Construction Tips And Wisdom
Homeowner Questions Answered
No sales pitch. No keyword fluff. Just honest answers to the questions homeowners actually ask about roofs, siding, and gutters.
We built this resource because homeowners deserve clear information before they ever pick up the phone. Whether you're dealing with a leak, planning a replacement, or just trying to understand what your contractor is telling you, these guides are here to help.
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What You'll Find Here
Practical answers to common roofing, siding, and gutter questions.
Each article breaks down one specific problem or decision with clear steps, realistic costs, and what to watch out for.
Written by contractors who've seen these situations hundreds of times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my roof is leaking?
Water stains on ceilings or walls, missing or damaged shingles, wet insulation in the attic, or visible daylight through roof boards are the most common signs.
What causes roof leaks and how do I stop them?
Most leaks come from failed flashing around chimneys and vents, damaged or missing shingles, worn valley seals, or clogged gutters causing water backup.
Stopping them requires finding the source and fixing the entry point, not just patching the stain inside.
How long should my roof last?
Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20 to 25 years, metal roofs 40 to 70 years, depending on material quality, installation quality, ventilation, and climate.
Most roofs fail early due to poor ventilation or installation errors, not material defects.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
Repair if damage is isolated and the roof is under 15 years old.
Replace if you have multiple problem areas, the roof is over 20 years old, or you're seeing widespread granule loss and curling shingles.
When in doubt, get an honest inspection.
What does a roof inspection include?
A thorough roof inspection checks shingles or panels, flashing around penetrations, valleys and ridges, ventilation, gutters, soffits and fascia, attic moisture and insulation, and structural deck condition.
You should get a written report with photos and prioritized recommendations.
Metal roof vs shingle roof - which is better?
Metal roofs last longer and require less maintenance but cost more upfront.
Shingle roofs cost less initially and are easier to repair but need replacement sooner.
The right choice depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay in the home, and your climate.
What's the best roofing material for my home?
Asphalt shingles work well for most homes and budgets.
Metal is better for longevity and severe weather.
Your choice should consider roof pitch, architectural style, local climate, HOA rules, and whether you plan to stay long-term or sell soon.
Do I Need To Replace My Underlayment
Yes. Underlayment is your roof's secondary water barrier.
Skipping it to save money is a critical mistake that voids most warranties and leads to premature failure. Always replace underlayment during a reroof.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most residential roof replacements take 2 to 4 days depending on size, complexity, weather, and material type.
Delays happen due to rain, material delivery issues, or discovering hidden deck damage during tear-off.
What should I expect during a roof replacement?
Expect noise, debris, and strangers on your property for several days.
Good contractors protect your landscaping, do daily clean-up including magnetic nail sweeps, communicate progress, and complete the job on schedule.
You should stay informed but won't need to be home the entire time.
Do I need to be home during roof installation?
No, but someone should be available by phone.
Contractors need access to exterior outlets and water, and decisions sometimes need to be made if hidden damage is found.
Most homeowners go to work as usual and check in at the end of each day.
How much does a new roof cost?
A typical residential roof replacement costs between 8000 and 15000 dollars for asphalt shingles, or 15000 to 30000 dollars for metal, depending on size, pitch, complexity, and material quality.
Get three written estimates and compare what's included, not just the bottom line.
Will insurance cover my roof replacement?
Insurance typically covers sudden damage from storms or fire, but not wear and tear or age-related failure.
If you have documented storm damage, file a claim quickly and get a professional inspection to support it.
Roofs over 20 years old may face depreciation or coverage limits.
Should I pay for a roof inspection before buying a home?
Yes. A 200 to 400 dollar roof inspection can save you thousands by identifying problems before closing.
If the roof needs replacement soon, you can negotiate with the seller or budget for it.
Don't rely on general home inspectors for detailed roof assessments.
How do I know if my gutters are working properly?
Gutters should drain water away from your foundation without overflowing, sagging, or leaking at seams.
Check during heavy rain - if water spills over edges, pools near the foundation, or you see rust and rot, your gutters aren't working.
Should I add gutter guards?
Gutter guards reduce maintenance and prevent clogs if you have trees nearby, but they're not foolproof.
Quality systems cost 8 to 12 dollars per linear foot installed. Cheap snap-on guards often cause more problems than they solve.
How do I know if my siding needs to be replaced?
Replace siding if you see cracks, warping, rot, water intrusion behind panels, or significantly faded color.
Isolated damage can be repaired, but widespread issues across multiple walls usually mean it's time for full replacement.
Vinyl vs fiber cement siding - which should I choose?
Vinyl costs less and requires minimal maintenance but can crack in cold and fade in sun.
Fiber cement is more durable and fire-resistant but costs more and requires painting every 10 to 15 years. Both last 30 to 50 years when installed properly.
How to Use This Resource
Each article answers one specific question with no fluff. You can read start to finish or jump to the section that matters most. We update articles as products, codes, and best practices change.
Have a question we haven't covered? Email us at Kingsconstructionllctn@gmail.com and we'll add it to the list.
Why We Wrote These Guides
We're contractors, not marketers. We've spent over a decade answering the same questions from homeowners - what's normal, what's urgent, what's a rip-off, what's worth the investment.
These guides exist because homeowners deserve clear information before they spend thousands of dollars or deal with a contractor who talks in circles. No sales pitch. No pressure. Just the information you need to make good decisions about your home.
If you have questions after reading, call us. If you want to work with us, great. If you just needed answers and want to hire someone else, that's fine too, we wrote these to help