Education Center & Frequently Asked Questions

We provide clear and detailed information so you can make the decision that is best for you.

Roof Replacement Questions

When should I replace my roof?

90% of Seattle roofs are replaced when they are 17-22 years old.

How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced?

There can be multiple signs that your roof needs to be replaced. If a leak has made itself visible inside the home, it likely has caused some additional damage to the roof deck itself as well as the drywall inside of the home. Even if you don’t see a leak it could still be time to replace your roof. If the roof is sagging, shingles are missing, the fiberglass mat is showing through, shingles look old and worn, shingles are curling at the edges, or shingles have little to no granules left on them, it may be time to replace your roof.

What material should I choose for my new roof?

When choosing a material for your new roof, you should consider several factors such as durability, energy efficiency, lifespan, and maintenance requirements. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the US, they are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of colors and styles, but they have a shorter lifespan than other materials. PVC flat roofing is flexible, durable, and resistant to weather and chemicals, but it's more expensive than asphalt shingles and may require skilled professionals to install it correctly. Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular due to its durability, energy efficiency, and sleek appearance, but it may require more maintenance over time and may not be suitable for areas with heavy snow or rainfall due to the potential for noise. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Can I get a new roof in winter?

Absolutely! We are a Western Washington roofing company that works year-round and knows how to deal with challenging weather. We normally only need one decent weather day to tear off and “dry in” your roof. After that, it can rain all it wants and your home will stay cozy and dry while we finish installing your new roof.

How long will it take to get a new roof?

This will depend on the size, pitch, and complexity of your roof. Small to medium size houses usually take 1-3 days. Larger projects can take up to a week, or even more.

When can you start?

Any good roofing company should have a lead time of 4-12 weeks, depending on the time of year. Demand is always high for our services so even though there are roofing companies that can start next week, the Valentine Experience is worth the wait.

Is a metal roof better than shingles?

Metal roofs can last a very long time because of the strength of the material itself. A well-maintained metal roof can last anywhere from 30 to 70 years depending on the material used. Metal roofs can hold up to high winds and tend to be better against cracks and erosion, and are often more impact resistant. Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat and that can help reduce cooling costs by anywhere from 10 to 20% on average. Metal roofs are also a great option because they're made from 25-95% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan.

Roof Maintenance Questions

How often should I get my roof cleaned?

Roofs should be inspected and cleaned at least once per year, or twice a year in areas with high tree coverage. Maintaining your roof now will prevent costly problems later and will keep your investment and home in tip-top shape.

Is it safe to power wash a roof?

Power washing your roof will potentially do more harm than good. Roofing materials are not designed to withstand such extreme levels of water pressure. Using a power washer on a roof can speed up the degradation of materials, especially on composite roofs. The water pressure can lift shingles and cause leaking during and after the cleaning. Valentine Roofing would never recommend power washing a roof.

How much does it cost to clean a roof?

The cost of roof cleaning services typically varies by the size of the home. Valentine Roofing offers a yearly or bi-yearly maintenance plan which will keep your roof looking beautiful through every season.

What if my home currently has a leak?

We always try to move leaky roofs up on the schedule so they can be completed as soon as possible. Our roof repair team offers a leak stop guarantee for homeowners who need a short-term fix until our roof replacement crew can start work.

How much does it cost to repair a roof?

Roof size, pitch, and materials are the three main factors that determine cost. Every home and project is different and requires a skilled set of eyes to determine prices accurately.

Gutter Questions

What about gutters and skylights?

We recommend having your gutters and skylights replaced as part of your roofing project. Most customers who opt to not have their gutters and skylights replaced end up calling us within a year to get that work done.

How much should I pay for seamless gutters?

The cost for seamless gutters will usually vary based on factors such as the total linear footage of gutters required, the number of downspouts, and other materials.

Finance Questions

How much does a new roof cost?

Roof size, pitch, and materials are the three main factors that determine cost. Consult our pricing tool to get a rough estimate of what your roof replacement will cost.

How many bids should I get?

We recommend getting three bids and making sure one of them is Valentine Roofing!

What is your process for free estimates?

We provide free, detailed estimates that we print out and hand to you on the spot. This takes an hour or two, depending on your roof. Just to be safe, we ask that you set aside two hours. Our sales estimators are usually booked out 7-14 days for providing new estimates.

Other Questions

Will your crews need to use my bathroom?

All of our crews have portable bathroom trailers that are branded and look just like tool trailers. We are one of the few roofing companies in the area to have this equipment.

Do you have your own crews?

All of our crews are full-time, year-round, highly trained employees. We never subcontract and have very little turnover; in fact, many of our roofers have been with us for years. We always have a long list of roofer applicants, but we are very selective in our hiring. The best roofers want to have a career with us because we take excellent care of our employees.

Can a handyman repair a roof?

We recommend hiring a licensed and insured, professional roofing contractor. There are many complexities to roofing that require a specially skilled set of hands to complete. At Valentine Roofing, we provide full-time employment, year-round for our expert employees and every crew is led by a site foreman that remains onsite throughout the entire roofing project. In addition, we have dedicated experience managers that handle all the logistical needs of every project from start to finish.

Still have questions about your upcoming roofing project?Contact Valentine Roofing and talk to one of our home improvement experts today.