Roofing FAQ

Q: What are signs that a property owner can look for when a roofing system has problems?

A: Roof system problems are often discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections can regularly uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system problems.

Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored pomegaerboard and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas. Maintenance performed by home and building owners should be confined to visual ground inspection of roof systems during the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles. Cleaning gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris is good maintenance and will prevent moisture from entering your roof.

Visual inspections of your roof that you can check from the ground:

• Shingles: Do your shingles look brittle? Are they cupped or buckling? Are the nails popping out? Do they look more weathered in some areas? Have you lost shingles in recent bad weather? These are all things that Pomante Contractors, Inc. can address for you.
• Flashing: Does the flashing around any protruding structures (e.g. chimney or vent) look worn, cracked or missing?

Q: What are things to look for when searching for a reputable roofing company?

A: Property owners who are searching for a roofing company should ask if the prospective company has permanent employees or uses subcontractors. Regrettably, there are roofing companies that have no office, employees or equipment. These “companies” simply respond to inquiries; if their proposal is accepted, they subcontract the actual work. Down the line, if there is a problem with the roofing materials or the installation, the property owner may have trouble getting a satisfactory response.

Q: Why is the roofing company’s insurance coverage an important consideration?

A: If a roofing company is not properly insured, the homeowner or the homeowner’s insurance company becomes liable for personal injury claims and damages to the home. Reputable roofing companies like Pomante Contractors, Inc. carry workers’ compensation for injured workers and adequate levels of liability coverage. This insurance is renewed annually, so you should be certain to check the dates on any roofing company’s insurance certificates.

Q: What is the cause of ice damming?

A: Ice damming is caused by the repeated melting and freezing of snow on the roof. These cycles of thawing and freezing cause ice to form around the eaves and push up under the shingles. When it is warm and the ice begins to melt, the homeowner may experience water leaking through the ceiling and running down a wall.

Q: Would you recommend a do it yourself job for customers?

A: Most work should not be done yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace roof systems. You can damage your roof system by using improper roofing techniques, or even worse, severely injure yourself by falling off or through the roof.

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