Frequently-Asked Questions About Roofing Services

Keith Barker Roofing provides high-quality roofing services to home and business owners throughout Austin, TX and the surrounding areas. Whether you need roof repair, roof replacement, or roof leak repair, our team has got you covered. We also provide a wide range of home maintenance and repair services, including window installation, gutter installation, and more. To help you best take care of your home or business, we’ve compiled answers to some of our frequently asked questions below.

How Do I Know if I Need My Roof Repaired or Replaced?

Some signs you may need a roof repair or replacement include missing shingles, curled or cracked shingles, roof leaks, water stains in the attic or ceiling, or high energy bills.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

The cost of roof replacement or a brand-new roof varies widely, depending on the materials used, the size of your roof, the quality of the work, and more. Our team will provide you with an estimate upfront, allowing you to shop around at different contractors to determine what best suits your unique needs.

Does Hail Damage My Roof?

Hail does have the potential to damage roofs. While not all hail storms lead to roof damage, bringing in a professional to inspect your roof after a hail storm is a good idea. If there is damage, it usually takes time to lead to leaks, costing you more money down the road.

Does Insurance Cover Roof Damage?

Typically, yes. Your homeowners’ insurance should cover damage from uncontrollable events like hail. You can learn more about hail-damaged insurance here.

What Are My Options if My Roof is Damaged?

Our team can inspect the roof and determine whether a roof repair, a re-cover installation or a complete roof replacement would make the most sense. If the damage is minimal or isolated to one area and the roof is relatively new, a repair or re-covering of the roof might be the way to go. Otherwise, complete roof replacement may be necessary. One of our team members can help determine this.

How Long Do Roofs Typically Last?

The lifespan of roofs depends mainly on the material, the quality of installation, and how much it has to endure over time. Asphalt shingle roofs can last from 15 years to more than 40 years.

Can I Do Roofing Work Myself?

Completing roofing work by yourself can be a dangerous and costly endeavor. Professional roofers are trained in how to safely navigate roofs and use correct maintenance and repair techniques. If you perform a faulty repair or use improper safety measures, you can wind up with more roof damage.

What Do I Do If My Roof is Leaking?

The first step is to call in a professional roofer to prevent further water damage to your home. Some roof leaks can be repaired relatively easily, with replacements of sections of your roof or new flashing.

How Long Does a Roof Repair Take?

We can complete most residential roofing repairs in a few hours, getting everything set up and taken down within the same day. We respect how valuable your time is.

How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

The length of a roof replacement depends on the size of the roof and the type of roofing material, but many residential roofing jobs can be completed in just one or two days.

How Long Does a Window Repair Take?

The time needed for a window repair depends on how many windows you’ll need to be done and how much additional work is required. Each window typically takes about 30 minutes to complete, with the time needed for trim work and cleanup. In total, most window jobs can be finished within one day.

How Much Does a Window Repair Cost?

Windows can cost anywhere from $175 to $700 per window, with final installation costs depending on various factors. Replacing aging windows, however, can ultimately save you money on utility bills for heating and cooling by providing more energy efficiency in your home.

Are Rain Gutters Necessary?

Yes. Rain gutters are vital for protecting your home and foundation from water damage. Rain gutters work by collecting water that falls on your roof and moving it away from the foundation and walls of your house, protecting them from water damage and cracking.

How Long Do Rain Gutters Take to Install?

Rain gutter installation typically only takes a half-day or so, depending on the length of the gutters.

How Long Do Rain Gutters Last?

Unless damaged, gutters typically last the lifetime of a house. Our team can replace portions of damaged gutters due to falling branches, hail damage, or other incidents.

What Causes a Roof to Wear Out?

Over time, a roof will deteriorate due to solar radiation, thermal expansion and contraction, lack of maintenance, high winds, rainwater, surrounding trees, and more.

How Can I Find the Exact Location of a Leak?

Leaks can be difficult to spot because water will always look for the path of least resistance. Water can travel for a significant amount of time before showing up on your ceiling or walls. One way to determine the location of a leak is venturing to your attic with a flashlight the next time it rains. But the best way to find the exact location of a leak is to call roofing professionals.

How Difficult is it to Repair a Leaking Roof?

The difficulty of repairing a leaking roof depends on what caused the leak, the overall age of the roof, and the current condition of the roof. If your roof is leaking due to minor issues, such as shingle problems or flashing, repairs can be completed in a couple of hours. With an older roof, widespread issues are more likely to occur, so replacement may be needed. This will take several days.

Should I Remove My Old Roof Before Getting a New One?

Ideally, yes. It is technically possible to layer one set of shingles atop another, but we do not recommend it. Doing so can set you up for problems in the future, especially if your current shingles are already curling, cracked, missing, or covered with moss or algae. If this is the case, they will need to be removed before you get a new roof installed.

What Is Roofing Underlayment?

Roofing underlayment is the material placed directly onto the roof deck before roofing installation. The material that makes up roofing underlayment is either waterproof or water-resistant. It acts as the barrier between your home and your roofing, lessening the impact of harsh weather.

What Type of Roof Should I Get?      

Whether you have a residential or commercial property, the type of roof you ultimately get should complement your property’s exterior style and features. It’s essential to consider the material, its durability, and how much it will cost. This will help you make your decision.

Will a New Roof Reduce My Energy Bills?

Roof replacement can help reduce your energy bills if your old roof is underperforming. A new roof can reduce energy bills with ventilation and sound materials, which prevent water leaks and excess drafts.

Is New Roofing a Good Investment?

Yes. New roofing will increase your curb appeal, improve the value of your property, increase your energy savings, prevent ice dams in the winter, and new roofing is designed to last.

Contact Us Today With All Your Roofing Questions

Keith Barker Roofing is committed to providing Austin, TX residents with high-quality complete re-roofing services and exceptional customer service. When you partner with our roofing company, you can expect friendly, informed, honest, and affordable service. Whether you need residential roofing services or commercial roofing services, you can rely on us. To learn more about our roofing services or to schedule a consultation with one of our roofing contractors, contact us today.

Why Choose Us

  • Over 40 Years of Experience
  • Excellent Quality Control
  • 12 Service Trucks
  • In-house sheet metal shop for custom work
  • Extensive long term partnerships with local builders
  • We warranty all our work
  • Se Habla Español