FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions from Dillman Brothers

  • 1. How can a home owner recognize when a roof system has problems?

    All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections often 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. Can a new roof be installed on top of my old roof?

    Although it may seem advantageous to install new shingles on top of your old roof because it’s cheaper, faster, and requires less labor, you could be setting yourself up for future costs (and headaches). Unless your current roofing system is completely problem free and only features a single layer of functioning shingles, your new roofing system may fail way too soon.


    Here are a few situations where you will need to remove the old roof before completing a reroofing service:


    1- Shingles are missing, curled, split, or mossy. 2- The roof decking is sagging due to rot or deterioration. 3- The new shingles are lighter than your current roofing shingles. (This will cause all of the old bumps & ridges to show through the new roofing materials.) 4- Your current roofing system has more than one layer of shingles.

  • 3. How much does a new roof cost?

    The cost of your roof will depend on its size, shape, slope and the type of material you choose to install. Different roofing materials provide different levels of protection and service life.

  • 4. How long does your siding last?

    Another benefit of vinyl siding replacement is that it can essentially last a lifetime. However, like anything else, you’ll find varying lifespans of vinyl siding between companies.


    Lower quality siding will only last a few short years—around 10 to 15. This is dramatically shorter than how long quality siding can last, leaving you with a lower return on investment and a lot of disappointment.


    With quality vinyl siding, your new exterior can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years.


    For example, the video below explains how an experienced siding contractor will answer How long does your siding last?


    Be forewarned that the quality of the siding installation plays a key role on lifespan. Expensive vinyl siding can fail if it’s improperly installed. That’s why it’s important to hire skilled and certified vinyl siding installers to get the job done.

  • 5. Will your vinyl siding fade from sun exposure?

    No. One of the most attractive elements of vinyl siding replacement is its low maintenance. With quality vinyl siding, there is no need to worry about painting or staining to keep it looking beautiful.


    However, this isn’t the case with lower quality siding. Lesser-quality exterior paint can make the siding fade from the sun. It may also discolor over time and turn yellow or become chalky. There are specific ingredients used in vinyl siding that prevent it from fading.


    While it’s possible to paint your old, faded siding as a "quick fix", this isn’t necessarily the best approach. Our video below overviews painting faded siding vs. investing in total siding replacement:


    To prevent faded siding in the first place, the key is to invest in vinyl siding that has its color blended in during the manufacturing process. This not only ensures a more consistent, even color, but also reduces the chances of the siding color fading over time.


    The next step is to ask about the color warranty. Trusted vinyl siding installers will offer a color-fade protection warranty to guarantee that the color remains vibrant. You’ll find the terms and conditions of this warranty outlined in the agreement.

  • 6. Why is vinyl the best material for exterior siding?

    Siding contractors who are serious about their craft can easily tell you why you should choose vinyl. The truth is that the benefits aren’t a sales pitch-—they’re real reasons why countless homeowners choose to invest in vinyl siding every day.


    Point blank, vinyl is the best exterior siding in America because it:

    • Requires virtually zero maintenance.
    • Comes in many colors and styles.
    • Gives the look of authentic wood with lifelike wood grain patterns.
    • Provides realistic shadow lines like real wood.
    • Never needs to be sanded, painted, or stained.
    • Has a high return on investment, roughly 75%.
    • Offers an affordable option for a quality, beautiful exterior that lasts a lifetime.
  • 7. Is vinyl siding recyclable?

    Vinyl siding is actually a durable thermoplastic and was designed for “recycle-ability.”

  • 8. How long does a garage door installation take?

    About three to four hours


    Type of installation: It can take about three to four hours to replace a door of the same type and size (for a door of roughly 16 feet). If the new door is compatible with the structure and available space, and your existing wiring and brackets are in good condition, installation is simpler than it otherwise would be.

  • 9. Do I need an insulated door?

    A garage door opening is a very large hole in your garage. Insulated doors will help reduce the amount of outside temperature that enters your garage, thus keeping it more comfortable for you. This is important for a number of reasons:


    1. If your garage is attached to your home, any air in the garage could travel through the doorway to your living area
    2. If you use your garage as a workshop, your comfort will be a top priority
    3. If your garage is below another room in your home, air can travel through the ceiling of the garage into the floor above. An insulated door will keep temperatures in the garage fairly stable to reduce the temperature fluctuation in the room
    4. An insulated door is generally quieter and has a more attractive interior than an uninsulated door

  • 10. Why am I having intermittent problems with my garage door opener?

    When the garage door opener works intermittently, the logic board may be experiencing radio frequency (RF) interference from nearby sources such as security lights, ham radios, and some electronics. If the remote works only when held within a few feet of the motor unit, RF interference is probably the problem.

  • 11. How do I know if it is time to replace my roof?

    Many different things can compromise a roof system. It can be hard to know where to begin to look, and, often, homeowners aren't really sure what they are looking for. That's why it is a smart investment to hire a roofing professional like Dillman Brothers to perform a roof inspection at least once a year. We know what kinds of damage to look for and where to look. Because we're one of the area's most experienced siding companies, we'll assess your home's entire exterior. If you feel comfortable performing a roof inspection on your own, look at our posts about the common signs you need a new roof. You can also look at our roof inspection checklist.

  • 12. What are my options if I decide to reroof?

    A complete roof replacement requires that your entire existing roof system be redone. This involves a tear-off of your existing system and is a full-blown roofing process. The cost depends on the type of shingle, style, and warranty/durability you choose. Talk to your local roofing professionals to get advice on what best suits your needs and your budget. A re-cover of your roof system is the less demanding option. This process involves only installing the new roof system, meaning that it is a far more expedient and cost-friendly re-roofing option. However, building code requirements do not always allow for multiple re-roofs, so it's possible you may need a complete roof replacement. Be sure to talk to your local roofing professionals to ask about the local building code requirements. Contact us for a free roofing quote. As trusted siding contractors, we can also take care of any of your siding replacement needs. 

  • 13. Does vinyl siding require any maintenance?

    The average cost to install vinyl siding is well worth it, as it is virtually maintenance-free and extremely durable. In fact, according to The Spruce, most vinyl siding installation is rated for winds up to 110 mph. Vinyl siding never needs to be painted, and if it does get damaged, it's easy to replace. To keep your vinyl siding looking its best, it should be washed at least once a year. 


  • 14. What is insulated siding?

    As siding contractors with over 120 years of combined experience, we can help you with the best option for your needs. A great energy-saving option is insulated siding. Insulated siding is essentially vinyl siding with rigid foam insulation that is laminated or permanently attached to the panel. Insulated siding is installed on the exterior of a structure and helps reduce energy loss through framing or other building materials. For more information on the average cost to install vinyl siding on your home, contact us for a free quote.

  • 15. Can my garage door be painted?

    We are more than a roofing and siding contractor! We also offer expert garage door services. Many of our residential garage doors can be painted, but be sure to read your owner's manual for specific painting instructions. In addition, most of our commercial doors can be powder coated. We offer 197 powder coat colors to best complement the vinyl siding installation on your home or business.

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