FAQ
Q: Is rotten wood normally covered by insurance?
A: No. This is typically considered to be “homeowner negligence”, and is not covered by most insurance policies.
Q: Are mold or mildew issues caused by a leaky roof typically covered by insurance?
A: Mold and mildew tend to be the result of a long-standing leak problem. For this reason, they are typically considered to be issues of “homeowner negligence” and would not usually be covered by insurance.
Q: Why does Cook Bros. Roofing make warranties such a big point of consideration?
A: A new roof is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home. A new roof costs thousands of dollars and is an investment that will last for 25, 30, 40 or more years. If something were to ever happen with your roof, a properly executed warranty is your first and best line of defense, even greater than insurance – because insurance only covers incidents resulting from natural disasters.
Q: Why does choosing the right roofer make such a difference, aren’t all roofs the same?
A: According to GAF, the largest manufacturer of roofing shingles, more than two-thirds of the problems people experience with their new roofs are due to contractor’s workmanship – not the roofing materials. That means that who you choose to work with is likely to be the most important decision you make with regards to your roof.
Q: What are the most common causes of roofing leaks/problems?
A: The 10 most common roofing problems are as follows:
- Poor or faulty installation by homeowners or less-than-great roofing companies reduces the roof’s life expectancy.
- Leaks and moisture problems from wind, rain, hail, snow, ice and debris are the second most common issue and are all contributing factors to both mold and rot.
- Improperly installed flashing is third on the list since flashing is what seals the areas where you roof has protrusions like vents, sky lights, chimneys and other systems. Those protrusions mean holes in your roof, and if they aren’t properly covered, they are an easy target for rain and other moisture to invade your home.
- Animals such as birds and insects can do more damage than you think and in a short amount of time. If you see such problems, it’s best to take care of them quickly.
- Pooling water is a sure sign of a problem. There are many potential causes of this, but they are all issues that need addressed to avoid damage to your roof and interior.
- Wind and hail damage can cause punctures in your roofing material, creating leak issues.
- Overhanging trees cause many issues – rubbing on the roof and wearing the shingles or damage from falling branches can cause serious damage so any nearby trees should be properly trimmed or removed.
- Improper ventilation can cause serious moisture buildup, causing damage to rafters, sheathing, shingles, and insulation and can result in mold, mildew, and higher energy bills.
- Blistering and/or shrinkage can create small issues that lead to bigger problems. Shrinkage can be spotted by cracks or crazing in the upper layer of the roof membrane, while blistering is signaled by ridging, splitting or surface erosion of shingles.
- Lack of maintenance is another common problem. If you see any of the above problems, you should contact a professional to check out the affected area and mitigate any problems before they become serious.
Q: What does the average roof replacement cost?
A: Average roof replacement costs are as follows:
- Asphalt roofs - $8,000-$15,000
- Metal - $5,000-40,0000 depending on material (steel, aluminum, or copper)
- Wood shingles or shake – 7,000-$20,000
- Concrete tile - $8,000 - $21,000
- Ceramic clay tile: $12,000 - $21,000
- Slate roofs - $17,000-$84,000