Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Installation and Replacement

From our convenient location in New Baden, Ill., Crown is able to handle roofing jobs across the St. Louis Metro East, including cities in Clinton, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington Counties. All of our manufacturer-trained, highly-experienced installers live and work in the communities they serve.

Installing a new roof on top of an old one is not recommended. Sure, you may save money in the short run without the need for a roof tear off, but it’ll cost more in the long run because the life expectancy of your new roof will be reduced by half, and in most cases, void your warranties.

If a contractor installs a second roof layer, the air flow becomes constricted, causing the shingles underneath to smother and overheat. As a result, the old shingles dry out and curl up, damaging the new shingles sitting on top of them. Plus, double layers cause your home to retain a greater amount of heat, forcing your air conditioning system to work harder and driving up your energy bill.

There are a number of indicators that suggest it’s time for a roof placement, including a persistent leak, unexplained mold inside your home, torn, cracked or curling shingles, a loss of granules, missing shingles or a visible underlayment, and flashing pulling away from the structure.

Asphalt shingles are covered with ceramic granules that reflect water and light to protect the underlying material, and ultimately your roof. As UV light and heat dry out your shingles, water wears away at any loose granules. The more granules lost, the faster your roof will deteriorate.

Curling is an indication that the oils are starting to evaporate, and the shingle is shrinking, exposing the plywood underneath. Water can then deteriorate the wood decking, which allows water to enter your home.

At Crown, we do not recommend tar as the only seal on your chimney. The recommended method of flashing a chimney is to use a quality ice and water underlayment, aluminum step flashing, and depending on what your chimney is made of, a surface or inset counter flashing.

No, you don’t have to be home for our inspection, but we would like you to be present when we explain our estimate so we can answer any questions you may have.

Unlike many roofing estimates which are performed by a temporary sales team, all Crown quotes are handled by co-owner Bernie Thebeau who has years of experience in the field. There is no charge for new roof estimates – however, there may be a charge for repair and inspection estimates.

Because every roof is different in terms of area, pitch, story level, and installation difficulty, a precise estimate requires an in-person inspection. In addition, the style of roofing shingles can also impact the final roof replacement cost. By understanding your goals, needs and budget, Crown co-owner Bernie Thebeau can help determine the best roofing option for you.

• The lifespan of a roof depends on the materials used, installation quality, and local
  weather conditions.
• Typical roof lifespans include:
  
  • Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles: 15–25 years
  • Architectural Shingles: 25–40 years

Southern Illinois experiences high winds, hail, heavy rain, humidity, and seasonal temperature swings, all of which can affect the lifespan of a roofing system.

Regular roof inspections, prompt repairs, and preventative maintenance can help maximize the life of your roof and protect your home from costly damage.

Hail damage can appear in several ways, including:

• Dents or bruising on asphalt shingles
• Cracked shingles
• Damaged flashing
• Dented gutters and downspouts
• Shingle granules in gutters

Not all hail damage is visible from the ground. Many homeowners don’t discover storm-related roof damage until months later when leaks begin to develop.

If your home has recently experienced severe weather, Crown Roofing & Exteriors can perform a comprehensive storm damage inspection to identify any issues before they become costly repairs.

Architectural asphalt shingles are one of the most durable and popular roofing materials for homeowners throughout the Metro East. When properly installed and maintained, architectural shingles can last 25 to 40 years while providing excellent protection against the region’s changing weather conditions.

Factors that impact the lifespan of your roof include installation quality, ventilation, storm exposure, and routine maintenance.

Our team can help you choose the best roofing system for your budget, home style, and long-term goals.

Most roofing professionals recommend a roof inspection:

• After major storms
• Before buying or selling a home
• If you notice signs of damage

Routine inspections help identify small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

Crown Roofing & Exteriors provides professional roof inspections throughout the Metro East including New Baden, Belleville, Edwardsville, Highland, O’Fallon, and Shiloh Illinois.

Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage caused by:

• Hail
• Wind
• Falling trees
• Severe storms

Coverage varies based on your individual policy and the cause of the damage.

If you suspect storm damage, it’s important to schedule a professional roof inspection as soon as possible. Our team can document damage and provide the information needed to help homeowners better understand the condition of their roof.