Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for visiting our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. As a homeowner or property owner, we know there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to your roof repair or replacement. Please browse through our list of questions. If you have a question that’s not listed below, please contact our office at: 206-778-8361 and we would be happy to answer any of your questions.
Roof Installation Questions
Yes! Though the weather outside may be frightful, you can still get work done on your roof. Just keep in mind that production moves slower in the winter months due to the weather.
The most popular options for roofs include composite shingles, TPO or PVC membrane, and metal panelling.
Your roof needs to breathe. We all know that hot air rises; ventilation allows the hot air which builds up in your attic to escape and the cooler air outside to enter. An attic with no ventilation can dramatically increase heating and cooling costs.
Since one of the roofs main functions is to run water off of the home, the slope at which it does this often determines the type of roofing chosen. Those with steep roofs, also called high pitches, are more easily able to run the water off. Their risk of standing water is low and many different types of roof materials can be used such as tiles or composition shingles. Those with low pitches such as flat roofs with little to no slope require options that retain less water in them to prevent water damage. Often times these properties have roofing systems constructed of waterproof materials such as TPO or PVC. Metal Panels is also a popular roof covering for these types of homes.
No, we don’t install tile roofs. We install asphalt shingles, metal panels, synthetic shingles and single-ply membrane.
At times the colors you view online whether it is on a computer or phone screen doesn’t depict exact colors or shades. It is important to see color samples in person or by driving by your neighborhood to determine what color best appeals to you.
Quality roofing is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your home. Since the lifespan of most asphalt roof shingles is 15-20 years, it’s important to steadily save for replacement and repairs every year. If you ask your friends on social media how much they paid for their roof, you’re bound to get a variety of answers. In Washington State, no two homes or buildings are the same. They may have similar architectural styles, but their proximity to salt water, fresh water, trees, hillsides, sun, and wind sources will affect how the rooftop wears, ages, and performs. Roofing products that work for a home on one side of a hill might be completely inappropriate for one on the other. It’s our job to fully analyze your project and give you the best recommendations possible. In some cases, it makes more sense to repair a roof than to replace one.
Yes, Roofscapes NW has partnered with Manor Credit to offer finance options to our customers. If you would like to review their site and the lender options available, please visit the link below. https://www.heymanorcredit.com/
The estimated wait time for your project may vary. If you accept our proposal a couple months in advance to when you want the project completed, it’s more likely we can meet your project timeline. If you choose to sign with us during our busier seasons of spring and summer, the wait can be anywhere from 1-3 months.
Every roof project varies. But when we plan out our schedule, we reserve a week for each project. Since we live in the PNW and weather is always changing, we like to block more days than we need. Small jobs can take 1-2 days. Larger jobs can take 3-5+ days.
It depends on the size of your roof project. At times, during a tear off project, we might run into change orders such as the need to replace your sheathing/roof deck. If your home is 20 squares or less, the job will normally take up to 2 days. However, since roofing is determined by the weather, our schedule might get delayed if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
This depends on when the agreement document is signed. If we have an active waitlist, the process and waiting period can be any where from 2 weeks and up to 3 months. If you sign with us during our busy summer season, the wait time on the wait list tends to be longer than any other season of the year.
At Roofscapes NW, our baseline asphalt shingle product is a 30 year warranty roof. We offer luxury shingles (40-50 yr) to provide a long-lasting roof system for our homeowners.
Yes, we offer warranties for our roof installations. Depending on the roofing material, we offer 5 and 10 year warranties.
Roofscapes NW will always try to color match your existing roof. However, with natural aging, it is hard to find the same color to match an older roof. If we cannot find a color to match your existing home, we will be sure to let you know.
Roof Repair Questions
Yes, we work on both gutters and skylights. For gutters, we sub contract with a gutter contractor that helps with all gutter installation. For gutter cleanings, that comes with all replacement projects as well as moss removal visits. For skylights – we offer standard and custom skylight installations, repairs and replacements.
To make things simple, here is a snapshot of common roof issues. If you have any of these concerns, please give us a call.
Generally, experts recommend cleaning gutters one or two times per year. This is usually sufficient to keep the gutters clear enough to do their job, which is to direct excess water away from the home. At an absolute minimum, it’s advisable to clean gutters once in the fall to remove excess leaves and debris. This debris can keep water from moving through and out of the gutters. In the winter, standing water in these areas will freeze, causing the gutter to swell and crack. The effort or cost homeowners will spend on gutter cleaning pales in comparison to the cost of repairing the home’s foundation.
Unfortunately, we do not work on any tile roof repairs. If you are looking for a referral, please contact our office at 206-778-8361 and we can provide a couple contacts.
The shingles on your roof are made of a fiberglass mat. On both sides are asphalt, tar, and oil that protect the fiberglass from the outside elements: wind, sun, water, etc. Laundry detergent is a DEGREASER. Detergent breaks down and strips away the asphalt, tar and oil protecting the fiberglass mat. Using laundry detergent to kill the moss on your roof only made your problem worse. In result, the detergent effectively shortens the lifespan of your roof.
For shingle repairs, we cannot provide an exact colour match of your existing roof. The reason is because we cannot match the natural fading of the shingles due to
Repair durations vary upon each project. Some can take 1- 2 hours, some might take 1-2 days. We can help determine the labor hours after the initial consultation.
We have a repair list that coincides with our replacement installation waitlist. Most wait times can be anywhere between 1-3 weeks.
At times, a full replacement is not needed. When we repair or replace missing shingles, we do our best to color match your existing roof. It also depends if our suppliers have your shingles. If we cannot find the same shingle design, we will be sure to let you know.
Unfortunately, we do not offer warranties for our leak repairs. We will cover a return visit and compensate the time if the repair is related to our work or if our materials become defective. If a new problem arises, the cost of repair will be determined.
Roof Miscellaneous Questions
No, that’s not necessary since we provide portable toilets for every installation project.
All our crews are in-house employees who work full-time and are never sub-contracted/outsourced.
You should inspect the interior (attic space) and the exterior at least 1-2 times a year. If you live in an area that has a lot of tree coverage, it is recommended to evaluate your roof quarterly. Debris and branches can easily puncture your roof or cause pooling issues if you have a low slope roof.
Granules from asphalt shingles are made of crushed stone and minerals. Roofing manufacturers can produce granules of any color. Shingles with plain colors are typically made with one granule color while laminate shingles (also known as “dimensional” or “architectural”) feature blends of two or more granule colors. As the roof ages, some of these granules come loose; it’s not uncommon to find some of them in the rainwater runoff merely weeks after installation. For the most part, granule loss isn’t something that you should be worried about as it’s part of normal roofing wear and tear. However, if you notice excessive granule loss in your gutter runoff, that’s when you should contact a roofing contractor to assess your roof.
For all of our estimates, we recommend the homeowner or a point of contact is available. We always try to assess your attic space if there is one. If no one can be home, a return visit might be needed to assess the attic another time.
Granule loss is a roofing issue exclusive to asphalt shingles. Over time, rain, wind and other external factors can strip the asphalt granules embedded in the shingle’s topmost layer. These granules can usually be found in a gutter’s trough, resembling coarse, black sand.
After any major storm, you should assess your roof, around your home, and inside your attic. Look for any missing or cracked shingles, look for broken or fallen tree branches, and check for any water marks or peeling paint.
These are just a short list of things that you can check for yourself after a storm. Safety should always be your number one priority. All inspections should be done from the ground or a window. If you don’t have the proper equipment to safely get on your roof, then call a professional roofing contractor like Roofscapes NW for help.
Skylight flashing is a layer of protection that is fitted around the skylight. This can be regarded as the first line of defence against hazardous weather conditions such as rain or snow.
We primarily schedule for Monday to Friday. However, on a case by case basis, we can offer weekends.
We primarily schedule projects during the work week. However, on a case by case basis, we sometimes will work the weekends if we are up against incelment weather.
No, we offer free, complimentary estimates. The only time we charge for a service is if we provide an official inspection report written on our company letterhead.
An official Roof Inspection can be provided for a flat, fixed cost of $550 for up to 2000 sq ft, with an additional $250 for each additional 500 sq ft. A deposit of 50% is due prior to the date of inspection.
Roof Maintenance Questions
- Check for missing shingles — You can do this with binoculars if you don’t want to climb onto the roof yourself.
- Watching out for leaks — Water stains on your ceiling? Musty smell in the attic? These and other signs of a leak can alert you to a roof problem.
- Cleaning out your gutters — Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on the roof and causing damage. To maintain your roof, keep your gutters clear so water can always flow freely.
- Roof inspections — Even if you’re good about your roof maintenance, a professional roof inspection can spot problems that a layman’s eye can miss, and a professional inspector can let you know how long your roof is likely to last, which can help you plan ahead.
You should NEVER pressure wash your roof if you have asphalt shingles. The water pressure strips away the granules that protect your roof and voids your manufacturer warranty. Not to mention, using a pressure washer on top of a roof can be dangerous. The powerful recoil on the spray wand could potentially throw off your balance and cause you to fall.
You should inspect the interior (attic space) and the exterior at least 1-2 times a year. If you live in an area that has a lot of tree coverage, it is recommended to evaluate your roof quarterly. Debris and branches can easily puncture your roof or cause pooling issues if you have a low slope roof.
It really depends on you and your roof. We often recommend gearing up for winter by getting your roof cleaned at the start of fall. This can really help protect your roof because our moss treatments actually prevent future moss growth! Barring extreme weather, however, you can get your roof cleaned at any time of the year.
Yes, we offer maintenance packages! For more information, please call us at: 206-778-8361.