As a homeowner, a new roof is one of the most critical and expensive home improvements you will make in your life. So, most homeowners feel concerned about what they should do to protect that investment. Their worry is understandable, and that’s why we receive many questions about it.

In this sense, the Roof Crafters team has developed some tools to answer your questions and doubts.

Homeowners can get answers to their roof-related inquiries from our blog, FAQ page, and “Roofing University” videos. You can find all these resources on our website and YouTube channel. Besides, we bring you here helpful information from our roofing education program, “Roofing University”.

You will find the answers to five frequently asked questions below, along with a video for each question.

Q: How long should an asphalt shingle last in Baton Rouge, LA?

A: No single roof is equal to another. The type of shingle you have will determine your shingle’s life expectancy. For example, despite being only 16 years old, the roof in the video below clearly needs a replacement. Because of mineral surface erosion, the shingles on this roof have degraded prematurely, reducing their useful life.

Q: Can I save money by switching to a metal roof?

A: Yes, that is possible. Although the upfront investment in metal roofing is usually higher when compared to other roofing materials, it will make you save money over time. Generally, we think of metal roofing as being only standing seam panels. But, steel shingles are an alternative that is available in the market.

Besides, you can obtain a 35 to 40 percent reduction in heat transfer from the roof to the attic with any of these two materials. Thus, your electricity usage costs will go down if you use less air conditioning. Also, metal roofs are far more durable and require less maintenance than asphalt shingles –the most used roofing material. Your pocket will thank these features.

Q: What is a valley, and why does it leak?

A: When two roof slopes meet, a valley is formed, and a major cause of roof leaks in valleys is debris accumulation.

This build-up avoids that water from naturally flows off the roof, flooding the area below. Roofs leak and deteriorate when water accumulates instead of draining off, as they should. Therefore, keep leaves and other accumulated debris off your roof surface to avoid water pooling in any roof area.

 

Q: When it comes to my roof, do gutters help or hurt it?

A: A well-designed gutter system will help to extend the life of a roof. As you can see in the video below, there is a valley on the roof. Besides, water is dripping onto the roof deck. Moreover, the water pressure will wash away some of the mineral coatings on the shingles.

This issue exposes the underlying shingles to further harm. Thus, shingles can become brittle and thin after continuous exposition to the sun for a long time.

Q: Is it harmful to wash my roof?

A: By using a pressure washer or chlorine bleach cleaner, you may shorten your roof life. When you do that, the mineral surface of the shingles will come loose. By exposing the shingles’ base to direct sunlight, the mineral surface can be worn away. Likewise, this situation will compromise the shingles’ structural integrity and their bond to the roof.

For removing ugly algae and discoloration for your roof, at Roof Crafters we employ an EPA-approved algaecide/fungicide. This product is called Roof-A-Cide and is completely safe for the shingles.

To get more guidance and advice about how to preserve your roofing system, you can visit our website. Call Roof Crafters at 225-667-1189 in Baton Rouge, Hammond, and Mandeville, LA.