Does your Roof need Repair or Replacement

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Does your Roof need Repair or Replacement

Roofs are a tricky aspect of homes since they are such a necessity and yet the average homeowner doesn’t know all too much about them. That’s why we, at Pennsylvania Homes, interviewed Gary Subers of S&S Remodeling Contractors, Inc. to get inside, professional information on how to know exactly what’s happening with your roof.

About S&S Remodeling Contractors, Inc.:

S&S (Subers and Sons) was started in 1953 by my Grandfather Walt and his two sons Walt and Ray (my Dad) in Havertown. In 1960 they moved to our current location in Brookhaven Pa.

Services:

We have always been a full-service exterior remodeling company:

  • Roofing
  • Siding
  • Window and Door Replacement
  • Gutters
  • Sunrooms and Screen Enclosures

What Are Visible Signs a Roof Needs Repair?

Obviously, a leak would be a tell-tale sign. Leaks usually occur at flashing points, where shingles meet walls, chimneys, or other objects protruding from the roof such as plumbing and bathroom vents. Most leaks can be repaired as long as the shingles haven’t started or have already reached their useful life. As shingle ages, the chemical properties in the shingle begin to dry out causing granules to come lose and shrinking, cracking, and cupping appear.

Consequences of Ignoring a Damaged Roof?

Neglect causes leaks that lead to drywall or plaster damage, wet fiberglass insulation, and mold. Perhaps the most costly condition associated with neglect is the roof’s sheathing and rafters. The most common roof sheathing is plywood. This is made up of thin veneers of wood glued together to form a structural sheet of lumber. Wetness trapped under old shingles can delaminate the veneers of the plywood making it spongy and no longer capable of holding nails. This can also lead to rotted rafters which are the “bones” of the roof. Both of these conditions can be very costly repairs, sometimes adding up to twice the cost of the roof being attended to in time.

How Often Should a Roof Receive Maintenance?

Years ago, it was common for shingle manufactures to only rate products for 15 to 20 years. Most 3 tab shingles or flat shingles only had a 15 year life expectancy. Improvements have been made today where it is not unusual to rate some of the better dimensional or architectural shingles for 30 and even 50 years. Shingles now have copper coated granules and algae inhibitors that extend the life and beauty of the roof. Even with today’s improvements, you should have a reputable company check your roof every 5 to 8 years for flashing and sealant maintenance. .

What New, Durable, Roofing Material is Now Available?

Most commonly asphalt/fiberglass shingles are the choice of most homeowners. If purchased from a reputable manufacture such as GAF, Certainteed, Owens Corning, Tamko (there are others) they represent the best value and a cosmetically appealing roof lasting for years with sometimes little or no maintenance. Also available are traditional cedar shake, slate, and standing seam or metal pan roofing.

For Homeowners Whose Roofs Need Repairs, Where Do They Start?

My biggest advice to homeowners is to find a reputable company that offers repair services. Unfortunately, the roofing business is saturated with companies that don’t understand proper flashing and installation techniques. Since most homeowners won’t go up on the roof to check the work it is critical they use a company they can trust. Local accreditation services such as the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List are a good start. Keep in mind, that most contractors don’t want to repair shotty work from a “fly by night” roofer. Always hire a professional with proper accreditations and repairs won’t become necessary.

How Can Homeowners Tell if Their Roof Needs Repairs or Replacements?

If homeowners know the age of your shingles (and if the homeowners didn’t actually contract the job, most home inspection reports would have an estimated age), then, a good rule of thumb is if the roof is no more than 75% through its useful life, a repair may be okay. For example, if your roof had a 30-year shingle installed 15 years ago, then it’s only ½ way through its useful life. Generally, a leak, in this case, would be caused by improper flashing or storm damage. If a “roofer” tells you you need a new roof, get a second opinion from a reputable company.

Additional Roofing Advice?

As a full-service remodeling contractor, we have consumers ask us for estimates on a variety of home replacements, repairs and full remodels. If a roof is at all questionable, I always suggest making that item your top priority. It protects every other asset below it (which is everything in your home). We know that we (S&S Remodeling Contractors) are not the only company out there. We fight every day to make sure we continue offering quality products and professional installation at fair and reasonable prices. Make sure the remodeling contractor you choose has a good history and reputation and is in good standing with the better business bureau. Even if they say they stand behind their work, their warranty isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on if they are out of business.

Our Exterior Remodeling Specialties

Serving Brookhaven PA

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S & S Remodeling Contractors LLC IconS & S Remodeling Contractors LLC

4401 Edgmont Avenue, Brookhaven

4.7 87 reviews

  • Avatar Lance Minka ★★★★★ 3 months ago
    Installed 2 windows and 2 doors in less than 2 days at my condo. The whole process was very professional. I contacted a total of 6 contractors and S&S were the only ones that were willing and able of giving me a quote. Julian came over and walked me through all my options and the process from start to finish. Chris … read more the only installer was exceptional and very detail oriented. Overall very happy with the results and would recommend them to anyone looking to get remodeling work done.
  • Avatar Jessica Mesaros ★★★★★ 3 months ago
    Honestly the whole process was seamless! Everyone from Julian, Gavin, Nancy, To Chris was very professional, reachable, and great to work with. We love our new doors and they came super fast! Chris the contractor was awesome
  • Avatar Love Stuffins ★★★★★ 4 months ago
    Julian and the team at S&S Remodeling Contractors are fantastic! Working with them to update the exterior of my vacation home was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. From the initial consultation to the final installation, they were knowledgeable, professional, and a pleasure to work with. The quality of their … read more work is top-notch, and my new roof, siding, windows, and doors have brought new life to my home. I would highly recommend S&S Remodeling Contractors to anyone looking to update their home's exterior. Thanks, Julian, for a job well done!
  • Avatar Katherine Goodwin ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    S&S Remodeling did a spectacular job installing my new windows & patio sliding door!! I appreciate the opportunity to work with a longstanding local business. The S&S workers were very courteous and true "Skilled Masters" of their craft. They took care of every detail as specified, applied extra … read more seals, cleaned up and even helped to ensure to put up safeguards to prevent any insects or debris from coming into my home. In addition to adding a new look & feel to my home, they also took the time to explain the process and functionality of my new windows and patio door. I'm very thankful for their top-quality efforts!!
  • Avatar Janet Freeman ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    Replaced screened in porch with a sun room.
    My wife and I always worry that when we hire someone to do a job for us that they’re talented and will they be nice people. You can understand our anxiety of doing our first big project, our screened in porch that has been here for 60 years! Well you guys did it well and Christopher
    … read more and Austin were the best. Electrician additions were nicely taken care of. Hooray for S & S!! And thank you so very much for doing a fantastic job…..Jan and Den
  • Avatar Samuel Korolev ★★★★★ 8 months ago
    Sean was a great point of contact for us at S&S. Very communicative and responsive. Worked with us and our hours of availability, and made sure to check in before and after the roofing project. Let alone the project came out looking great with no mess left behind. Big fans of S&S after this experience

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