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Questions About Roof Replacement and Installation

Does a Roof Replacement Always Include a Full Tear-Off?

Every roof replacement we perform includes a complete tear-off of the existing roofing materials. This approach allows us to thoroughly inspect the roof deck for underlying damage, ensure a proper installation, and meet local building codes. A qualified roofing contractor also handles permits and final inspections as part of the process.

What Roofing Materials Does Russell Quality Roofing Install?

We install Owens Corning asphalt architectural shingles and standing seam metal roofing for residential roofs. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material for homeowners, offering durability, curb appeal, and weather resistance suited to the Inland Northwest climate. With current Owens Corning technology, our shingles are engineered to perform for closer to 50 years, well beyond the 20 to 30 year lifespan associated with older or generic asphalt shingle products.

What Other Types of Roofing Materials Exist?

Homeowners researching their options will come across several other roofing materials in the industry. Tile roofing can last 50 to 100 years depending on the material, though concrete tile is heavy and requires additional structural support. Wood shingles and shakes can last 30 to 50 years with regular maintenance. Slate roofing is low maintenance and naturally fireproof, but it is also one of the heaviest and most expensive roofing materials available.

Remember, with most common roofing materials, you also must consider the underlying waterproofing material as these can wear out quicker than the different materials.

Russell Quality Roofing does not install tile, wood shingle, wood shake, or slate roofing systems. We focus specifically on Owens Corning asphalt architectural shingles and standing seam metal roofing, the two roofing systems best suited to the snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and weather conditions of the Inland Northwest.

Do You Install Metal Roofing?

Yes, we install standing seam metal roofing. Our superintendents are MBCI certified for metal roofing installation. Metal roofing offers excellent resistance to high winds and heavy snow, along with strong durability and lower maintenance compared to asphalt shingles. With proper installation and maintenance, metal roofing can last over 50 years.

What Does the Roof Installation Process Look Like?

Before installation begins, our team inspects and measures your roof to confirm materials, roof size, and project scope. After the complete tear-off of existing roofing materials, we install underlayment, including Owens Corning UDL 50, to create a weather-resistant barrier across the roof deck. Ice and water shield is installed in the areas most prone to leaks, including eaves, valleys, and penetrations. Shingles or metal panels are then installed to manufacturer specifications, followed by ridge caps and proper attic ventilation components. Materials are staged on-site for easy access throughout the project, and our team completes a final cleanup, including a magnetic sweep for stray nails, to the best of our ability.

Learn More About Our Process Here

How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

Roof installation typically takes one to three days to complete for most residential projects, though the schedule depends on several factors, including:

  • Roof size
  • Weather conditions
  • Roofing materials
  • Geographic location

Larger or more complex roofs, or projects requiring additional tear-off work, may take longer. Our team works efficiently without cutting corners to deliver quality results.

Can You Replace a Roof in Winter?

Cold weather does not stop a quality roof installation. Modern shingle technology begins bonding on overlap, and work proceeds as long as the deck is dry and ice-free. What stops work is rain, unsafe wind, or ice on the deck. We switch to a flexible ice and water shield during colder months, a seasonal adjustment many roofers do not make.

In the Inland Northwest, roofing materials must handle significant snow accumulation and fast-changing weather conditions. Ice dams form when melting snow refreezes at cold eaves, and good insulation combined with proper attic ventilation helps prevent the moisture buildup that leads to ice dams and related issues like mold growth.

Questions About Roof Damage, Inspections, and Repairs

Is a Roof Inspection Free?

We offer free standard residential roof inspections to help identify issues early. Regular inspections are especially important once a roof is over 20 years old, since older roofs are more likely to need a new roof rather than minor repairs. Roof triage, as well as detailed inspections and reports for complex structures, is a paid service.

What Is Roof Triage and Is There a Charge for It?

Roof triage is a short-term response to visible signs of roof damage, meant to protect your home from further water intrusion until a full repair or replacement can occur. The crew may temporarily secure missing or damaged shingles, and they may also note granule loss visible in gutters or on the ground as part of the assessment.

This service is separate from the free inspection and does incur a charge. Moss buildup is another condition worth watching for, since it retains moisture and can damage roofing materials over time if left unaddressed.

Do You Address Roof Leaks?

We specialize in addressing roof leaks by tracing observed leaks to identify the source and recommending the right fix. Active leaks can usually be traced while older or dormant leaks can be harder to identify without visible moisture.

What Are the Signs I Might Need a New Roof?

A few signs can help you determine whether you may need a roof repair or full replacement. Damaged or missing shingles, granule loss, and water stains on interior ceilings or walls are all worth having inspected.

Mold or mildew growth in the attic or along interior walls can also suggest moisture issues within the roofing system. A sagging roofline is a more serious sign that often indicates structural damage and should be addressed quickly. Recurring leaks in the same area, especially after repeated repairs, may signal that a new roof makes more sense than continued patching.

In general, roofs older than 20 years benefit from more frequent professional inspections, since aging materials are more likely to require replacement.

Do You Offer Emergency Roofing Services?

Yes, we provide emergency roofing services to help protect your home as quickly as possible after damage from storms, high winds, hail, or other extreme weather. Our team dries in the affected area to prevent further water intrusion while a permanent repair or replacement is planned. In cases of extensive damage, often affecting more than 25% of the roof surface, full replacement is typically the more practical option compared to a series of repairs. Some roofing products also include additional wind and hail damage warranty coverage, which we can review with you as part of your estimate.

Rick Fuentes, the Project Consultant at Russell Quality Roofing, giving Don and LuAnn Wee their thank you gift for purchasing a roof through us at their Final PMT/Warranty appointment.

Questions About Warranties

What Warranty Comes With My New Roof?

Owens Corning architectural shingle systems installed by Russell Quality Roofing come with a 50-year product warranty covering material defects and a 25-year workmanship warranty with a one-time transfer option. When researching other roofing contractors, it is worth noting that workmanship warranties across the industry can range from as little as 2 years up to 25 years, so confirming the length of coverage is an important step before choosing a contractor.

Always read warranty documentation carefully to understand what is and is not covered. Standing seam metal roofing warranties vary by manufacturer and system, and we will provide the specific details relevant to your installation.

Is the Warranty Transferable if I Sell My Home?

Our shingle system warranties include a one-time transfer option to the next homeowner. Terms vary by product and system, and we can provide the specific information relevant to your roof.

Are Metal Roofing Warranties the Same as Shingle Warranties?

No. Metal roofing warranties differ from shingle warranties and are based on the manufacturer and system installed. We will explain the applicable warranty terms for your specific metal roof during your estimate.

Questions About Cost, Financing, and Estimates

What Does a New Roof Cost?

The cost of a new roof depends on several factors such as:

  • Roof size
  • Roofing material selected
  • Complexity of the roofline
  • Condition of the roof deck once tear-off begins

Rather than provide a blanket per square foot estimate that may not reflect your specific home, Russell Quality Roofing provides a free estimate. We also recommend comparing estimates from two to three local roofing companies and asking each contractor about licensing, insurance, and warranty coverage.

Do You Offer Financing?

We do not provide financing directly, but we partner with third-party finance companies, including Service Finance, GreenSky, and Regions. Current financing options include a 6-month same as cash plan, with rates starting at 9.99 to 11.99 percent on approved credit. Financing is provided and managed entirely by our third-party partners. Russell Quality Roofing is not the lender.

How Do I Get an Estimate?

Contact us at (208) 791-5252  to schedule a free roof inspection. After assessing your roof, we will provide a detailed, project-based estimate tailored to your specific roofing needs.

Questions About Working With Russell Quality Roofing

What Areas Do You Serve?

We proudly serve Lewiston and Clarkston and surrounding areas, Moscow and Pullman and surrounding areas, and Spokane and Spokane Valley and surrounding areas throughout the Inland Northwest.

Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

Yes, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Idaho and Washington.

View Our Licenses Here

What Makes You an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor?

As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor ranked in the top 1% nationally, we have maintained 100% Owens Corning inspection ratings for more than 10 years. This status reflects our ongoing commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

How Do I Choose the Right Local Roofing Contractor?

When comparing local roofing contractors, confirm the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured in your state. Ask about workmanship and manufacturer warranties, and check reviews from past clients on GuildQuality and Google to gauge reliability.

Local roofing contractors also tend to have a better understanding of regional building codes and the specific weather conditions your roof needs to withstand, which matters in a climate like the Inland Northwest that deals with heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and high winds. Getting estimates from two to three roofing companies is a reasonable way to compare pricing approaches, professionalism, and communication before making a decision.

Do You Help With Insurance Claims?

We support homeowners by providing professional roof inspections and detailed documentation of roof damage from weather events, which can help support a homeowners insurance claim. Insurance coverage can vary significantly by policy, especially following extreme weather, so we always recommend confirming your specific coverage details directly with your insurer. Russell Quality Roofing does not process or manage insurance claims. Homeowners should contact their insurance provider directly and follow their carrier’s claim process.

Still Have Questions? Contact Russell Quality Roofing

For more information or to schedule your free residential roof inspection, call us today at (208) 791-5252 or email quotes@rssllc-construction.com. Our experienced team is ready to assist you with your roofing project.