Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our roofing services – roof replacement, roof repair, siding and gutters.

Roofing FAQs

There is so much to think about when it comes time to plan a full roof replacement. Selecting roofing materials, exploring financing, and finding a reliable roofing contractor are just a few of the questions you’ll be looking to answer before you take the next step. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS A ROOF NEEDS TO BE REPLACED?

The signs that it is time to replace your home’s roof can be obvious – leaks, missing or torn shingles, loose flashings, excessive shingle granules in gutters, and ceiling spots can signal roof problems. There are also less obvious signs that let you know the time is at hand. The age of your roof is one of the most reliable indicators letting you know a roof replacement is imminent. If your roof is 15+ years old, you’ll want to start planning for a roof replacement. Learn more about the signs that your roof needs to be replaced.

MY ROOF IS LEAKING. DO I NEED TO HAVE IT COMPLETELY REPLACED?
Not necessarily. Our crews can often make repairs to extend the life of a roof that is otherwise in good condition. However, if a roof is demonstrating many symptoms of age and wear, replacement may be the only option. Some leaks and types of roof damage can be solved with a simple repair. This will shore up your roof and help extend its life until it is time for a full replacement. The only way to know if this applies to your roof issues is to contact a professional roofing contractor. You can rely on Warren Thompson & Sons to give you an honest assessment of your roof’s condition and provide you with all options, including repair before replacement, if at all possible.
HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH ROOFING MATERIAL TO USE?

Deciding which materials to use for your roof is a personal decision that can be dependent on several factors. Budget, the design aesthetic you are hoping to achieve, and even the neighborhood where you live can help guide your selection decisions. Some materials, although initially more expensive, require less maintenance and have a longer life expectancy than others. An asphalt shingle roof might last 20 years, but a metal roof can last more than 50 and might be more cost-effective in the long run. Some SIDs or homeowner associations have regulations that require you to use a certain type of roofing material, such as cedar shakes. You’ll want to explore all requirements and then weigh your options based on your taste and budget.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY ROOF HAS HAIL DAMAGE?
You may be able to see severe hail strikes from the ground, but most often hail damage is not visible to the untrained eye. If you’ve experienced hail in your area, call Warren Thompson & Son to schedule a professional inspection.
WHAT IS AN ICE DAM?
Ice dams are formed by the thawing and freezing of melted snow at the eaves. The ice dam can force water up and under shingles, causing leaks. In areas where winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, ice dams can cause serious and expensive damage to a roof and to the structure of a home.
HOW OFTEN DOES A ROOF NEED TO BE REPLACED?
A well-constructed roof should last between 12 and 15 years, although that is heavily dependent on a variety of factors including the type and quality of shingles that were installed originally, weather conditions or events that may have caused damage, and maintenance practices that may have been taken to keep the roof in good condition. Weatherproofing treatments that may have been applied to your roof such as Roof Maxx® can extend your roof’s life by up to fifteen years. New alloys and coatings also make metal roofing panels more durable, with extended life cycles that exceed those of shingles or shakes. Today’s metal roofs can be expected to last at least 50 years.
HOW MUCH DOES A NEW ROOF COST?
The ultimate cost of roof replacement is different for every roof. When you call Warren Thompson & Son to discuss a roof replacement project, we’ll talk through all the factors that impact your investment, such as roof size, the need for removal or replacement of decking, and other factors (like skylights or chimneys that may need to be factored into the time it takes to replace your roof). Of course, the materials you select will also impact the overall cost. You can be certain that you’ll have all the facts you need and an accurate assessment of the costs involved when you work with our professional roofing team.
IS THERE A “BEST” TIME OF THE YEAR TO REPLACE MY ROOF?
If you aren’t working under a timeline that requires immediate repairs, there are some times of the year that are better suited to having your roof replaced. Picking the “best” time to schedule your roof replacement project depends on a lot of factors including where you live, the weather, and the availability of qualified roofing contractors and materials. Warren Thompson & Son (and all roofing contractors) are busiest during late summer and early fall. Getting on the schedule early is an important strategy if you wish to have your roof replaced during this time of the year.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT MY ROOF IS DAMAGED?
To the untrained eye, it can be difficult to identify signs of roof damage from the ground. We recommend that you walk the perimeter of your home periodically or after a storm has blown through to look for obvious signs of roof damage. These can include missing, discolored, dented, torn, or ripped shingles, asphalt granules on the ground near your home, and dented or missing gutters. If you can see obvious damage to vehicles that may have been parked outside or other obvious damage caused by storm damage, you should also have Warren Thompson & Son come by to inspect your roof.
HOW LONG DO ASPHALT SHINGLES LAST?
Shingles come in different grades. The better the grade, the longer the life expectancy, which can range from 15 to more than 40 years.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF A METAL ROOF?
New alloys and coatings make metal roofing panels more durable, with extended lifecycles that exceed those of shingles or shakes. Today’s metal roofs can be expected to last at least 50 years.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REPLACE MY ROOF?
Most residential roofing jobs can be completed in a single day. If a roof takes more than one day, we clean and secure the site at the end of each day and take care to protect any vulnerable areas from the weather.
WILL YOU CLEAN UP AFTER MY ROOFING PROJECT?
Yes. At the end of the job, we conduct a thorough clean-up and walk-through. You approve final cleaning upon completion, and we won’t leave until you are happy!

Have More Questions?

You can always contact the roofing experts at Warren Thompson & Son with any questions about roof repair or replacement. As Warren County’s trusted roofing expert for 47 years, you can always expect an honest, fair, and professional evaluation of your home’s roof.  Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our residential roofing experts.

Siding FAQs

HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH SIDING MATERIAL TO USE?
You have several choices when it comes to siding your home, from traditional wood siding to more advanced materials like fiber cement. The decision on which is best for your home depends on many factors, including how long you plan to remain in your home, local weather conditions, budget and your tolerance for maintenance.
WOULDN'T IT BE CHEAPER TO CONTINUE PAINTING MY WOOD SIDING?
Compared to the cost of painting your home every few years – more than $50,000 over the life of your home – low-maintenance siding is a bargain. With a service life that is counted in decades, the initial investment you make in siding your home will be paid back quickly.
DOES VINYL SIDING REQUIRE MAINTENANCE?
To keep it looking its best, you should wash vinyl occasionally with mild soap and a garden hose.
WHAT IS INSULATED VINYL SIDING?
Insulated siding includes a layer of strong foam insulation attached to the back of the siding panel. This extra layer of insulation keeps your home warmer during cold winter nights and cooler during the warm summer months. This can translate into lower monthly energy bills that over the life of the siding can add up to significant savings.
WHAT IS FIBER CEMENT SIDING AND HOW IS IT MADE?
Fiber cement is made of a mixture of wood fiber, Portland cement, sand and water. The mixture is molded and cured under high heat to create a material that looks like wood but lasts much longer with minimal maintenance.
HOW LONG DOES FIBER CEMENT SIDING LAST?
James Hardie fiber cement siding includes a warranty of 30 or 50 years when installed by a certified contractor. It can last much longer when properly maintained.
DO YOU OFFER MATCHING TRIM AND ACCESSORIES FOR MY SIDING INSTALLATION?
Yes. Warren Thompson & Son offers many trim packages to complete your home’s siding makeover.

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