Roofing FAQ

Many roofing materials available in the marketing aren’t constructed with high-quality materials anymore, which is why the average lifespan of a roof has fallen to 15-20 years. America Roofing only works with high-quality products, and we have perfected the art of roof installation. Therefore, we can guarantee a longer life-span for your roof than the current average up to even 30 years.

America Roofing believes in protecting the environment, and works with green products. We are environmentally conscious, and do participate in recycling programs.

If your roof has missing shingles, it is very likely that it will develop a leak. Therefore, it is recommended that you call in professional roofers to replace the missing shingles, before your roof develops long-term damage.

America Roofing doesn’t need to go inside your home to install or repair your home. We will work from the outside, and you don’t have to be present, when our technicians work on your roof.

Yes, if you get a properly designed roof for your home, which keeps your home cooler in winter, and warmer in summer it will lower your utility bills.

This depends on the type of homeowner’s insurance you have, along with the extent of the damage caused by hail or rain. We have contractors who can check the damage to your roof and provide you with consultation about your chances of claiming homeowner’s insurance for a new roof.

Absolutely. America Roofing has been around in the industry for a long time, and has connections with all the major insurance carriers in Arizona. We can help negotiate with them on your behalf if you request us.

No one wants the roofing installers to leave all their mess behind. America Roofing is highly professional in all aspects of roof installation, and our team will pick up after themselves to leave your home spotless after installing the roof.

We have different styles and color schemes for roofs, as we believe in providing clients with a diverse selection of the best roofing systems in Arizona. Call us today to schedule a meeting and check out the different styles and colors schemes in our roofs. You can also visit our popular products page.

There are quite a few factors that go into determining the cost of a new roof. This includes the professionalism and quality of the roofing contractor and company, the roofing brand, type and grade of roofing you select and of course the shape, size and slope of your roof-line.

The biggest mistake home owners make is choosing the cheapest bidder. Please don’t choose a roofing contractor based on cost alone! Price is a factor, but should never be the main deciding factor. Quality roofing materials, licensed and experienced contractors and of course quality craftsmanship all need to come into play. Hiring the cheapest roofing contractor has proven to cost the customer more money in the long run due to poor quality control and product leading to sub-par roofing and roofing damages.

Please request a roofing estimate online or give us a call @ 602-237-2478.

Most roofing shingles, tiles and shakes usually have a 15 to 30 year life span depending on the quality of the product and the environment in which they are in. Location of the roofing in the sun, or under the shade significantly impacts your roofs lifespan as well. Direct sunlight, water, wind, poor ventilation all factor into a roofs lifespan.

Here are some following signs that your roof may need a inspection:

• Curling Shingles
• Loss of Granulation
• Leaks on your ceilings
• Cracked or discolored drywall
• Decayed shingles
• Missing shingles
• Visible cracks
• Wind Damage
• Broken Tile or Shingles
• Rusted or missing flashing

If a residential roof is over 15 years old we highly recommend a free roof inspection as sometime roof damage is not even visible – by catching damage early will save your thousands of dollars in the long run. For a free inspection call us @ 602-237-2478.

Let’s use an asphalt shingle system as our example and start at the bottom:

1. Roof Deck. This is the layer, usually plywood, that supports the roofing material. This is normally nailed to the rafters. For an asphalt shingle system it is usually 15/32 or 1/2 inch thick at a minimum. The thickness is determined by the spacing of the rafters and the weight of the roofing material.
2. Underlayment. A layer (or two) of felt that is is saturated with asphalt. Called “felt paper” or “tar paper” this is a rolled material that provides a secondary level of waterproofing under the shingle layer. In cold weather applications, another layer known as an “ice dam,” is rolled out on top of the bottom edge of the underlayment to help keep water out during the freeze-thaw cycle.
3. Fasteners. A short, galvanized nail with a large head. This nail only needs to penetrate the roof deck, underlayment, and shingles. This nail’s wide head helps hold down the shingles in the wind. The nail is also ridged to resist pulling up. Different types of roofing require different types of fasteners.
4. Flashings. Thin metal, typically aluminum, that helps water run off and protects the deck and underlayment. Flashing is used at the outside edges of the roof deck (perimeter), areas where two sides of the roof meet (valleys), and anywhere the deck is penetrated (chimneys, vents, etc).
5. Shingles. These are the most visible portion of the roof. They are laid in rows that overlap each other, forming a protective layer. Each shingle will be nailed down in an area that is under the protection of the layer above it. Each shingle also has a strip of adhesive that helps it lock into place. Special shingles are typically used at the bottom edge of the roof and at the top where two planes meet.

Other roofing materials use different elements in their systems, but each element has to be correct for the system it is used in.

Asphalt shingles are soft. When the summer sun is on them they get even softer. Adding a thin layer of small stones helps to create a stronger surface to deflect falling raindrops or hail and they also reflect some of the hot sun. Without those small stones, your shingles would likely melt into one gooey mess on your roof.

An added benefit is that they enhance the look, giving your roof a textured appearance.

As your shingles age, those little stones will wear away, changing the appearance of your roof. Seeing black “splotches” on your shingles is an indication that your roof is nearing the end of its life.

If a bid sounds too good to be real, it might not be. Please check the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and the Better Business Bureau to find out if the contractor has many complaints against them.

Large contractors, like America Roofing, can often buy supplies at a slightly lower price because we buy in volume. That said, for the most part, the only way to buy the roofing materials at significantly lower prices is to use lower grade materials. That means that the only way to be significantly lower is to do less work, or to cut corners. All of the best roofing contractors, like America Roofing, will present you with a very specific bid that explains exactly what we will do and what materials will be used.

Check that the bids you receive involve the complete job. If they are missing something from the list below, ask why:

• The specific type of roof covering they will use, including manufacturer name, model number, color, grade classification.
• Specifics about all other materials (underlayment, etc) that will be used.
• The scope of the work in detail, including removal of the existing roof, details of the flashing work (including types and if they will be new or reused), ventilation details (reuse or replace, etc).
• After removing your existing roof, problems may be discovered with the deck that are hidden now. The bid should explain in detail what costs you might incur in replacing the present decking.
• What method of installation will be used for your new roof?
• When will the project start? When will they be done?
• Who will handle damages? Make sure details are clear.
• How much will you pay, when are payments due?
• What is covered by warranty? You should get both a manufacturers warranty for the materials and a workmanship warranty from the company.

If you’re unclear about the particulars, ask questions. And be sure you get everything in writing.

Typically, we’re able to begin your new roof within 5-7 working days. And in most cases, our crew will have your roof done the same day.

Hail is destructive and can seriously damage the roof, because it will deteriorate the granules protecting the shingles on your roof. In a hail storm, your roof will be exposed completely to the hail, which will end up damaging the shingles.

With asphalt shingles, small stones are embedded in the surface of the asphalt to protect it from damage. Over the life of the shingle (15-25 years) these stones wear away, putting your roof at risk of leaking. Hailstorms and heavy rain can speed the deterioration process. A trained professional can tell you if you’ve reached that point. Call us at 602-237-2748 and we’ll come take a look.

If you have other types of roofing, hail can sometimes crack or split individual tiles. In most cases these can be replaced on an individual basis. If you would like an inspection, call us at 602-237-2748.