Frequently Asked Questions

Confirm they're licensed, bonded and insured in Washington, ask for local references, and get everything in writing. First Choice is locally based and happy to provide proof of license, insurance, and references before you commit.

Yes — we're licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington State. We're glad to provide proof before any work begins.

Always. Every inspection and estimate is free and no-obligation — call (425) 270-1525 or 1-800-766-3927, or request one through our online form.

We serve the Greater Puget Sound area from our Redmond base — including Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, Issaquah, Woodinville, Bothell, Mercer Island, Renton, and Seattle.

We've proudly served the Greater Puget Sound area for over 17 years, building our reputation as a locally established roofing contractor one client at a time.

Warranties generally cover two things: material defects (from the shingle manufacturer) and workmanship (from us as your contractor). We'll walk you through exactly what's covered and for how long before moving forward.

Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20–30 years with proper installation and maintenance. Metal roofing can last 30+ years. Our Pacific Northwest weather — lots of moisture, moss-prone shade — can shorten that if a roof isn't maintained, which is part of why we also offer roof cleaning.

Yes — our technicians have extensive experience in both residential and commercial roofing systems. Our commercial clients include Eastside Fire & Rescue.

We work with a wide range of quality materials from top manufacturers including Owens Corning, Malarkey, CertainTeed, and IKO — matched to your home, budget, and our Pacific Northwest climate.

If the damage is limited to a small area — a few missing shingles, a damaged flashing detail, or an isolated leak — a repair is often enough. But if you're seeing widespread curling or missing shingles, granule loss in the gutters, a sagging roofline, or your roof is 20+ years old, a full replacement is usually the better long-term investment. We offer free inspections to give you a clear answer either way, not just a sales pitch.

Every roof is different, so an exact number depends on your home's size, roof pitch, material choice, and how easy the roof is to access. We'll walk your property and give you a detailed, written estimate — no guessing, no surprise add-ons.

Most residential roof replacements in our area take 1–3 days, depending on the size and complexity of your roof and the weather. We'll give you a clear timeline before work starts.

Insurance typically covers roof damage from sudden events — wind storms, hail, fallen tree limbs. It usually does not cover normal wear and aging. If you suspect storm damage, we can do an inspection to help you determine whether filing a claim makes sense.

In some cases with asphalt shingles, a new layer can go over one existing layer. If there are already two layers, or if we find deck damage during inspection, we recommend a full tear-off so we can address what's underneath properly.

No. Most homeowners stay in their home during replacement. Expect some noise and activity around the house, but our crews manage debris and clean up thoroughly each day.

In our climate, spring through early fall tends to offer the most predictable weather windows, but we schedule replacements year-round and can work around Seattle-area rain patterns.

Yes — newer roofing systems with proper ventilation and reflective materials can reduce heat buildup in your attic, which can lower cooling costs in the warmer months.

Your roof won't structurally fail purely from lack of cleaning, but in our wet, tree-covered region, moss and algae buildup can shorten shingle life over time — lifting shingle edges, trapping moisture, and clogging gutters. Cleaning protects your investment and keeps the roof looking sharp.

That's typically algae (often gloeocapsa magma), common in humid, moisture-prone climates like ours. It's a cosmetic issue on its own but a sign your roof is holding moisture longer than it should.

Moss should be treated gently — never scraped aggressively or pressure washed. We use soft, low-pressure application and moss-specific treatments that kill it at the root without damaging shingles.

For light growth on an easily accessible, low-pitched roof, some homeowners manage it themselves. But once moss is lifting shingles, coverage is widespread, or your roof has any pitch to it, working at height with the wrong products can cause real damage — and real safety risk. That's where we come in.

In the Seattle–Puget Sound area, with our shade, tree cover, and rain, we typically recommend cleaning every 1–2 years depending on how much moss and debris your specific roof accumulates.

Moss is not harmless — its root-like structures work under shingle edges, lifting them and creating entry points for water. Left untreated, it can lead to granule loss and, eventually, leaks.

Done correctly — soft washing and proper moss treatment — cleaning protects shingle life. It's harsh methods like high-pressure washing or aggressive scraping that cause the damage, which is why method matters as much as the service itself.

Trimming back overhanging branches for more sun exposure, keeping gutters clear, and periodic treatment. We can recommend a maintenance plan based on your property's shade and tree cover.

Yes. Moss debris sheds into gutters and valleys, blocking drainage and forcing water to back up under the roof edge — a common cause of fascia rot and interior water damage in our area. Roof and gutter cleaning together address the full problem, not just half of it.