Roofing & Gutter
Frequently Asked Questions

Here in the Pacific Northwest, roughly 90% of roofs are replaced when they are 18–25 years old. There are usually enough warning signs to catch problems before leaks occur. Here are the most common ones to watch for:

Curling

Asphalt shingles should lay flat against the roof to properly seal and protect your home. After years of exposure to the elements, shingles may start to curl at the edges — a clear sign they are nearing the end of their life cycle.

Missing Tabs

As shingles age, they become brittle and hard. They can tear, leaving missing shingle tabs on your roof. A lot of missing tabs means your shingles are not in good condition and it may be time to think about a new roof.

Bare Spots

Bare or bald spots occur when asphalt shingles lose their granules. Check your gutters — if they're full of roofing granules, your shingles are aging and you could have problems in the future.

Age

Asphalt shingles last about 18–25 years on average. If your roof is older than 20 years, it's time to talk to a roofing professional. Call Atrax Roof & Gutter today at (425) 449-2878 for a free estimate and consultation — we have extensive experience in the industry and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Types of Roofs

Different types of roofs require different installation techniques and therefore vary in cost. Roof size, pitch, and materials are the main factors that determine the final price.

Materials

The materials you choose will significantly affect the cost of your new roof. Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective option. There are several other materials available that you can discuss with us at the time of your estimate.

Labor

About 60% of the cost of new roofing is based on labor alone.

Absolutely! Our company works year-round and we are prepared to deal with challenging weather. We would only need one decent dry day to tear off the old shingles and "dry-in" your roof. After that's done, your home will be protected and cozy even if it rains while we finish installing your new roof.

The time it takes to replace a roof varies by several factors — there's no one-size-fits-all answer. For optimal conditions and an average-size home, a new roof usually takes 1–3 days. For larger projects it can take up to 1 week or more.

A roof leak is a stressful situation. The cost of roof repairs depends on your roof's complexity, accessibility, pitch, and material. Every home and project is different and requires a skilled eye to determine price accurately.

The estimates below cover the most common roof repairs:

These are rough estimates for the most common roof leaks. These repairs can extend your roof's life and carry you through until a full replacement is needed.

We provide a very detailed estimate. We will send an estimator to take a look at your roof, gutters, or whatever you're requesting. Our sales estimator will collect all the details, put a full estimate together, and usually send it to your email within 1–2 business days — or we can print it out and bring it to you.

From natural materials like slate and wood to manmade products such as asphalt, sheet metal, and plastic polymers, there are more types and styles of roofing to choose from today than ever before. While each has its advantages and shortcomings, they all add a distinctive design element to your home.

What to Look for in a Roof

There are many factors to consider when selecting a roofing material:

• How long will it last?
• Does it hold up during natural disasters such as wildfires or hurricanes?
• Is it too heavy for the existing roof framing?
• Does the roof have enough slope?
• Will the look complement the style of the house?
• Are the materials eco-friendly and recyclable?
• Is the type of roofing allowed by local building codes?
• And finally, how much does it cost?

Common Roofing Types

Asphalt Shingles — The most popular option, comprising over 80% of the residential roofing market. Most cost-effective.

Metal Roof — More expensive than asphalt, but lasts longer and is more wind resistant.

Plastic Polymer — Durable synthetic shingles that resemble wood shakes or slate.

Clay Tile — Brittle and heavy, but can last a very long time and is highly fire resistant.

Concrete Tile — Less expensive than clay tiles, also heavy, long-lasting, and fire resistant.

Slate — One of the oldest roofing materials. Brittle and expensive, but extremely durable and resistant to both wind and fire.

Wood Shingles & Shakes — Made from rot-resistant woods. Low fire resistance unless treated.

We suggest getting your roof inspected and cleaned every one to two years as needed. Maintaining your roof now will prevent costly problems later and keep your investment and home in great shape.

It is critical to secure a respectable, professional, licensed, and insured roofing contractor for your roof repair. The integrity of your home is at stake — improper repairs can become a very costly mistake. A professional roofing company can repair slate, metal, wood, concrete tiles, and asphalt shingles. A handyman will likely have simple tools and will have to work extraordinarily hard to achieve the same result that a professional roofing company can achieve in less time and with far more expertise.

All of our crews are full-time, year-round, highly trained employees. We are a proud National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) member, and all of our employees complete NRCA courses to earn their certifications. We never subcontract — our roofers have been with us for years, and we are very selective in our hiring. The best roofers want a career with us because we take excellent care of our team.