Should I be concerned with granules in the gutter?

Asphalt shingles are covered with ceramic granules to reflect water and light to protect the underlying material, and ultimately your roof. Your shingles experience erosion from water, UV light and heat. UV light and heat dries the shingles out; water wears away at the granules, some of which have been loosened by heat and light. Unfortunately, the more granules lost, the faster your roof will deteriorate.

How do I determine if a roof should be replaced?

Sooner or later, every roof needs to be replaced, usually due to the long-term effects of weathering. If a residential roof is more than 20 years old, it is a prime candidate for reroofing. To determine if you need a new roof:

• On the ground, walk around your home with binoculars and inspect your roof for cracked, curled or missing shingles, as well as any excessive loss of the protective mineral granules. DO NOT CLIMB ON THE ROOF; walking on the roof is dangerous and can damage your roof.
• In your attic, take a flashlight and look at the underside of the roof deck and rafters for any stains or wet spots indicating water leaks.
• Call a certifed roofer for a free estimate.

What type of shingle will be used?

Keller Builders uses algae resistant shingles manufactured by three of the largest companies in the industry, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and GAF/ELK. All three companies produce shingles from the highest quality materials using the most innovative techniques available.

My roof leaks. Do I need to have it replaced completely?

Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.

I am considering installing both roofing and siding. Which should I install first?

Your roof should be installed first. First, you want to protect your home from water from the top down. Second, roofing materials are heavier and it’s much easier to adjust your siding to coordinate with your roof during the process.

Why tear off the old roof?

Tearing off the old shingles assure that any structural defects, flashing concerns or algae problems can be addressed properly. Applying new shingles directly to the wood decking provides a smoother and cleaner look which will add value to a home’s resale value.

How long should my roof last?

This depends on the roofing system, the quality of roofing materials, the quality of installation including whether the required installation methods were followed accurately. This can be as little as 10 years or a lifetime. Keller Builders is an expert at installing and repairing all major roofing systems; our professional installers are fully skilled in every aspect of the materials, systems and process required so you can experience the greatest life expectancy for your roof.

Should I have my roof replaced during winter?

Yes. Keller Bulders hand nails every roof replacement ensuring proper nail placement and depth. Shingles will seal in cold weather when the sun is out and there is no precipitation. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association “There are no specific temperature guidelines regarding when it is too cold to install asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles do become brittle in cold temperatures, with fiberglass shingles more likely to break than organic shingles. Breakage can be minimized or eliminated if the shingles are stored in a warm area and loaded onto the roof a few bundles at a time. Another concern is that the self-sealing strips will not seal or bond sufficiently in cold temperatures.”