A green house with the installation of new GAF charcoal shingles.


Many people believe that when you become a homeowner, you have achieved one of the biggest goals a person can accomplish. Owning your own home comes with many responsibilities that a new homeowner may never have considered. No more calling your landlord when something breaks; everything is your responsibility now, including knowing about your roof.  

An asphalt roof is more than shingles. A roof is a roofing system comprised of shingles, roof deck gutters, roof vents, and more. It has been built to withstand the elements while whisking water away from your home to keep you and your property dry and safe.  

With the parts and pieces, many homeowners in Mechanicsville VA have roofing questions. In Shanco’s blog, we are going to answer some of the more commonly asked questions that homeowners have regarding their roofs.    

How Long Does It Take to Install a New Roof  

This question depends on just a couple of variables that could change the roofing project finish time, but not by much. It comes down to how much manpower is available for the job, roof type, the weather, and how experienced the crew is. With an experienced crew, it should take between one to three days to install asphalt shingle roofs.    

What Are the Signs of Roof Damage in Mechanicsville, VA? 

You can start by heading up to your attic with a flashlight and checking for a few things there. If you see sunlight seeping in from your roof, then you have holes that need to be taken care of. Look around the area and see if you notice any stains or discoloration; this means that you have a leaking issue and, in fact, could use Mechanicsville roof repair or replace.  

Additional interior signs of a damaged roof are wet spots or signs of moisture on the roof decking. A musty attic, visible mold or mildew are surefire signs that there could be a roof leak.  

Also, climb up to your roof and do a visual inspection along the exterior of your roof. If you notice any damaged or warped shingles or visible holes or damage to your roof, you may want to consider a  roof replacement 

When to replace your roof? When the wear and tear has become too great. And it doesn’t make financial sense to repair it as those repairs won’t last more than a year. Prolonging a replacement can cause further damage that causes replacement costs to increase.  

How Do I Maintain My Roof to Extend Its Lifespan? 

Preventing roof leaks Mechanicsville, VA may feel like a tall task but keeping a regular routine and knowing what to do will help protect your roof.  

First, schedule regular roof inspections. But how often? After high winds, hail, and other severe weather conditions. Having a pulse check on the overall condition of the roof will keep caulking fresh, granule loss accounted for, and any storm damage or hail hits identified. 

A trusted Mechanicsville roofer will know if there is enough damage to turn it over to your insurance company. 

Second, one of the most important roof leak repair tips is, if your roof is getting older, keep tabs on it. If it’s 12+ years old, get regular inspections. Shanco recommends inspections once in the spring and once in the fall. This will provide you with optimum roof care in Mechanicsville, VA. These regular inspections will catch wear and tear and give you a good gauge of your roof’s lifespan.  

What are other roof maintenance tips for homes in Mechanicsville? 

  • Clean your gutters 

  • Trim trees away from your roof 

  • Remove debris from your roof 

  • Spot check your attic for moisture issues and leaks 

How to Prepare for a New Roof Installation  

You can start by checking your roof for any hazards or things that might get in the way of the roofers. Look around your yard and see if any items could be in harm's way. Patio furniture or kid's yard toys can be damaged by debris being tossed below.  

If you have anything important stored in your attic, make sure that it is protected or removed. Contractors will be walking across your roof, and using nail guns, although the chance is slight that a foot or errant nail could find its way through your roof.  

Lastly, be a good neighbor; notify your surrounding neighbors that you will be getting your roof replaced and that there will be extra noise in the neighborhood.  

How Long Will a New Roof Last?  

That all depends on the materials that you use for your roof installation.   

Asphalt shingles are between 20 to 25 years before needing to be replaced again. A new residential roof is a prime example of getting what you pay for, and the more you are looking to spend, the longer your life expectancy will be.  

How Do I Choose the Best Roofing Contractor?  

Hiring a roofing contractor comes down to three things:  

  • Do your homework 

  • Ask questions 

  • Do some research 

Call your local roofing companies and compare them; many offer free consultations and estimates, so take advantage of that. Look into the reviews, specifically through word of mouth, and read into the reviews on Google and Nextdoor. The most honest reviews you will get are from previous customers.  

Investigate how long they have operated in the roofing industry. Avoid fly by night roofers and too good to be true deals. You want someone to trust.  

Ask roofing warranty questions, because choosing a roofing contractor is buying peace of mind. 

Look how they treat the customer's yard and roof; if they seem too nonchalant about the job, consider another roofing company.    

Hopefully, these answered all the questions that you may have. It may sound like a significant endeavor when you need your roof replaced, but it will be a breeze when you have the right roofing company. 

Shanco has been operating in the VA area since 2002. We’ve completed countless roof repair and replacement projects. Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection in Mechanicsville, VA.