Cumming Roofing FAQ — Your Roofing Questions Answered

Several factors determine your roof replacement cost: **Home size** (square footage of roof area), **roof pitch and complexity** (steeper roofs and those with many valleys, dormers, or skylights cost more), **material choice** (architectural shingles vs. designer shingles vs. metal roofing), **deck condition** (rotten decking requires replacement), **number of layers** (removing multiple old layers adds labor), and **ventilation needs**. Our free inspection identifies all of these factors so your estimate is accurate with no surprises.

Yes, we offer flexible financing options through approved lending partners to fit your budget. Options include low monthly payment plans that allow you to protect your home with a new roof without a large upfront payment. We also work directly with insurance companies on storm damage claims, which may cover part or all of your replacement cost. Ask about financing options during your free estimate consultation.

It depends on the extent of damage and your roof's age. Minor repairs (a few missing shingles, small leaks) are typically $150 to $1,500 and make sense when your roof has significant remaining life. However, if your roof is over 20 years old, repairs are becoming frequent, or damage is widespread, replacement is usually more cost-effective long-term. Our free inspection provides an honest recommendation — we never push replacement when a repair will solve the problem.

We recommend professional roof inspections **at least once a year** (ideally in spring or fall) and **after any major storm event** including hail, high winds, or heavy rain. Regular inspections catch minor issues — cracked flashing, loose shingles, early gutter problems, ventilation issues — before they become expensive repairs. Georgia's severe weather makes annual inspections especially important for Cumming homeowners.

Our comprehensive inspection covers: **Exterior assessment** — shingle condition, granule loss, curling, cracking, and missing pieces; **Flashing inspection** — around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall junctions; **Gutter evaluation** — drainage, attachment, and debris buildup; **Ventilation check** — ridge vents, soffit vents, and attic airflow; **Attic inspection** — moisture, mold, insulation, and decking condition from below; **Structural evaluation** — sagging, soft spots, and load-bearing integrity. You receive a detailed written report with photos documenting everything we find.

For Cumming's hot, humid climate with severe storms, **architectural asphalt shingles** are the most popular and cost-effective choice — offering 30 to 50 year lifespans with strong wind and impact resistance. Premium options include **designer shingles** (mimicking wood shake or slate at a fraction of the cost) and **metal roofing** (50+ year lifespan, excellent energy efficiency). We help you select materials rated specifically for Georgia's heat, UV exposure, humidity, and hail conditions.

We are certified installers for the three leading roofing manufacturers: **GAF** (America's largest roofing manufacturer — Timberline HDZ, Timberline Ultra HD), **CertainTeed** (Landmark, Landmark Pro, Presidential Shake), and **Owens Corning** (Duration, Duration Storm, TruDefinition). Our certifications mean your installation qualifies for the best manufacturer warranties available — up to 50 years of coverage.

Lifespan depends on the material: **3-tab asphalt shingles** last 15 to 20 years; **architectural asphalt shingles** last 30 to 50 years; **designer/luxury shingles** last 40 to 50 years; **metal roofing** lasts 50 to 70+ years. Georgia's intense heat, UV radiation, and severe storms can shorten these lifespans if materials aren't properly rated for the climate. That's why we only install premium products specifically engineered for Southeastern weather conditions.

**3-tab shingles** are flat, uniform, and the most affordable option — but have shorter lifespans (15-20 years) and lower wind resistance (60 mph rated). **Architectural shingles** (also called dimensional or laminate) have a multi-layered, textured appearance that adds depth and curb appeal. They last 30-50 years, resist winds up to 130 mph, and provide better impact resistance. For Cumming's climate and storm exposure, we strongly recommend architectural shingles — the small price difference delivers significantly better protection and longevity.

Most Georgia homeowner's insurance policies cover roof damage caused by **sudden, accidental events** — hailstorms, wind damage, fallen trees, lightning, and tornado damage. **Normal wear and aging are typically not covered.** We work directly with your insurance company, provide detailed damage documentation with high-resolution photos, and can meet with your adjuster on-site to ensure nothing is overlooked in your claim.

We provide **complete insurance claim assistance at no additional cost**: 1) Thorough damage inspection documenting all storm-related issues with photos and measurements; 2) Detailed written report formatted for insurance submission; 3) On-site meeting with your insurance adjuster to walk through damage findings; 4) Scope-of-work documentation matching your insurer's requirements; 5) Communication with your insurance company throughout the claims process. Our thorough documentation helps ensure you receive fair coverage for all legitimate damage.

A **roof repair** addresses specific damaged areas — replacing missing shingles, sealing leaks, fixing cracked flashing, replacing damaged ridge caps — without replacing the entire roof. A **roof replacement** involves removing all existing roofing material down to the deck and installing a completely new system. Repairs make sense when damage is localized and your roof has significant remaining useful life. Replacement is recommended when repairs are becoming frequent, damage is widespread, or the roof has exceeded its expected lifespan.

Most roof repairs in Cumming are completed in **a few hours to one day** depending on the scope of work. Simple repairs like replacing a few missing shingles or sealing a small leak take 1-3 hours. More extensive repairs involving flashing replacement, larger damaged sections, or multiple repair areas may take a full day. We provide a clear timeline during your estimate so you know what to expect.

Yes, partial repairs are one of our most common services. We can repair specific damaged sections — storm damage to one slope, a leak around a chimney or vent, damaged ridge caps, or deteriorated flashing — without replacing the entire roof. We use matching materials for seamless results that blend with your existing shingles. Our free inspection determines exactly what areas need attention.

Gutters are essential for directing water away from your roof, foundation, siding, and landscaping. Without properly functioning gutters, rainwater pools along your roofline (causing fascia rot and shingle damage), erodes soil around your foundation, stains siding, and can lead to basement flooding. In Cumming's heavy rainfall climate, a well-maintained gutter system is critical for protecting your entire home — not just your roof.

We provide **complete gutter services** including: new seamless gutter installation (aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel); gutter repair (resealing joints, fixing sagging sections, patching holes); professional gutter cleaning (removal of debris, leaves, and buildup); and gutter guard installation to prevent future clogs. We assess your gutter system during every roof inspection and recommend any necessary maintenance.

We recommend **gutter cleaning at least twice a year** — once in late fall after leaves drop and once in spring. Homes surrounded by pine trees or heavy tree canopy may need cleaning 3-4 times per year. Clogged gutters cause water to back up under your shingles, leading to leaks, fascia damage, and foundation problems. Gutter guards can significantly reduce cleaning frequency.

Yes, we install several types of gutter guard systems designed to keep debris out while allowing water to flow freely. Options include mesh guards, micro-mesh screens, and solid-top reverse-curve systems. Gutter guards reduce cleaning frequency by 80-90% and prevent the clogs that lead to water damage, ice dams, and pest nesting. We recommend the best guard type for your specific tree coverage and gutter configuration.

We provide a **comprehensive dual-layer warranty** on every installation: a **manufacturer's material warranty** covering defects for up to 50 years depending on the product, plus our own **written workmanship warranty** guaranteeing the quality of our installation. Our GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning certifications qualify your roof for **extended warranty packages** not available from uncertified contractors — including GAF's Golden Pledge with 25-year workmanship coverage.

We hold the highest certifications from all three leading manufacturers: **GAF Certified Contractor** (only 7% of U.S. roofers qualify — eligible for Golden Pledge Limited Warranty), **CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster** (highest certification level — eligible for SureStart Plus extended warranty), and **Owens Corning Preferred Contractor** (eligible for Preferred Protection Roofing System Limited Warranty). We are also **BBB A+ accredited** and **OSHA safety compliant**.

Yes, we are fully licensed to perform residential and commercial roofing work in Georgia. We carry **comprehensive general liability insurance** and **workers' compensation coverage**, which protects you from any liability while work is performed on your property. Our licensing and insurance documentation is available upon request. Never hire a roofing contractor who cannot provide proof of both.

Most residential roof replacements in Cumming are completed in **1 to 3 days** depending on your home's size, roof complexity, and weather conditions. We monitor Georgia weather forecasts closely and schedule during optimal conditions. Your home is never left exposed overnight — we apply temporary weatherproofing if needed between work days.

We accept all major credit cards, checks, and bank transfers. We also offer **flexible financing** through approved lending partners with low monthly payment options. Insurance claim payments are handled directly. All pricing is provided in writing before any work begins — no hidden fees or surprise charges. Ask about current financing promotions during your free estimate.