Choosing a Seattle roofing company

frequently asked questions

  • When should I replace my existing roof?

    Beyond the obvious signs of moss or missing shingles, time is the biggest indicator. Generally, the majority of roofs that were installed with older materials last 10-20 years. (Today’s roofs, made with superior products, last longer.) If your roof was installed in the 1990’s, we recommend you get a professional out to look at it. Our Valentine Roofing representative will be happy to give you a detailed assessment of your roof’s condition and lifespan, along with a free estimate if needed.

  • How long do new roofs last?

    Twenty to 30 years is a reasonable expectation for newer roofing products in the Seattle area..

  • Can you find quality shake these days?

    Absolutely! Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of high quality, old growth cedar shakes available. And due to newer pressure treatment methods, they last longer than the shakes roofers used 10-20 years ago.

  • What are composition, composite, asphalt and architectural shingles?

    They’re different names for the same product. Composition shingles, made of asphalt and fiberglass, are often called asphalt or architectural shingles. They’re made up of two or more layers, cut and laminated to give more depth to the finished look, as well as adding a longer life to the shingle.

  • When can you start?

    We can usually start within 30 days.

  • How long will it take?

    Almost all of Valentine Roofing’s projects are completed within seven working days. Most take as little as three or four days. We typically work Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before you know it, the job is done and your life is back to normal.

  • What happens if it rains?

    We work year round. And since we’re a Seattle roofing company, we’re used to installing new roofs in the rain. We’ll always keep your attic dry; on the other hand, it’s perfectly okay if roofing materials get wet during the installation, that’s what they were made for.

  • Do you have your own employees?

    Yes. We have the same employees year round, with very little turnover.

  • How many employees work on a crew?

    We have four to six people on a crew, including a foreman. They are skilled craftsmen who work for us year round. They stay on your job start to finish.

  • Do I have to be home during the project?

    No, but you’ll need to be available by phone. We just need the driveway clear, with no cars parked in it, and access to a power outlet. You could go to Hawaii if you wanted to and come home when it’s done.

  • Can I get a new roof in winter?

    You bet. We install roofs year round in the Seattle area, and work with the same crew, so you’ll get the same outstanding quality in December that you get in July.

  • What if you find rotten wood when you tear off the roof?

    We always replace any rotten wood we find. We charge $75 an hour, plus materials.

  • When should gutters and skylights be replaced?

    It makes sense to replace gutters and skylights when you replace your roof, because they have the same lifespan. So that’s what a lot of people do.

  • What license and insurance requirements are needed for roofers?

    The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries works on behalf of homeowners to make sure companies are properly bonded and insured before they issue a license. So every legitimate roofing company must have a contractors license—it’s your guarantee that they’re properly insured and bonded, which protects you.

  • What if someone gets hurt on my property?

    As long as  homeowners choose a licensed company, they will not be liable for any injuries on their property. If the company is not licensed, however, then the homeowner is liable.

  • Is it true that a material supplier can put a lien on my house?

    The State of Washington sees the homeowner as the general contractor, so you are ultimately responsible for the roofing company you hire. If they fail to pay for materials used for your roofing project, then the company who supplied the materials can put a lien on your home. The moral: Always choose a company that’s in excellent standing with their suppliers, like Valentine Roofing.

  • What about metal, rubber or tile roofs?

    Metal, rubber and tile roofing materials are significantly more expensive—50% more expensive than composition or cedar shake. We don’t install or recommend them, because we don’t think they’re worth it. Rubber, which is made of recycled tires, does not have a quality look. They peel and they smell. Metal can be difficult to repair or alter. So if you decide to remodel or something falls on the roof and damages it, it will be very hard to find someone to do the job right or to get an exact match. Most roofs that look like tile roofs are actually metal. As for actual concrete tiles, they break and leak easily in our Seattle climate. Tile roofs work great in hot, sunny Arizona, but don’t work well at all in Western Washington.

  • What maintenance is needed on a new roof?

    Generally speaking, today’s shake and composition roofs don’t require maintenance. Of course if you do see moss or excessive amounts of debris from nearby trees, those should be cleared off the roof.

I need a roof estimate!                              425.354.4900