FAQ
Common questions.
The questions we get asked most often. If yours isn't here, give us a call. We'd rather answer it than guess.
Process
- How long does a roof replacement take?
- Most asphalt shingle replacements on an average Vermont home take 1–2 days. Standing seam metal is 2–4 days. Flat roofs run 2–5 days depending on size and tear-off. We schedule weather windows tightly. We don't tear off your old roof unless we're confident we can dry it in the same day.
- Do you handle insurance claims?
- Yes. For storm and ice-dam damage we'll do the inspection, document with photos, and work directly with your adjuster. We don't charge extra to handle insurance paperwork. We also won't pressure you to file a claim if the damage isn't significant. Sometimes the right call is to pay out of pocket and avoid the premium hit.
- What if you find rotten decking once you tear off?
- We replace it. We quote a per-sheet price up front so there are no surprises. Typical project finds 0–4 sheets needing replacement. We document every sheet replaced with photos in your final report.
- Should I repair or replace?
- If your roof is under 15 years old and the damage is localized. A torn shingle, a failed pipe boot, a bad valley. Repair. If your roof is over 20 years old, or you've had multiple repairs in the past few years, replacement is usually cheaper over the next decade. We'll tell you straight.
Pricing
- How much more does metal cost than asphalt?
- Standing seam metal typically runs 2–2.5x the cost of an architectural asphalt shingle roof on the same home. The flip side: 75+ year service life vs. 25–30 for asphalt. Over the life of the home, metal is often cheaper per year.
Materials
- Is a metal roof loud in the rain?
- Done right, no. The myth comes from old metal roofs installed directly over thin sheathing with no underlayment. We install over a high-density synthetic underlayment with full sheathing. Sound transmission is comparable to or quieter than asphalt. We can show you a job to walk into during a rain if you want to hear it for yourself.
- What colors do you offer for metal roofing?
- Most premium standing seam systems offer 20+ colors. The most popular in Vermont: charcoal, slate gray, dark bronze, and matte black. We bring full-size color samples on the inspection so you can see them in your light, against your siding.
- EPDM or TPO for my flat roof?
- Depends on the roof. EPDM (rubber) is rugged and forgiving. Great over older substrates with imperfect surfaces. TPO is whiter (lowers cooling load), heat-welded for stronger seams, and looks cleaner. We'll recommend based on your specific roof: substrate condition, exposure, and budget.
- How long does a flat roof last in Vermont?
- A properly-installed single-ply flat roof (EPDM or TPO) should last 25–30 years in our climate. The two things that shorten that life: ponding water (we fix this with tapered ISO insulation) and bad seams (we fix this with heat-welded or fully-adhered seams instead of caulked laps).
Service & inspection
- I had ice dams last winter. What damage should I check for?
- Ice dams force water under the shingle line, where it can rot decking, soak insulation, and stain ceilings. Common signs: stained drywall in upstairs rooms, mold/mildew in attic insulation, or peeling paint at the eaves. We'll check the attic and the roof and tell you what we find. With photos.
- My insurance company just told me they won't continue with home insurance unless we get the roof inspected. Can you help?
- Yes. We're happy to come provide an inspection and recommendation. Give us a call to get the ball rolling.
- Do you walk the roof or use a drone?
- Both, depending. We walk if the pitch and conditions allow. You see more on foot. We drone-inspect when the roof is too steep, too icy, or too high to walk safely. The photo report is the same quality either way.
Get in touch
Let's work together.
Tell us about your project. We'll get back to you quickly with next steps.