Professional roofers get the same questions over and over, plus a few random ones thrown in there for good measure. Just because they know roofing like the back of their hand doesn’t meant that every homeowner has that same information.

It’s important to ask questions if you don’t know something – that’s the only way you’ll find out. And your professional roofing contractor is the perfect person to ask because they’ve seen many issues time and time again. They have the experience behind them to know about all types of roofing topics, but they are also down-to-earth people who can explain the answers to your questions on a level that you’ll understand, even if you know absolutely nothing about roofing.

Here are some common questions home and business owners ask about their roofs:

• Do I need a new roof, or can mine be repaired?

This will be determined by age and/or damage. If the roof is over 20 years old, it’s probably nearing the end of its life anyway, so if it is damaged, your best bet is to go ahead and replace it. A newer roof that gets damaged may not need to be replaced, only repaired.

• How much is a new roof?

There’s no possible way to guess how much your new roof will cost without an estimate. The roofer will decide if you need to have the old roofing material removed, which can add up to $1,000 to the job. The roofing materials you choose and the labor rates that the contractor charges can make the cost of your new roof vary greatly. It’s a good idea to get more than one quote to make sure you get the best deal.

• How long does it take to install a new roof?

According to a top roofing company in Phoenix Arizona, it should take 3-4 days to install your new roof. The roofers will work fast to get your new roof in place so that no water is allowed to get inside your house. You may find that you have to wait for the weather to cooperate longer than it will actually take to put the new roof on. Most roofers won’t start a new job if there is a threat of rain in the forecast.

• Can I keep my gutters and downspouts even if my roof needs replacing?

This is a valid question in any case, but especially if you have copper gutters or some other expensive hardware. You can absolutely keep your gutters and downspouts even though you are having your roof repaired or replaced. A good contractor can work on the roof without damaging them.

• What if my new roof develops a leak?

Your roofing contractor should offer a guarantee, and there should also be a guarantee on the roofing material itself. The catch is that the roof must be installed correctly in order for the warranties to be valid. That’s why it’s so important for you to choose a roofing contractor who does high quality work. If you don’t, your warranties could be invalid, and you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any repairs.