Questions and Answers with Ken Cashion
Questions and Answers with Ken Cashion

Comments 0

Published: August 21, 2008

Q: How does water get inside roofing material and leak into a home during a prolonged rainfall?

Featured Gallery

A: Damage can be caused from improper installation, storm, wind and hail damage. Also there can be damage from tree limbs allowed to rub on the roof.

Other causes of roof damage: a satellite dish or other improper roof modification; animal damage — we had a large leak this year caused after a raccoon tore a hole in the shingles; squirrels can damage it, too. Also, leaks can result from a lack of roof maintenance and worn-out shingles.

Q: What can a homeowner do if they notice a sagging or wet ceiling?

A: Using a screwdriver or other similar tool, make a pencil-size hole in the ceiling to allow the water to drain out into a bucket. This will prevent the ceiling from falling and damaging furniture and flooring, plus exposing your home to the mess and heat of the attic.

Q: How can I know ahead of a big rainfall when it is time to replace the roof?

A: If you don't know the age or condition of your roof, call a roofing company and have an inspection and estimate. Most companies will give you a free estimate and a verbal inspection report is usually free, too. Written inspection for real estate closings or other purposes usually cost $100 or so. Roofs over 10 years old need to be inspected once a year or so to see if any problems have come up and to do maintenance, such as caulking the flashings.

Home sellers need to get a roof inspection when they put their home on the market. I can't tell you how many times I've had to do a rush roof job when real estate closing is three days away. Some of those jobs would have been partly or fully paid for by insurance if there would have been time to file a claim.

Q: Is it better to repair a leaky roof or replace the whole thing?

A: If a roof is installed properly, repair it until it is 10 to 15 years old. After that, your roofer can advise you. Wood roofs can be repaired for many years, but many homeowners replace wood roofs because of deteriorating appearance and to save money on homeowners' insurance premiums.

Q: How can a homeowner determine if a roofer is reputable or not?

A: Reputable roofers have workers' compensation and liability insurance. They also usually have an office, an ad in the phone book and all of them have good homeowner and shingle supply company references.

Business Writer Jim Stafford