Licensing: We are very upfront about our qualifications. You can view our license on the CSLB (California State License Board).
2. Insurance: Yancey Home Improvements carries General Liability Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation Insurance. You can view our insurance certificate right here on our website.
3. Reputation: Always check the Better Business Bureau. This will tell you if the company has any complaints and their reputation for handling disputes in a fair and honest way. Here’s a link to our BBB Profile.
4. References: It can be helpful to see and potentially hear from other customer’s experience. Ask us for some local references.
5. Online Reputation: Check a company’s Google profile. Just be aware that a company with tens of thousands of projects completed over the years can have some negative reviews. Clients are usually more likely to write up a bad review rather than taking the time to rave about a good job done.
6. Certifications: Yancey Home Improvements has been trained and certified by three of the largest Roof Material Manufacturers in the US. We are a GAF Master Elite Roofing Partner, an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, and a Certainteed ShingleMaster.
7. Years in Business: Don’t trust your roof with a new company or with a company with only a few years of experience. The Yancey family has been in the home improvement business here in Sacramento since 1939!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here are 10 popular questions homeowners should ask when hiring a roofing contractor:

1. Are you licensed and insured? This is a fundamental question to ensure the contractor is legally operating and that you are protected in case of accidents or damage. This includes asking for proof of both general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
2. Can you provide local references? Homeowners want to see examples of the contractor’s work and speak to past customers about their experience. Local references also indicate the contractor is familiar with the area’s building codes and weather considerations.
3. Describe your process for handling the project, from start to finish? This question helps homeowners understand the timeline, what to expect each day, how their property will be protected, and the cleanup process.
4. Which materials do you recommend, and why? Homeowners want to understand the options available, the quality and lifespan of different roofing materials, and which are best suited for their home and local climate.
5. Will you provide a detailed written estimate and contract? A clear, itemized estimate prevents surprises, and a comprehensive contract outlines the scope of work, materials, costs, payment schedule, and warranties.
6. What warranties do you offer, both for materials and workmanship? Understanding the warranty coverage provides peace of mind regarding potential defects in materials or issues arising from the installation.
7. Has the business been in the area long? The longevity of the business suggests stability and a track record within the community.
8. How will you handle unexpected issues, such as discovering damaged roof decking? This probes the contractor’s experience and their plan for addressing unforeseen problems that could impact the project timeline and cost.
9. Will you obtain all necessary permits? Homeowners need to ensure the project complies with local building codes and that the contractor will handle the permit application and inspection process.
10. Do you use subcontractors? If so, are they also licensed and insured? This clarifies who will be working on the roof and ensures that any subcontractors also meet the necessary professional and insurance requirements.