FAQs
General RoofingInformation
Q: What are the common signs of roof damage?
Missing or Damaged Shingles:
Shingles protect your roof from the elements. Missing or cracked shingles expose your roof to potential leaks and further damage.
Water Stains and Leaks:
Water stains on ceilings and walls are a clear indication of a leaky roof. These stains can be discolored patches, and leaks can also manifest as dripping water.
Granule Loss:
Asphalt shingles have granules that protect them from UV rays. Finding granules in your gutters or around the base of your house can indicate wear and tear.
Sagging or Uneven Roofline:
A sagging roof can indicate structural damage, rot, or water damage beneath the shingles.
Mold or Mildew:
Mold and mildew growth inside the house, especially in areas like the attic, can indicate a roof leak has gone undetected.
Peeling or Blistering Paint:
Peeling or blistering paint on your ceilings or walls can be a sign of moisture intrusion from a damaged roof.
Increased Humidity:
High humidity levels inside your home, especially if unusual, can be a sign of a leaky roof.
Damaged Flashing:
Flashing, which seals joints and seams around roof features like chimneys and vents, can become damaged, allowing water to penetrate.
Ice Dams:
In snowy climates, ice dams can form at the edge of the roof, preventing proper drainage and leading to leaks.
Q: How much does a new roof cost?
Roof Size and Complexity:
Larger and more complex roofs, with more angles, slopes, or details, will require more materials and labor, thus increasing the cost.
Materials:
Asphalt shingles are generally the most affordable option, while metal, tile,
or slate roofs can be significantly more expensive.
Labor Costs:
Labor costs can vary depending on your location and the roofing company’s
experience and reputation.
Location:
Prices can fluctuate based on regional pricing and the local cost of living.
Q: How long does a roof replacement or repair take?
Roof Repairs
Minor repairs:
Replacing a few shingles, patching small leaks, or fixing flashing can take
1-5 hours.
Major repairs:
Addressing sagging roofs, extensive leaks, or ventilation issues can take One
to multiple days depending on how extensive the damage.
Roof Replacements
Average size homes:
Most average-sized homes can have their roofs replaced in 1-2 days, especially with materials like asphalt shingles.
Larger homes or complex materials:
Replacements can take 3-4 days or even a week or more with materials like
slate or tile, or if there are multiple layers to remove.
Q: Do you offer free estimates?
Q: What is the lifespan of different roofing materials?
Asphalt Shingles:
3-tab asphalt shingles typically last 15-20 years, while architectural or dimensional shingles can last 25-30 years, or even longer with proper maintenance and in milder climates.
Metal Roofing:
Metal roofs, depending on the type (steel, aluminum, copper, etc.), can last 40-70 years or even longer.
Wood Shingles/Shakes:
Cedar and wood shakes and shingles can last 25-30 years, but their lifespan can be extended with proper maintenance and in favorable climates.
Slate, Clay, and Concrete Tiles:
These materials are known for their exceptional durability, with life spans ranging from 50 to 100+ years, and even up to 200 years for some slate.
Composite/Synthetic Shingles:
These offer a longer lifespan than asphalt, typically lasting 40-50 years.
Q: How do I know if I need a new roof or just a repair?
When to consider repairs
Minor damage:
A few cracked, curled, or missing shingles can often be repaired by replacing
the damaged shingles.
Small leaks:
If you have a few isolated leaks, a localized repair might be sufficient.
Age of roof:
If the roof is relatively new and the damage is isolated, repair is often a good option.
Cost:
Repairs are generally less expensive than a full replacement.
When to consider replacement
Extensive damage:
If a large portion of the roof is damaged, including multiple leaks, curling shingles, or significant granule loss, replacement is often the better choice.
Age of roof:
If the roof is nearing or past its estimated lifespan (typically 20-25 years for asphalt shingles), a replacement might be more cost-effective in the long run.
Multiple layers of roofing:
If your roof has more than one layer of shingles, it’s generally recommended to remove them all down to the deck and replace the entire roof.
Sagging roof:
A sagging roof often indicates structural issues beneath the shingles and requires immediate attention, potentially including replacement.
Multiple leaks:
If you’re experiencing multiple leaks, it could indicate a more widespread problem that a full replacement is needed to address.
Q: Do you handle both residential and commercial roofing?
Yes, We handle both residential and commercial roofing!
Q: How long have you been in business?
Richardson Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company based in
Springdale, AR. Since 2009, we’ve helped many homeowners across Northwest
Arkansas.
Q: What is your service area?
At Richardson Roofing, we’re proud to be a locally owned and operated roofing
company based right here in Springdale, homeowners and businesses across
Springdale, Fayetteville, Bentonville, and the greater Northwest Arkansas
region have trusted our experienced team.
Insuranceand Storm Damage
Q: Does homeowner's insurance cover roof replacement?
Wind and Hail:
Damage from strong winds or hail is often covered.
Fire:
Fire damage from lightning or other causes may be covered.
Falling Objects:
Damage from falling trees or other objects may be covered.
Ice:
Damage from the weight of snow or ice can be covered.
Vandalism:
Damage from vandalism may be covered.
Lightning:
Damage from lightning strikes, including power surges, may be covered.
Q: How do I file an insurance claim for roof damage?
1. Assess and Document the Damage:
Contact our professional roofing contractors for a thorough inspection.
2. Review Your Insurance Policy:
Read your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what types of roof damage are covered and what your deductible is.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company:
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the roof damage and initiate the claim process.
4. Schedule an Inspection:
The insurance company will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage.
5. Review and Negotiate the Settlement Offer:
Carefully review the settlement offer from your insurance company.
6. Finalize the Claim and Schedule Repairs or Replacement:
Once you’re satisfied with the settlement offer, approve it with your insurance company.
Q: What if my insurance denies my roof claim?
Request a reinspection:
Ask your insurance company to send a different adjuster to reinspect the damage. Having your roofing contractor present during the reinspection can be helpful.
Consult with a roofing professional:
A roofer can provide an expert opinion on the damage and whether it’s covered by your policy.
THE ROOFINGPROCESS
Q: What is involved in a roof replacement or repair?
Roof repair:
Roof repair is a smaller, more localized process that focuses on fixing specific problem areas rather than replacing the entire roof.
Roof replacement:
A roof replacement is a more extensive project that involves stripping the entire existing roof down to the bare roof deck and installing a completely new roofing system.
Q: Will I be able to stay in my home during the roofing work?
Whether or not you stay in your home during roofing work is entirely up to you and depends on your comfort level with the potential disruptions. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Communicate your plans with your roofing contractor so they can inform you of any necessary precautions or adjustments.
Q: How is my property protected during the roofing process?
Q: How do you handle attic ventilation?
Proper attic ventilation is crucial for a healthy and energy-efficient home. It involves a balanced system of intake and exhaust vents that allow air to flow through the attic space, preventing excessive heat buildup, moisture accumulation, and potential roof damage.
Q: How do you handle ice and water shields?
It’s typically installed in vulnerable areas like eaves, valleys, rakes, around penetrations, and under flashing. Proper installation involves overlapping sheets for a watertight seal and ensuring it extends sufficiently inward from the roof edge.
Q: What are eave vents and ridge vents?
Eave vents and ridge vents are key components of a roof ventilation system. Eave vents, also known as soffit vents, are installed under the eaves of a roof and allow cool, fresh air to enter the attic.
Ridge vents, located at the roof’s peak, exhaust warm, moist air from the attic.
Q: What is a low slope roof?
A low-slope roof, also known as a flat roof, is a roof with a shallow pitch, typically less than 3:12 (meaning it rises less than 3 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal length).
Ready to Learn More or Schedule an Inspection?
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you need a full roof replacement or just want a second opinion on potential storm damage, we’re here to help.