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FAQs

All of the most common roofing queries in one place.

Roofing FAQs from The Phoenix Roof Company

Asphalt shingles are now the most common type of roofing in North America. They are also popular in other regions of the world.

Asphalt shingles were introduced in the 1890s and their quality improved significantly with the introduction of synthetic, or polymer, materials in 1945.

There are several factors that make asphalt shingles an attractive choice for homeowners.
First, they are relatively affordable, especially when compared to other types of roofing materials.
Second, they are easy to install, often requiring only a few days to complete the job.
Finally, they are relatively durable and can last for up to 20 years.

One common way is to inspect the roof after a monsoon or haboob here in Phoenix. If water pours off of it, and if you see signs of even more damaged tiles on your roof, then it may be time for a new one.

Another place to inspect is inside your attic, which you'll need access through one or more traps in your walls or ceilings.
Look for water spots, mold, or even animal droppings as signs that you may have a leaky roof.

Finally, if you're experiencing higher than normal heating or cooling costs, it could be because your insulation is not as effective as it should be thanks to damage from your roof.

If you're still unsure whether it's time for a new roof or not, don't hesitate to contact a professional. One of our owners will inspect your roof and give you an accurate estimate of the necessary repairs at no charge.

A roof may need replacing every 18 – 20 years, or sooner if it is deemed to be in bad condition.

A roof's valuable lifespan can easily be cut short by storm damage, wind-lift and poor maintenance - the danger of which will depend on what sort of surface your roof has been covered with, how well it has been looked after and the weather it has endured.

Clay tiles, for instance, can last for up to 50 years if properly installed and maintained, while metal roofs have an average lifespan of about 30 years. slate can last for over 70 years.

If you're not sure how often your roof should be replaced, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional roofing contractor. They will be able to inspect your roof and give you an accurate estimate of how much longer it is likely to last.

You don't need a permit for roof replacement in Phoenix.

Phoenix law requires that anyone doing work on the exterior of any building must have a valid permitting or licensing and inspection process finished by either the City of Phoenix Department's Contract Plumbing section, Building Services Section, Air Quality Section, Business Vitality Section, Electrical Division Environmental Compliance Division or Fire Prevention Bureau.

However, there are some exemptions to this rule: if the replacement is a result of an act of nature (e.g., a storm), then no permit is needed; if the roofing material is the same as what was previously on the roof, then no permit is needed; or if the work will not disturb the roof deck, then no permit is needed.

If you are not sure whether your project requires a permit, it is always best to check with the City of Phoenix. You can do this by calling their Permit Inquiry Line at 602-262-7111 or visiting their website.

For more information on permits and licensing in Phoenix, please visit the following website:

https://www.phoenix.gov/buildings/permits-licenses-inspections

A typical roof warranty lasts for around 20 years.

It covers both the roofing material and the workmanship, and usually includes a clause that guarantees the repair or replacement of any defective materials.

Typically, a roof's slope cannot exceed one inch per foot. The pitch of the roof should be determined by the tiles to ensure proper drainage of water after rainstorms.

For a single-family dwelling, most building departments require a minimum slope of 3/12 or greater. For areas that are highly prone to wildfires, a 6/12 slope is recommended.

Different roofing materials have different weight and water drainage requirements, so it is important to factor all of this in when making your selections.

Once you have identified local building codes and selected your roofing material, the typical residential roofing process involves the removal of the old roofing material, the installation of a new roofing underlayment, and then the application of the new roofing material.

In some cases, a new roof may also require the installation of new flashing or trim.

If you would like a free detailed quote, one of our owners will be happy to visit your home and provide an estimate at no charge.

There are three main types of residential roofing systems: asphalt shingles, tile roofing, and metal roofing.

Each system has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Learn more about your options here.

R-value is a measure of thermal resistance and is typically given as the R-value per inch (R-in) or R-value per millimeter (Rmm).
This number can help you figure out which types of insulation are needed to keep your home appropriately insulated.

Clay tile roofs are well insulated, due to their thickness and resulting high R-value. They also last a very long time, typically as long as 50 years or more.
Clay tile roofs also have a very high fire rating, able to withstand temperatures up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit without sustaining any damage.

Metal roofs have a long lifespan, are fire- and weather-resistant, and are recyclable. They're also relatively lightweight, which makes them easier to install than some other roofing materials.
Metal roofs can also help reduce your energy costs by reflecting the sun's heat away from your home.

A well-constructed roof can provide excellent protection for your home during storms and from hail damage.

The key to a roof's storm protection is in its ability to shed water quickly and efficiently. That is why it is important to choose a roofing material that is designed for the conditions in your area.

If you notice water leaking anywhere on your property, be sure to call a professional as soon as possible.

A small leak can quickly expand and cause more damage. The rains will come eventually - don’t wait before getting this taken care of.

Roof cement is a type of roofing material that is used to seal cracks, gaps, and holes in roofing materials.

It is a thick, tar-like substance that is applied with a brush or trowel, and it dries to a hard, waterproof finish.

Roof cement is typically used on asphalt shingle roofs, but it can also be used on metal roofs, clay tile roofs, and concrete tile roofs. It is critical to apply roof cement correctly in order to achieve the best results.

We don't recommend it unless you're familiar with the history of your tiles and posess the skills to idenfity their integrity. You'll find mixed opinions about this on Google, but there's a risk of hazards like age damage or dimension differences. We believe in quality materials and a solid warranty.

Yes. Roof insulation can get wet if it's not properly protected from the weather. When water gets into the insulation, it can cause the material to deteriorate and lose its thermal protection properties. This can lead to increased energy usage and a shorter lifespan for your roofing system.

Insulation in the roof works by trapping air in small pockets.

The air acts as a barrier to keep heat from escaping in the winter and keeps the building cooler in the summer.

Roof sealant will usually stop leaks, but it is important to make sure you buy the right type for your roof and apply it properly.

You also need to check your roof regularly to make sure the sealant is still intact and effective.

Yes, roof shingles can be pressure washed. However, it's important to use the right type of pressure washer and the correct settings, or you could damage your roof or void your warranty.

Always start with the lowest pressure setting and work up from there. You should also hold the pressure washer nozzle about a foot away from the roof shingles to avoid damaging them.

When in doubt, it's always best to consult a professional roofing contractor.

If your roof shingles are popping up, there are a few things you can do to stop it.

First, check to see if the problem is isolated to a few shingles or if it's affecting the whole roof. If it's just a few shingles, you can probably just replace those. But if it's the whole roof, then you'll need to take some additional steps.

One cause of roof shingles popping up is improper installation. If your roof wasn't installed correctly, the nails that hold the shingles down may have loosened over time and need to be replaced. You'll need to hire a roofing contractor to do this for you.

Another cause of roof shingles popping up is severe weather. High winds can lift up shingles and cause them to blow off your roof. If this happens, you'll need to replace the affected shingles as soon as possible.

Finally, roof shingles can pop up if they're old and worn out. As shingles age, they become less flexible and more prone to breaking. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it might be time to replace them.

Yes. One way to prevent roof leaks during monsoon season is to install a roof rain gutter. A roof rain gutter is a trough that is installed along the edge of a roof to collect and guide rainwater away from your home.

It is important to keep the gutters clean and clear of debris so they can function properly. Leaves, twigs, sandy buildup and other debris can clog the gutters and cause them to overflow.

Definitely. One of the best ways to prevent roof leaks (especially during monsoon season) is to have your roof inspected and repaired before the rain begins.

If there are any cracks or holes in your roof, they will need to be sealed so that water cannot enter your home.

If your roof is more than 10 years old, it is a good idea to have it replaced, as a new roof will be better able to withstand the heavy rains of the lovely annual monsoon season we experience each year here in Phoenix.

Still have questions? Drop us a line and get in touch.