FAQ
Common questions, answered directly.
If your question is not here, it depends on your house — and that is answered on a visit.
How long does a shingle roof last?+
It depends on the product, climate, slope, ventilation, and installation. Architectural asphalt is typically designed for decades, not forever. No serious contractor quotes an exact service life without seeing the house. Manufacturer warranties and installer warranties are different documents. Read them.
Repair or replace?+
If the damage is local and the rest of the roof is sound, a repair can be the honest move. If wear is widespread, the deck is soft, or there are several leaks, patching becomes an expensive cycle. That is decided at inspection, not on the phone. The Signs page shows photos of what local damage versus a worn-out roof usually looks like.
Do you work with my insurance?+
We can inspect and photograph what is visible. You file and follow your claim. ALVTA does not act as a public adjuster and does not promise that an insurer will pay for a job.
What shingles do you use?+
We work with architectural asphalt shingles from established manufacturers. The exact product is set in the proposal, based on slope, wind rating, and what you prioritize — look, budget, and manufacturer warranty terms.
What about my yard, gutters, and landscaping?+
A replacement creates debris and traffic. Part of the job is protecting access and picking up nails with a magnet at the end. Anything unusual about the yard is discussed before we start, not after.
Do you install in the rain?+
We do not leave a deck open to a storm on purpose. Weather sets the calendar. We would rather wait and do it right than cover it halfway.
Is ventilation required?+
Model residential codes (such as the IRC) typically require attic ventilation on most vented asphalt roofs, with net-free-area ratios. The exact number and the exceptions are confirmed by someone who knows the code in your jurisdiction. We do not stand in for the municipal inspector.
Do you do flat roofs or tile?+
This site explains the asphalt-shingle system because it is the most common on houses. If your roof is flat, metal, or tile, tell us. We will see whether it is a job we can take or whether it should be referred.
Want us to look at your roof?
A visit is not a purchase. It is to see what a photo cannot show, then talk numbers and scope in writing.