Roof Repair & Roof Replacement FAQS
Roof Repair and Replacement in Salem, Oregon
If you are like most people, your knowledge about the roof over your head is limited to what it is made of and about how old it is.
Roofing has dramatically evolved over the last 30 years. Not so long ago, most roofs looked about the same and all you had to do to re-roof was either remove the old and replace it, or hammer a new layer of roofing right on top of the old one. Today, emerging technology fueled by more and more extreme roof designs, has forever changed the way we look at roofing. Below are some common questions we get asked at 3Rs Construction about roofing followed by the answers. We hope you find this information helpful.
Roofing and Repair FAQS
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF ROOFING FOR MY HOME OR BUSINESS?
The best options depend on the slope or pitch of the roof and the type and direction of the weather it will be exposed to. Our roofing teams and estimators are all trained to watch for variables that will affect the selection of materials best suited for your home.
HOW LONG WILL MY ROOF LAST?
Although asphalt shingles are designed to last 20-30 years, the average lifespan of a composition roof in and around Salem, Oregon is between 15 and 17 years. There are a number of things that cause your roof to age prematurely. The two most common is moss growing on the roof, and leaves and other debris left lying on a roof. If your home is older or was built before the year 2000 you should have started to notice damage or the side effects of an aging roof. It's time to prepare for a roof replacement.
ARE SOME ROOF MATERIALS BETTER THAN OTHERS?
Yes! On the market today are roofs with warranties ranging from 20-50 years. Ask your 3Rs Construction & Remodeling experts about what is best for you.
WHEN DO I REPLACE MY ROOF?
Before it leaks! Too many people wait until they notice a water leak and then begin to budget for a new roof. We recommend that once a year you should either inspect the roof yourself or join a maintenance group like Upkeep or Healthy Home Club. They will send someone qualified to examine your roof and whole home annually, and then advise you of upcoming or urgent repairs. If you wait until water is dripping into your home, you run the risk of a slow leak going undetected into your attic. It can cause mold growth, that can cost thousands to remediate, or dry rot, that attracts termites and ants and a lot of unnecessary damage. Because roofing is an expensive home repair, it’s better if you have some advanced warning and can budget for the roof replacement, than to wait until you do not have any options.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR TO DETERMINE HOW OLD MY ROOF IS?
There are a number of things that the experts at 3Rs Construction use to evaluate the age of a roof. Some items we look for is curling or torn corners on the roof shingles, the amount of granular loss, and sometimes there is a date stamp on the roof vents.
WHAT SHOULD I BE WATCHING FOR TO SPOT A WATER LEAK?
A water leak that is big enough to soak through the attic, insulation, and sheet rock, and get into your living space, can be hard to spot while it is still wet. As it dries, you may notice discolorations on the ceiling or blisters in the paint. If you see any of these signs, don’t delay! Call 3Rs Construction or any roofer you trust right away. It is important to remove the water as soon as possible to prevent mold growth and a much bigger repair bill.
IS MOSS A PROBLEM?
Yes, moss is the single biggest contributor to early roof failure in the Willamette Valley. Moss is a menace to roofs! It grows quickly, preventing water from flowing downhill to the gutters, it lifts the shingles allowing water to penetrate the roof's exterior, it collects in and plugs up gutters and downspouts, and it decomposes the felt that the shingles are made of. We recommend annual inspection for moss and treatment with a commercial herbicide as soon as it is noticed.
CAN I PRESSURE WASH THE MOSS OFF MY ROOF?
No! Every year at 3Rs Construction we get calls about roofs leaking because someone tried to pressure wash it. If you look at all the things moss does to damage a roof and then add extreme velocity, you will see the leaky results of pressure washing.
WHAT IS THE BLACK CIRCLE I SEE AROUND MY ROOF VENTS?
If you can see a black circle forming around your roof vents, typically on the north side of the roof, you likely have a mold problem in your attic. When the spores go airborne they are carried out of the attic with the super-heated air and will catch or deposit on the roofing around the vents. This is an urgent issue that should be dealt with soon. Call 3Rs Construction and we will send one of our trained mold experts to review your situation and provide some options to remediate your attic before the damage gets out of control.
WHY DO I NEED TO CLEAN OUT MY GUTTERS?
The gutters are designed to route the water collected on the roof away from the home and foundation. When gutters get plugged, the water backs up and spills into the roof framing and begins to deteriorate the wood on the roof deck, soffits, and framing. Keeping your gutters clean will save you a lot of money in dry rot repairs down the road.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHECK MY ROOF FOR DAMAGE?
Twice a year is best. Typically, the staff at 3Rs Construction & Remodeling recommends looking at roofs in the spring to access any damage that may have been caused over the winter, and in the fall to prepare your roof for the rain that is inevitably going to come.
If you take care to maintain your roof you can expect to enjoy 30+ years until it is time to replace it again.
In the event of storm damage or an accident involving destruction to your roof, we are happy to work with your insurance company to repair the damages and help you avoid the stress and larger costs of fixing things overlooked by some insurance claims examiners.
3Rs Construction & Remodeling specializes in most types of commercial and residential roofing in Salem, OR.
Quotes and Pricing
What to expect from 3Rs Construction:
Start by setting up a free consultation to get an estimate on your roof repair, installation, or replacement!
- Our project manager will come to your home or business at your earliest convenience to get your quote for roof replacement or roof repair underway.
- After consulting with you on what materials and colors would work best for your home, we will provide you with an estimate for your approval.
- Once you approve your estimate, 3Rs Construction will get to work molding the perfect roof for your home!
- We will stay on your job until it is finished and cleaned up.
Talk with someone at 3Rs Construction & Remodeling about your roof today.
Please call our office, 503-363-1059 or send us a message.
