Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I know that my roof might need to be replaced?

All too frequently, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. An annual inspection by an experienced roofing contractor can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.

2. I have a leak in my roof. Do I need to have the entire roof replaced?

Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.

3. How long can I expect my roof system to last?

Most new roof systems are designed to provide useful service for about 20 years. Some roof system types, such as slate, clay tile and certain metal (e.g., copper) systems, can last longer.

Actual roof system life span is determined by a number of factors, including local climatic and environmental conditions, proper building and roof system design, material quality and suitability, proper application and adequate roof maintenance.

Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities and financial obligations manufacturers will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lives.

4. Can I cover my existing roof?

As a general rule, no. Building codes regulate how many layers of roofing materials can be on a home. To know for certain call us for a free inspection.

5. How long does it take to replace a roof?

Replacing a residential roof is a labor-intensive project and, depending on the type of roof, could take anywhere from a one day to a few days or more depending on the size and complexity. The time involved is substantially affected by the weather, as well. Here in the Albuquerque area wind or our occasional rainstorms, or just the threat of these and can slow the process considerably.

6. What temperature is too cold to roof a house?

If winter installation is unavoidable, most asphalt shingle manufacturers require a specialized adhesive manually applied to each shingle for temperatures below 40° F

1. How long before you can drive on a new concrete driveway?

As a general rule you want to leave the tape barrier up to prevent someone pulling into your new driveway for 7 days. After that time it is safe to bring a passenger car onto the new concrete, but you will want to avoid driving on or over the edges for another week as they are still weaker. If you have delivery trucks or trash trucks that come into your driveway, block their entrance for a least two weeks after your driveway is installed.

2. Will stamped concrete crack? Can it be repaired?

Stamped concrete is one of the most durable and long lasting paving materials available and is highly resistant to cracking when installed correctly. We will share with you some basic steps you can take to minimize cracking and ensure good performance.

Even if stamped concrete experiences minor cracking, the cracks are often hard to detect because they will often blend in with the pattern and joint lines. If the cracks become an eyesore we have ways to fix them for you.

3. Does colored concrete fade?

Efflorescence, weathering, dirt and traffic can take their toll on the color of stamped concrete. You can minimize any color change by periodically cleaning and resealing the concrete. Even if the color has faded due to years of neglect or lack of maintenance, it can often be restored to its original state by cleaning and resealing.

4. What does “sealing” do for concrete?

Concrete driveways should be sealed for maximum life. We recommend they be sealed a minimum of every 3 to 5 years. This will protect your concrete from these chemicals that can destroy the surface of the concrete and cause deterioration.

1. How long does stucco last before it needs to be recoated?

A stucco job is generally good for 15-20 years without fading or cracking however weather conditions play a large role in the longevity of the finished product.

2. Can stucco be painted?

Yes. Stucco can be painted but there are a few important things to be aware of; When stucco is initially being applied you can opt for a colored finish to meet your desired look. In the future if you’d like to change the color of your stucco, the traditional method is to re-stucco the surface in the new color however this obviously isn’t as cost-effective as painting. Should you decide to paint on top of stucco it’s important to understand that you cannot stucco over paint which may become an issue if cracks or repairs are necessary. It is generally not recommended to paint your stucco.

3. Can I power wash my stucco?

No, it is not recommended because a pressure washing machine can destroy the integrity of the stucco. What is recommended is to use a cleaning agent that is made for cleaning stucco and follow the usage instructions of that product.

4. Does stucco crack?

Stucco can crack for many different reasons: incorrect installation of wire latch, stucco installation is not thick enough, movement on the substrate or wall, typical on framing movement on wood.

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5. What does E.I.F.S stand for?

E.I.F.S. stands for Exterior Insulation Finish System. E.I.F.S. is commonly called “synthetic stucco.” E.I.F.S. looks like the traditional cement based stucco, but it has insulating properties that make it more energy efficient.

6. When buying or selling a home, do I need to have a stucco inspection?

At this time a stucco inspection is not required when buying or selling a home. We are seeing more and more Realtors and lender suggesting it to their clients. There are no formal guidelines that control what is included in an inspection. If you have a question about the integrity of the stucco on a home you own or are considering purchasing please call and ask for one of our trained installers to do a thorough inspection.