ProCover Exteriors Common Roofing Questions & FAQs

Are You Covered, or Are You PRO Covered?

Choosing a contractor for home repair is no small undertaking.

Have no fear as you sort through siding, windows, and roofing questions! We know the important questions to ask a roofing contractor in Greensboro and the Triad. From when to get a siding lift to roof replacement questions, use our guide below to find answers to your questions.

General Questions

Is your business insured?

Yes. We are required by law to carry insurance.

Who should I call first if I think my roof is damaged—ProCover Exteriors or the insurance company?

Call ProCover Exteriors. Our trained professionals are roof experts. Insurance adjusters, while knowledgeable, are not. We look beyond surface damage and dive deeper to find all water damage and other underlying problems. This allows for a thorough inspection that will aid both the adjusters and the insurance company in providing the most comprehensive estimate.

Can you represent me during the insurance inspection?

Yes. ProCover Exteriors acts as your insurance advocate. Our professionally trained experts will be at your home during the insurance inspection to prove the extent of damage, explain the necessary repairs, and discuss the actual costs associated with said repairs. We’ll also negotiate your settlement with the insurance company to ensure the scope of work and budget will bring your roof back up to code.

Is your work backed by a warranty or guarantee?

Yes. All ProCover Exteriors work includes a 5-year labor warranty on roof and siding installations, new gutters, and replacement windows.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We offer flexible in-house exterior and roof financing options for any repairs that aren’t covered by an insurance claim.

Do you offer commercial roofing services?

Yes. Our commercial project managers are trained to provide comprehensive quotes for exterior services for commercial businesses. This includes roofing, siding, gutters, and windows.

Roofing Questions

What are the signs a roof needs to be replaced?

An old roof is not the only reason a roof should be replaced. Look for the following signs.

Curling or buckling asphalt shingles
Missing or damaged roof slate
A sagging roof deck
Excessive granules in the gutter system
Rust on a corrugated metal roof
Dented drip edge flashings
Mold
Light coming inside from the roof
A significant increase in energy bills
Water stains
Cracks around vents or pipes.

It’s important to have a roof inspection following large storms to verify the integrity of your roofing system.

Metal roofing vs. shingle roofing: Which is best for my home?

Roof replacement options depend on budget, aesthetics, and personal preferences. Both metal roofing and shingle roofing have advantages, and the best choice for your home depends on your specific needs and preferences. Shingles for roofing are generally perceived as quieter than metal, but proper roof ventilation for metal roofs can alleviate this.

The advantages of metal roof installations are plentiful, with a variety of metal roof materials and styles. The metal roof underlayment is durable, energy efficient, fire resistant, and low maintenance.
Shingles for a roof are generally less expensive, easier to repair, and offer a traditional look with countless shingle colors to match your home’s aesthetic and trim. Shingles are also durable, energy efficient, and low maintenance.

How long will my roof replacement take?

Every home and roof is different. Your specific needs will vary based on the square footage of your roof, requirements of the job, and your roofline or pitch. Contact ProCover Exteriors for your free roof replacement estimate.

Do I need to repair or replace my roof?

Our professional estimators will be able to properly assess any roof damage, from the inside out. If there is a way to save the roof or just repair a section, we will find it. Should the roof be replaced, ProCover Exteriors can act on your behalf with your insurance company.

Does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement?

Your policy is unique and can depend on the age of the roof, but our trained experts are pros at navigating insurance policies to get you the best deal possible.

How long does a roof last?

A roof’s lifespan will vary greatly depending on the type of material, quality of installation, climate, and how well the roof is maintained. The life of roofing shingles typically lasts up to 20‒30 years. Metal, like copper on the roof, can last up to 40‒70 years. Wood shingles can last up to 20‒40 years, wood dependent. And if you’re looking for tile roof installers, clay or concrete tiles can last up to 50‒100 years.

Gutter Questions

Will I have to replace my gutters and downspouts along with the roof?

Not always. Most homeowners choose to replace the gutters and roof simultaneously, but they can be saved if the gutters are new or in good working condition. ProCover Exteriors will take all necessary steps to protect your existing gutters.

Note: It is easier to have a drip edge installed without an existing gutter system in the way.

Can I repair my gutters instead of replacing them?

Not always. ProCover Exteriors offers Greensboro gutter repair to prevent water damage in your home. It is crucial to address damage promptly to maintain the integrity of your gutters. Contact us for a detailed inspection of your gutter system.

Will new gutters affect my roofing warranty?

This depends on your roof warranty. If gutter guards are installed under the first row of shingles to an existing roof, it can void your roof warranty. ProCover Exteriors gutter services are designed to protect your roof and warranty, but coverage may vary.

Do I need a drip edge or gutter apron?

This depends on your home and roof pitch. Both systems prevent water damage to the roof deck and fascia. Roofs with low slopes may work best with a gutter apron. Consult with ProCover Exteriors’ trained inspectors to determine which option is best suited to your specific roof line.

Siding Questions

How do I know when my siding needs to be replaced?

Damaged siding requires more than maintenance. Your siding needs to be replaced if you notice any of the following.

Loose or missing panels
Pest damage
Siding colors have faded
Buckled, cracked, sagging, or warped panels
Rotted siding
Blisters or bubbles in the finish.

Contact ProCover Exteriors for a free siding replacement estimate.

What are signs that mold or mildew are growing beneath my siding?

Look along the surface for water damage to the siding, and specifically, any mold along the bottom edge. If it grows on the bottom edge, there is a healthy chance that has led to mold under the siding panels. These panels need to be replaced.

How do I decide which siding material to use?

You have lots of siding options for your house. Fiber cement siding is especially durable against weather conditions like rain, high winds, sleet, and snow found in North Carolina. Vinyl siding on houses is low-cost, low maintenance, and more weather-resistant than wood siding. ProCover can work with all budgets and aesthetics to find you the perfect types of siding for your home.

Will it be more costly to replace my siding than to repaint my house?

The long-term investment and protection of fixing house siding outweighs the initial monetary benefits of painting existing siding. Yes, siding materials cost more than paint; however, painting is time-consuming and lacks the environmental protection that siding in good condition can offer. In addition, the house must be thoroughly cleaned and primed; otherwise, the paint will peel. Painting can also void your warranty on the existing siding. Materials like vinyl will never need to be painted and are a proper, long-term solution.

What is the average lifespan of siding?

Life expectancy of vinyl siding averages between 20‒40 years. Wood siding will last up to 20‒40 years. Aluminum siding will last up to 20‒40 years. Fiber cement siding replacement can take place approximately every 50 years.

What maintenance do I need to perform on my siding?

A good rule of thumb for siding maintenance is to check it at the start of every season and after any major storms. Inspect for damage and address minor repairs; remove and prevent mold; seal and caulk around doors and windows; look for cracks or damage from the sun or storm; and keep vegetation trimmed back.
Your home’s siding should also be cleaned regularly but be mindful when you clean siding with a pressure washer. The settings need to be low for power washing vinyl siding, brick exteriors, fiber cement siding, and wood exteriors. Powerful streams can cause the sealant to break down. (You may need to check with your siding manufacturer, as a soft wash may be recommended.) Make sure any repairs needed are done first to prevent water from getting behind the siding and causing mold growth.

Window Questions

Why should I consider replacement windows?

If you are suffering from drafty, sticking windows or high energy bills, it may be time to install replacement windows. New windows will improve the energy efficiency of your home and extend the life of your HVAC unit to make your home more comfortable, safer, and secure year-round. All new types of replacement windows will also quiet outside noise, improve your home’s appearance, and can dramatically increase your home’s value.

How long does a new window installation take?

Every project varies, depending on a number of factors including the number of windows in your home. The existing windows will be removed and the whole replacement area must be cleaned. New window frame material is installed with both caulking and trim. After this initial removal and preparation, your new energy efficient windows will be installed. The average pace for this process is 1‒2 days.

When is the best time of year to replace my windows?

The best time for new windows is in the Spring and Fall, and when upgrading your siding. However, we can replace windows any time of year. Temperate weather is optimal because the removed windows will leave a temporary open space in the house as they are being replaced. New replacement windows that are simultaneously installed with new siding ensures that the trim is only replaced once.

Will I really save money on heating and cooling costs if I replace my older windows with ENERGY STAR-approved replacement windows?

According to EnergyStar.gov, Energy Star-qualified windows lower household energy bills by an average of up to 13% nationwide.

What window frame material is the most energy-efficient?

There are several types of energy-efficient frames. Vinyl window frame materials are very affordable and durable. Vinyl is extremely energy efficient, has good insulating qualities, and is very low maintenance. Vinyl window frames are the modern alternative for replacing wood or aluminum window frame materials. Composite fiberglass is equally energy efficient and up to 8 times stronger than vinyl frames. With proper care, fiberglass can last up to 50 years while vinyl window frames can last up to 30 years.