If you have any questions about your roof – whether you’re wondering if it’s time for a replacement, questioning if you need repairs, or have just had a new roof installed and are wondering how to keep an eye on it – you’ve come to the right place. Roofstar Arizona has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about roofing and roof repairs. Hopefully we can answer your questions and give you a better understanding of your roof!
Roof FAQs
What Are Parts of a House Roof Called? What Are the Components of a Roof?
There are many different parts of a house roof — too many, in fact, for a quick overview here. A few of the more important aspects of a house’s roof are:
- Covering: The covering of a roof is the most noticeable part of a roof. It can be made out of materials like shingles, tiles, or even metal sheets.
- Decking: The decking, or sheathing, is a material – usually plywood – that is nailed to the rafters. Shingles or other roof coverings are secured to the decking.
- Underlayment: On tile and flat roofs underlayment is a waterproof material that’s installed on top of the decking to prevent leaks and damage from the elements. On shingle roofs underlayment provides a separation between the decking and shingles to allow for movement without tearing or wrinkling.
- Plane: The roof plane, or field, is the pitched surface of the roof.
- Ridge: The ridge is the horizontal line at the top of the roof where the two planes connect.
- Flashing: Flashing is a thin material – usually sheet metal – that is used to direct water away from important areas of the roof. Roof flashing is installed around roof features such as chimneys, skylights, and vents.
What Part of the Roof Is the Eave?
The eaves are the horizontal part of the roof that overhangs the wall of the building; they’re traditionally used for allowing water to run off and away from the roof, but they’re often decorated and featured in certain types of architecture.
What Is the Roof of a House Made Of?
Roofs can be made of many different materials; in Arizona, the most common type of roof is one made of shingles or tiles, which are usually made out of concrete or clay. They give a beautiful, classic look, and they hold up well to weather, heat, and insect damage.
What Are the Rakes of a Roof?
The rake of a roof, also known as the gable, is the part of the roof that overhangs on the side of the building that’s topped by a gable roof.
Are Gutters Considered Part of the Roof?
The gutters are considered part of your roof – and a pretty important part, too. Their job is to gather any rainwater and light debris that gather on your roof, and direct it away from your roof and house. Gutters prevent water seeping into your roof or through your doors and windows, and they help to prevent water damage that could potentially pose a problem to your home.
Roof Repair FAQ
Is It Better to Repair or Replace Your Roof?
Whether or not it’s better to repair or replace your roof depends on the location of the damage, what kind of damage, and how severe it is. When it comes to broken or missing shingles, repair is a relatively easy and quick process. However, if the damage is particularly bad – or if it’s been 20 or more years since your roof was last replaced – getting a full replacement may be the way to go.
Learn More: 5 Signs Your Roof Needs Repairs
Can You Fix Part of a Roof?
Yes. You can either fix or replace only a section of your roof – no problem. This is a perfect solution for a situation in which only a part of your roof is damaged – due to weather, debris, or anything else.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Leaky Roof?
How much it costs to fix a leaky roof will depend on the extent of the damage. If it’s minimal, it could be as low as $150 – but if the damage is severe, or difficult to fix, the price could be in the low- to mid-thousands. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know for sure without getting an estimate.
Is It Okay to Re-Roof Over Old Shingles?
It depends on what your shingles are made of. Re-roofing over old shingles is only possible with asphalt, or composition, shingles – it is not possible with wood or slate shingles. Installing a new roof over existing shingles is not ideal, but it is doable in certain circumstances.
When Should You Repair Your Roof?
It can be difficult to know when your roof needs to be repaired – or even replaced. Generally, signs of damage to your roof that will likely require repairs or possibly a full replacement are:
- Missing, cracked, or dirty shingles
- Drooping or sagging
- Moss, mold, or fungus
- Leakage on internal walls and ceilings
You may need to replace your roof if it has been 20 years or more since it was last installed or replaced.
How Do You Fix a Sagging Roof?
While it’s possible to fix a sagging roof by yourself, it’s strongly recommended that you hire professionals – such as Roofstar Arizona – to perform the repairs instead, unless you have experience with roof repairs. It’s important to get a sagging roof repaired as quickly as possible, as it could be indicative of severe structural integrity issues. If you noticed a sag in your roof, call roofers as soon as possible to get it evaluated and fixed.
Roof Replacement FAQs
When Does a Roof Need to Be Replaced?
Roofs are an important part of the structural integrity and safety of a house. If a roof is sagging, leaking, or has heavy damage due to a storm or an impact, it’s possible that the whole roof will need to be replaced. Taking the time to check your roof about twice a year is important for keeping track of how your roof is doing.
A roof will also need to be replaced on a regular schedule – usually every 15-30 years, depending on which materials were used to make it.
Learn More: 4 Things To Consider When Replacing A Roof
How Often Does a Roof Need to Be Replaced?
How often a roof needs to be replaced depends on the material it’s made out of. Generally, a roof made of shingles will need to be replaced every 15-20 years, while roofs made out of rubber or metal can go up to 50 or even 75 years without needing a replacement as long as they are properly installed and maintained. However, your roof may need to be replaced sooner than that if you notice early signs of wear and tear.
How Long Does a 30-Year Roof Really Last?
Despite the name, a “30-year roof,” or “30-year shingles,” do not usually last 30 years, even with proper maintenance. If well cared for, these roofs last for about 25 years. Without proper maintenance or in non-ideal circumstances, their lifespan may be closer to 15 or 20 years.
Is a 50-Year Roof Worth It?
Similarly to 30-year shingles, 50-year shingles may not last the full 50 years depending on circumstance and level of maintenance applied. Before opting for a 50-year roof, ask yourself what level of maintenance you are going to be able to realistically perform and how long you plan on living in this home.
Ask Us The Truth About YOUR Roof
We hope that this FAQ blog answered some of your most pressing questions, but we understand that you may have more, or may want some answers elaborated on. Feel free to give Roofstar Arizona a call at (480)-426-1915 – we’re more than happy to answer your questions and tell you the truth about your roof!