As prices continue to creep up for heating, cooling, and keeping your home running, more and more people are turning to solar power. The cost-savings can be significant, and with proper installation, the panels can incorporate seamlessly into the roof system. Add to that the possible financial incentives from power companies and the government, and rooftop solar panels may help you keep money in the bank.
More…
When was the last time you took a good look at your roof? Unlike the windows and doors, porches and decks, the appearance of the roof is often left to chance. However, a roof is what keeps the people inside warm and dry, and without proper care, that overlooked roof can be the cause of major damage and disruption. Keep your roof in tip-top shape with regular preventive roof maintenance and it will reward you with decades of protection.
You may have noticed that it is no longer possible to predict what the weather in the Pacific Northwest will be season to season. It used to be that ice dams on roofs were a rarity in the Willamette Valley, but now they may be something to worry about and certainly something to prevent. Pacific West Roofing has been around long enough to have seen our share of ice dams and we can work with you to prevent or repair damage from ice dams.
It may have taken some time to arrive this year, but we are now officially in the Pacific Northwest rainy season. We appreciate the rain falling outside since it returns our natural world to green and healthy. What we don’t appreciate is that same rain falling inside! If the rainy season has introduced leaks into your home or business, it’s time to call in the professionals at Pacific West Roofing to repair those roof leaks.
No one wants to hear the news that their home’s roof needs repairs or worse, replacing. But a roof will not last forever and keeping it in top shape is essential to your family’s comfort and safety. If you find yourself in need of roof repairs there are strategies for finding and hiring the best residential roof contractors to get the job done right.
Your roof is the single most important investment you will ever make to protect your home. So it stands to reason that you would want to use the best residential roofing materials you can get. But what makes one type of residential roofing material a better choice than another?
It is always important to vet any contractor, including any roofing contractor that performs work on your home. It is common knowledge to inquire if the contractor is licensed and bonded, but what else should a homeowner do to ensure they receive the highest quality product and services? In reality, there are many ways you can protect your home improvement investment, especially when it comes to the roof of your home.
Your home is one of the most significant investments you will make in your lifetime, and the roof is one of the most important elements to maintain and monitor to protect that investment. Your home’s roof shelters you from the elements and provides proper ventilation and air quality within the home. The roof is also one aspect of homeownership that many don’t understand and it is often overlooked until obvious signs of trouble—leaks—are finally noticed. But leaks aren’t the only sign your roof may be in trouble.
Fall has settled in, along with the wind and rain. This means your roof has already had a taste of what’s to come in the winter months. For many here in the Willamette Valley, where we are blessed with an abundance of trees, it also means your gutters and roof valleys are already collecting debris. As autumn is the precursor to winter, now is the time to winterize your roof.
Your roof is an incredibly important part of your home – it keeps you safe from the elements throughout every month of the year. When your roof needs replacement or just simple maintenance, how do you know what to do? Here are some of the most important roofing questions, answered so you can know how to properly care for your home’s roof.
Question #1: Is it time to replace my roof?
Water damage in your attic, pools of water, or brown and discolored portions of your ceiling can all indicate there is an issue with your roof. These often indicate that your roof has a leak. In addition, if you have significant areas of cracked or missing shingles, you should consider either replacing them or replacing the roof right away. Shingles are the only thing to keep water out, so any damage to them is not something to ignore.
Question #2: Does a leaky roof mean it needs to be replaced?
Not necessarily, it could be an isolated incident of a branch puncture, a pipe flashing failure, or a clogged valley full of tree debris diverting water. There is a myriad of possibilities for a single roof problem.
Question #3: What does water damage look like on my home?
Brown and discolored parts of your ceiling or attic could indicate water damage. In addition, if you have mold in your ceiling or attic, this could also indicate that there is moisture coming from your roof or your roof needs to have an inspection for a ventilation upgrade.
Question #4: If my roof is old, do I need to replace it?
If your existing shingle roof is between 20 and 25 years old, it should probably be replaced, especially if there are leaks or shingles missing. If the roof has several layers of shingles on it and it’s over 20 years old, you will probably need a new roof right away.
Question #5: Can I repair or replace the roof myself?
Most roofing work should not be done by the homeowner, but instead by a roofing professional. These contractors are familiar with what to look for in roofing systems and have been trained on proper roofing repair and replacement techniques. Re-roofing projects need to be completed with quality, accuracy, and efficiency.
Question #6: How much does a new roof cost?
The price of a new roof can vary greatly, depending on materials you select, how steep and how many stories, labor rates, and depending on if it’s a complete tear-off job with new plywood or if they can just add a new layer of roof to your existing roof.
Question #7: How long will my roof system last?
Usually, a quality roof will last about 22-30 years. Sometimes, they can last longer, depending on the material.
If you have roofing questions, Pacific West Roofing is here and happy to help! Contact us today with any concerns you may have.
When it’s time to find someone to replace your roof, there are specific questions that you should ask. A new roof is a big investment and you should definitely do some research before you spend your money. Asking questions is never a negative thing – instead, it shows that you care about your home and want the best job done. As established, widely-recognized experts in the industry, our team at Pacific West Roofing is always happy to address any concerns you may have. Here are some helpful questions to ask a potential roofing contractor.
Question #1: Name and physical address.
This may seem obvious, but if your roofing company only has a post office box, not a physical address, or does not have a licensed company name, this should be a cause for concern. Check reviews online for the company name and see if there are positives or negatives online. When it comes to hiring a roofer to replace your existing roof, you should find one that is reliable and has a good reputation for quality and efficiency in the area.
Question #2: Ask about insurance.
Workman’s Compensation, as well as liability insurance, will help protect a homeowner in the event of an unfortunate accident. Without workmans compensation, the homeowner may be at risk of paying medical bills or other costs in the event that the person is injured on site at your house. Liability insurance will protect you from damage that could be caused by the company during the roof’s repair process. Your homeowner’s insurance will not always cover these types of issues, so be sure you ask the roofer for verification of this coverage.
Question #3: Know if the company uses subcontractors.
Ask the contractor if there will be any subcontracting of the work. If there is, you should ask that person the same questions – are they insured and what is their reputation like?
Question #4: Reputation and references.
A positive reputation is key and if the company or contractor you’re considering does not have a good reputation in the roofing industry, you should think again about hiring them to do work on your home. Ask for local job sites that have been completed and if it would be okay for you to drive by and check the work that was completed. In addition, do your research online and see what people are saying about the company or contractor. If possible, ask for past homeowner references and talk to them directly to ask if they were happy with the work that was done.
Looking for a roofing company that’s not afraid to answer these questions, and more! Contact Pacific West Roofing! With years of industry experience, we’re dedicated to completing the best possible work on your roof, work that will serve you and your family for decades.
© Copyright 2022-23 All Rights Reserved Pacific West Roofing LLC
