Homeowners often have questions about how long a roof should last, whether a leak can be repaired, which roofing material to choose, and when replacement actually becomes necessary.
Unfortunately, many roofing questions do not have a simple one-size-fits-all answer.
Roof design, roofing material, installation, flashing, ventilation, maintenance, weather exposure, tree coverage, previous repairs, and the condition of the underlying roof can all affect the appropriate solution.
Below are answers to some of the roofing questions homeowners ask most often.
How Long Should a Roof Last?
There is no single lifespan that applies to every roof.
The service life of a roofing system can depend on:
- Roofing material and product
- Installation quality
- Roof design and slope
- Flashing
- Ventilation
- Sun exposure
- Moisture
- Tree coverage
- Maintenance
- Storm damage
- Previous repairs
- Condition of the roof deck
For this reason, homeowners should be cautious about relying on a simple chart that says every asphalt, metal, tile, or other roof will last a specific number of years.
The age of your roof is useful information, but its current condition is more important when deciding whether it needs repair or replacement.
How Do I Know If My Roof Needs Repair or Replacement?
Not every roofing problem requires a new roof.
A localized roof repair may make sense when the damaged area can be corrected and the surrounding roofing remains serviceable.
Replacement may deserve consideration when problems are widespread or when continued repairs are no longer practical.
Conditions that may warrant a more complete evaluation include:
- Recurring leaks in different areas
- Widespread roofing deterioration
- Significant storm damage
- Extensive roof-deck deterioration
- Numerous previous repairs
- Roofing materials that can no longer be properly matched or repaired
A roofing contractor should be able to explain why repair or replacement is being recommended rather than basing the decision solely on the age of the roof.
What Is Composition Roofing?
The terms composition roofing or composition shingles are commonly used to describe asphalt shingles.
Modern fiberglass asphalt shingles are typically manufactured using a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules.
The fiberglass provides the supporting mat, the asphalt contributes weather resistance, and the mineral granules protect the surface while providing color.
Composition shingles should not be confused with every product marketed as a composite roofing material. Some manufacturers use the word composite for manufactured products designed to resemble slate, wood, or other natural roofing materials.
When comparing products, ask for the specific manufacturer and product name rather than relying only on the word “composite.”
You can learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of asphalt shingles before deciding whether they are appropriate for your home.
What Is the Best Roofing Material?
There is no roofing material that is automatically best for every property.
The appropriate choice depends on factors such as:
- Roof design
- Roof slope
- Budget
- Appearance
- Structural requirements
- Maintenance preferences
- Product specifications
- Warranty options
- Long-term ownership plans
Asphalt shingles work well for many residential roofing applications and provide a broad selection of colors and product options.
Metal roofing provides another option with different installation, appearance, cost, and maintenance characteristics.
Other roofing systems may be appropriate for particular buildings and roof designs.
The better question is:
Which roofing system makes the most sense for this particular property?
What Is the Most Affordable Roofing Option?
Project cost depends on much more than the roofing material.
For many conventional residential steep-slope projects, asphalt shingles can provide a relatively affordable initial roofing option compared with some specialty roofing systems.
However, the total project cost can also depend on:
- Roof size
- Roof pitch
- Number of existing roofing layers
- Tear-off requirements
- Roof access
- Roof-deck repairs
- Flashing
- Ventilation
- Valleys and penetrations
- Material selection
- Warranty options
Instead of choosing a roofing material solely because it appears inexpensive, compare the complete installed roofing systems being proposed.
Are There Only Three Types of Roofing?
No.
The old version of this article referred to asphalt, metal, and tile as “the three types of roofing.” That is too simplistic.
Roofing materials and systems can include:
- Asphalt shingles
- Metal roofing
- Clay or concrete tile
- Wood shakes and shingles
- Slate
- Synthetic roofing products
- TPO and PVC membranes
- Modified bitumen
- Other steep-slope and low-slope roofing systems
Which systems are appropriate depends partly on whether the building has a steep-slope or low-slope roof and how that particular roof is designed.
J&J Roofing & Construction currently provides residential asphalt shingle and metal roofing as well as commercial roofing systems selected according to the building and project requirements.
Are Asphalt Shingles a Good Value?
Asphalt shingles can provide a practical combination of initial cost, appearance, product availability, and repairability for many homeowners.
However, there is no universal “best roof for the money.”
Value depends on what the homeowner wants from the roofing system.
For example, one homeowner may prioritize lower initial cost, while another may place greater importance on a particular appearance or different long-term roofing system.
When comparing roofing products, consider:
- Complete installation cost
- Product specifications
- Maintenance requirements
- Repairability
- Warranty coverage
- Installation requirements
- Expected ownership period
The roofing material should make sense for both the home and the homeowner’s priorities.
What Are the Most Common Roof Problems?
Roofing problems can occur in many different areas of the system.
Some common conditions homeowners may encounter include:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Damaged flashing
- Leaks around roof penetrations
- Problems around chimneys or skylights
- Debris accumulating in valleys
- Clogged drainage areas
- Moss growth
- Storm damage
- Deteriorated roof decking
- Problems around roof-to-wall intersections
A leak does not always begin where water eventually appears inside the house.
Water may travel along roof decking, framing, or other materials before becoming visible on a ceiling or wall.
That is why proper diagnosis is an important part of roofing repair.
Does a Roof Leak Mean I Need a New Roof?
No.
Many roof leaks are caused by localized problems that may be repairable.
Potential sources can include:
- Damaged shingles
- Failed flashing
- Pipe penetrations
- Chimneys
- Skylights
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Valleys
- Other roof transitions
The surrounding roofing needs to be evaluated before determining whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
Recurring leaks in different areas or widespread deterioration are more concerning than one isolated repairable problem.
Can Missing Shingles Be Repaired?
Often, yes.
Missing or damaged asphalt shingles do not automatically require replacement of the entire roof.
A localized repair may be practical when:
- The surrounding roofing remains serviceable
- Compatible materials are available
- The damage is limited
- The repair can be properly integrated with the existing roofing system
A larger problem may exist when shingles are failing throughout multiple areas of the roof.
The reason the shingles became damaged or detached should also be considered rather than simply replacing them without evaluating the surrounding area.
Does Moss Mean My Roof Needs to Be Replaced?
No.
Moss on a roof should be addressed, but moss alone does not prove that the roofing system needs replacement.
After appropriate roof cleaning and moss removal, the exposed roofing materials can be evaluated for actual deterioration.
The roof may need:
- No additional work
- Continued maintenance
- A localized repair
- More extensive repairs
- Replacement
The decision should be based on the condition of the roofing underneath rather than the amount of moss visible from the ground.
How Often Should a Roof Be Cleaned?
There is no single cleaning schedule that is appropriate for every property.
The need for roof cleaning can vary according to:
- Tree coverage
- Shade
- Roof orientation
- Roofing material
- Moisture
- Roof pitch
- Amount of falling leaves and needles
- Existing moss or organic growth
A roof surrounded by mature trees may accumulate debris much faster than a nearby roof with little vegetation around it.
The roof should be observed periodically and cleaned according to its actual condition.
Should Asphalt Shingles Be Pressure Washed?
Aggressive pressure washing is not an appropriate general cleaning method for asphalt shingles.
High-pressure cleaning can damage the shingle surface and dislodge protective mineral granules.
Cleaning methods should be appropriate for the particular roofing material and consistent with applicable manufacturer recommendations.
This is particularly important when removing moss. The goal should be to treat and remove the growth without damaging the shingles underneath.
What Should I Look for After a Storm?
After significant wind or other severe weather, homeowners can visually check the roof from the ground for changes.
Look for:
- Missing shingles
- Roofing debris on the ground
- Fallen branches
- Lifted roofing materials
- Damaged gutters
- Visible flashing damage
- New interior water stains
- Active leaks
Do not climb onto a wet, damaged, steep, or questionable roof simply to inspect it.
If something appears different after a storm, a professional evaluation can determine whether the damage is localized or more extensive.
For homes throughout the Vancouver side of the metro area, J&J provides roof repair, replacement, cleaning, metal roofing, and commercial roofing services from its Vancouver location.
What Does a Roofer Look for During an Inspection?
The exact inspection depends on the property and reason for the evaluation.
Accessible areas may include:
- Roofing materials
- Flashing
- Valleys
- Roof edges
- Chimneys
- Skylights
- Vents and pipe penetrations
- Roof-to-wall intersections
- Drainage areas
- Ventilation
- Accessible roof decking
- Evidence of interior moisture
A roofing inspection should help determine what condition exists and what work, if any, is appropriate.
Some concealed conditions cannot be fully evaluated until existing roofing materials are removed.
What Is Included in a Roof Replacement?
Roof replacement involves more than installing the visible roofing material.
Depending on the property and written project scope, work may include:
- Removal of existing roofing
- Disposal
- Inspection of accessible decking
- Replacement of documented damaged decking
- Underlayment
- Flashing work
- Starter materials
- Field shingles
- Ridge materials
- Ventilation components
- Cleanup
The exact scope should be identified in the roofing proposal.
J&J provides roof replacement throughout Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon and explains the proposed roofing system before work begins.
Should Roof Ventilation Be Checked During Replacement?
For homes with vented attic assemblies, evaluating ventilation can be an important part of planning a new roof.
The goal is not simply to add as many vents as possible.
Intake and exhaust ventilation need to work together according to the design of the home and applicable roofing requirements.
Existing ventilation openings should also not be unintentionally blocked.
A roofing contractor should evaluate the existing configuration rather than automatically reproducing or adding to it without considering how the system functions.
What Is the Difference Between a Manufacturer Warranty and a Workmanship Warranty?
They are different types of coverage.
A manufacturer warranty applies according to the roofing manufacturer’s warranty terms.
A contractor workmanship warranty addresses installation workmanship according to the contractor’s terms.
Certain roofing systems installed by qualifying contractors may also be eligible for enhanced manufacturer warranty options.
Homeowners should ask:
- Who provides each warranty?
- What does it cover?
- What exclusions apply?
- Are particular roofing-system components required?
- Does registration need to be completed?
- What homeowner responsibilities apply?
J&J’s roofing warranty information explains the warranty options available for qualifying projects.
Does a New Roof Increase the Value of a Home?
A new roof may improve a home’s curb appeal and can eliminate an obvious roofing concern for prospective buyers, but homeowners should not assume that a roof replacement will add a guaranteed dollar amount or percentage to the home’s sale price.
The effect depends on factors such as:
- Condition of the previous roof
- Local real estate market
- Roofing material
- Overall property condition
- Buyer priorities
- Cost of the roofing project
A roof in poor condition can also become an issue during a home inspection or sale.
If you’re considering replacing a roof primarily because you plan to sell the property, it may be useful to discuss the home’s condition with both a roofing professional and a local real estate professional before deciding how much work makes sense.
How Do I Choose a Roofing Contractor?
Start by verifying that the contractor meets the applicable licensing or registration requirements where the project will take place.
Then evaluate:
- Relevant roofing experience
- Reviews and reputation
- Written scope of work
- Materials being proposed
- Warranty information
- Communication
- Property-protection procedures
- Cleanup
- How unexpected conditions are handled
A roofing contractor should be able to explain what was observed, what work is being recommended, and why.
Our guide to the essential questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor provides a more detailed checklist.
Does J&J Roofing Work in Both Portland and Vancouver?
Yes.
J&J Roofing & Construction is based in Vancouver, Washington and provides roofing services throughout Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon.
The company also provides residential and commercial roofing for Portland properties, including roof replacement, roof repair, roof cleaning, metal roofing, and commercial roofing.
J&J has served customers since 1984 and is currently licensed in both Washington and Oregon.
What Should I Do If I’m Not Sure What My Roof Needs?
You do not need to determine on your own whether the roof needs cleaning, repair, or complete replacement.
Start by identifying what has changed.
For example:
- Is there a leak?
- Are shingles missing?
- Has moss become extensive?
- Did a storm cause visible damage?
- Are there recurring problems?
- Is the roof showing widespread deterioration?
- Is there unexplained moisture in the attic?
A professional roofing evaluation can then help determine the condition of the roof and whether maintenance, repair, replacement, or no immediate work is appropriate.
The important thing is to base the decision on what is actually happening with the roofing system, rather than assuming every problem requires a new roof.
