Roof Restoration and Maintenance FAQs

Sutter Roofing has been handling your commercial roofing needs in Florida for decades and the company has existed since 1902! We often receive questions about roof repairs, restoration, and maintenance so we have created this FAQ page with common questions about roofing. If you have any questions about our services please call us at 800-741-0090.

What are the common types of roof damage that may need repair?

Four general types of roof damage can signal the need for repair:

• Membrane damage — Roof membranes over time can crack, split, or tear for reasons including exposure to the sun, high winds, excessive foot traffic, and more. Where the membrane sections are lapped can also fail, but that is often a sign of a bad original installation.
• Drains and gutters — Drains, gutters, and scuppers can become loose over time or cracks can occur where they are mated to the roof membrane. This can allow water to enter the building.
• Flashing — This can often be an ignored source of water intrusion because the flashing appears intact while there are cracks or other separations present due to heat expansion or high wind damage.
• Ponding water — Standing water that remains long after a rainstorm can indicate either a problem with the roof drain system or a possible sub-roof settling problem.

What are the common signs I may need a new roof?

• Missing shingles — If you have more than a couple of missing shingles, or you lose shingles after a windy day, your roof has reached its useful life and needs replacement.
• Excessive granules in the drain system — If you notice piles of granules from a shingled roof at the ground near downspouts you need a new roof. Granules cover the asphalt shingle material and prevent sun and rain damage. As a roof ages the granules will become detached. It reaches the point when the roof shingles are not protected and need replacement.
• Cracked or curled shingles — Shingled roofs need replacing when you notice shingles are developing cracks or are curling up.
• Mold or algae — Excessive amounts of mold, algae, or other plant growth means the roof is staying wet and it will fail. A wet roof will damage the building over time so the subroof should also be inspected and repaired during the roof replacement.
• Do interior water stains always indicate a roof leak? — Not necessarily, water stains can also be caused by plumbing problems, a leaking fire sprinkler system, or air conditioner drain issues. We can inspect the roof and determine whether it is the cause of your internal water issues.

Can a new roof be installed over the old one?

In some cases, a new roof can be installed over an old one. Buildings with asphalt shingle roofs can normally support two roofs, but if there are already two in place they should be removed. This also allows us to inspect and repair the subroof structure and repair it as needed, then we will install a new moisture barrier membrane before installing the new roof. Flat roofs membranes should normally be removed before adding a new roof which allows for a good inspection of the subroof, gutters, and flashing. Contact Sutter Roofing and we can offer our recommendations for the best way to install your new commercial roof.

Why should I use a licensed contractor to install my roof?

A licensed contractor and its employees have been certified by the state to perform their job to specific standards and building codes. An unlicensed contractor has not taken these certification exams and there is no guarantee or protection for you against poor workmanship or outright fraud.

How long will it take to install my new roof?

This depends on many factors; the size of the building, the type of roofing your building uses, any underlying damage that may need repair, and so forth. Contact Sutter Roofing and we can prepare a more detailed quotation for your building.

Should my new roof be a different material than the old one?

The best answer is “it depends”. An older roof material may no longer be available or has been replaced by an improved material. Roof membranes are constantly going through improvements for better life and durability. Once we have inspected your roof we can recommend the best roofing products to meet your needs.

How often should I get my roof inspected?

An annual inspection is always recommended even if you haven’t seen any visible water damage or other issues, but you should also arrange an inspection after:

• Any extreme weather event such as high winds, a tornado, or after hurricanes or tropical storms.
• After a very hot summer or if there are sudden extreme temperature changes because your roof is expanding and contracting more than normal and cracks can develop.
• Before hurricane season if you have not had a recent inspection so any repairs can be made in advance.

How does a flat roof drain water to prevent damage?

Some flat roofs are installed with a very slight slope to encourage draining. Others will drain even when flat with only slight areas of water that evaporate normally. You should be concerned if water remains on the roof long after rains have stopped (see: What are common types of roof damage that may need repair?)

Does my new roof come with a warranty?

Yes, it is covered by a warranty. The manufacturer issues a warranty for the roof material which can vary but is typically in a range of 10-30 years depending on the material. As far as installation, Sutter Roofing stands by our work and will immediately remedy any issues that occur as a result of our installation.

How do I know if my roof needs repair versus a replacement?

Sutter Roofing is very experienced in all aspects of commercial roof repair, restoration, and replacement. Allow us to inspect your roof, then we will make recommendations about whether your roof can be successfully repaired or needs to be replaced.

Can a new roof offer any energy savings?

A new roof can definitely reduce your energy bill. Older roofs can darken due to age, dirt, and mold damage. A bright new roof will reflect more of the sun’s energy and reduce your building’s cooling requirements. There may also be opportunities to convert a darker roof color to a lighter one, so ask us for a recommendation when you contact Sutter Roofing.

I have just realized my roof is leaking. What should I do?

First, you should protect what is inside your building. Move furniture if needed or cover it with plastic sheeting. Then call Sutter Roofing and tell us you have a leaking roof that is allowing water into your building. We will arrange for an inspection team to check it out.

If you have any other questions about commercial roofing or the services provided by Sutter Roofing, please call 800-741-0090 . Sutter Roofing should be your first choice for a commercial roofing contractor, and we are ready to help!