How do I know if its time to replace my roof?

Typically a homeowner will contact several different roofers and compare estimates. Since many homeowners work, they may feel that it is best to obtain several estimates while they are at work and then compare the estimates at a later time. This isn’t always the best decision.

It is important to actually interview the roofers first hand. Many people feel more comfortable when they hire roofing contractors that they have spoken with in person.

Part of the reason why you should obtain an estimate is to choose a roofer that you feel is trustworthy as well as knowledgeable. When you receive an estimate, you should be there so that you can meet the roofer and ask them any questions that you may have directly.

• Though it may seem like you will save time by having several estimates performed while you are not at home, you may end up regretting that move later. If you choose a roofing contractor based upon an estimate that you received or that the roofer gave you over the phone, and later have issues with the roofing contractor, you may discover that you could have avoided any problems or misunderstandings by speaking with them in person.
  

• A roofer must look at your roof first hand to make a proper estimate. They may also need to take a look at your attic; therefore you should be home to give them access to this area. The roofer will inspect your home thoroughly to give you an accurate estimate, therefore you should be present to make sure that you can answer any questions that he may have for you as well.Therefore, if possible it is best for you to be there when the roofer does his estimate.
  

• The roofing contractor may also need additional information regarding your home The best way to ensure that your roofer is prepared to handle your project is to hire a roofer with experience.

  You should always ask for references from previous customers and then call those customers to hear their experiences first hand.

  You should ask the references questions regarding how long it took until the project was completed, whether or not they have had any serious problems since using the roofer, and if the written estimate was a true description of the final cost of the project.

• One of the best questions to ask is whether or not the customer feels that the roofing company or roofer could be described as trustworthy. 

         How can you tell if your roof is properly ventilated?

• Most shingle warranties require a lot of ventilation-as much as one square foot of net free ventilation area for each 150 square feet of floor space to be vented.
  

        An effective ventilation system will help:

• Reduce attic heat build up

• Reduce attic moisture and condensation problems which can damage insulation,the roof sheeting as well as your shingles

• Prevent weather infiltration i.e., drifting snow and wind driven rain

• Prevent ice dam build-up in your valley's and along your eaves
  

• Pro-long the life of your roof by many years

 

Ice dams form when there has been heavy snow coupled with temperatures below freezing.

When warm air escapes through your ceiling or roof ventilation, the snow that is on the top of your roof heats up and begins to melt. However, once the melted snow and ice travel to your roofs overhang, it is trapped and then freezes due to the extreme cold temperatures.

Once this water refreezes, it forms an ice dam. Ice dams pose great threats to your roof, as they will cause water to begin to seep into your home. This water can cause structural damage if left untreated.Not only are ice dams dangerous to your roof but they can also cause you to lose energy in your home.

•  You should discuss steps with your roofer that you can take to prevent ice dams from forming. One step that you can take is to make sure that your roof is built to code. Have your roofer inspect your roof.

•  You should discuss all of the options that you have with your roofer to make certain that your home is properly ventilated to prevent ice dams from forming.

 

     How does extreme weather affect roofing projects?

Bad weather and extreme temperatures can interrupt or even postpone roofing projects. Safety of the worker is the first consideration. This can be an issue in both hot and cold weather. Windy, wet and icy weather present serious dangers on a roof. Shingles are also affected by temperature extremes. Cold weather will delay activation of the sealant. This is not a reason to delay a project unless the shingle manufacturer prohibits installation at low temperatures for warranty purposes. Experienced installers who exercise care can always avoid these problems.

 

Prior to hiring a roofer, you want to make sure that you discuss what type of warranty is included.

New roofs are big ticket items that can cost thousands of dollars.It is imperative that you select a roofing company or roofing contractor that will provide a warranty that will endure as long as your roof. Some roofs may last up to forty years or more and having a warranty on your roof can save you money throughout the life of your roof.

• Always check with the roofer and determine what type of warranty they offer before making your final decision. Also keep in mind that most roofers offer a “full” warranty on new roofs but a “limited” warranty when they are only performing a roof repair or patch.
  
  
• There are several things to look for when reviewing roofing warranties. First, you will want to make sure that your roof is covered in the event of any defects in the materials. Fortunately, it is rare for new roofs to encounter problems, but your warranty will offer you peace of mind and the assurance that if something were to go wrong, you would be adequately protected.
  
  
• The materials that the roofer uses for your project will come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Make sure that you know what the warranty is for the material that the roofer is using before you enter into a contract. You may find that you prefer to use a different material that has a better warranty than the one the roofer may be offering you. For this reason, many people prefer to use materials that come from reputable manufacturers.
  
  
• In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, the roofer or roofing company should also provide you with a workmanship warranty in case anything happens to your roof. You should look for a roofer or roofing company that has been in business for several years. This will help lessen the chance that the roofer will go out of business before your warranty expires. If the roofer is out of business, your warranty will become void. By choosing your roofer carefully and choosing materials that come with extended warranties, you can help protect yourself, your home and your roof.

   Should I expect to pay a deposit when I sign an agreement?

Deposit requirements vary from contractor to contractor. While 50% is the industry norm,  it is not considered unreasonable to pay a deposit to cover at least the cost of materials. You should never pay for the total job up front. It is also not recommended that the total deposit and progress payments equal more than 75% of the total job price.

 

    Whats the difference between an "architectural",or "designer" shingle and a standard shingle?    

 

Since the early 1900's the three tab or strip  shingle was the standard composition shingle installed on single family residences. These products come with 20, 25,and 30year warranty coverage. Color is about the only appearance differentiation  in this class of shingle. In 1965 the laminated or architectural shingles came on the market. Color is no longer the only choice to make. The many textures, forms, and designs of architectural shingles in the marketplace can result in a major aesthetic upgrade for your home. Today the architectural shingle class is running away with the roofing market.

 

How much does it cost to replace a roof?

Since different roofing materials cost different amounts, the total price of your roof will depend upon the type of roofing materials you choose.

• The estimate should be based upon the roofing materials and the square footage. The roofing contractor should measure your roof and base the estimate upon how much material they will need to complete your roof. The roofer may also charge more depending upon the slope or angle of your roof, as this may need additional materials to cover.

• Also, never make the mistake of assuming that the roofer can simply install the new roof over the existing one. The contractor will make that determination for you and will let you know if any permits need to be obtained to install the roof over the preexisting one.

 

Do I need to obtain a permit to install a new roof on my home?

If a permit is required the contractor will obtain the permit. Normally you don't need a permit to install a new roof or replace an old one. However if you have to replace any wood or add plywood then your contractor is required to have a permit. An inspector will then check your roof decking when the shingles are removed and also do a final inspection when the roof is completed.

 

    How long is it reasonable to expect to wait after I select a contractor, for work to begin?

Weather permitting a common period from contract signing to job start is two to six weeks. This can vary a great deal depending on the time of year and the contractors backlog. Job start delays and postponements are a fact of life in a trade which is highly dependent on the weather. However, the contractor  also has a responsibility to you to be straight forward about his availability right from the start. He should also advise you on a timely basis about any changes in the schedule that was originally set. 

 

               What is the typical duration of a re-roofing job?

The duration of the job varies widely depending on the size and complexity of the roof. A small uncomplicated roof job can usually be finished in a day or two. A large complex project can last  a week or slightly more. Once started however a job should not be interrupted for any reason other than inclement weather.

 

What function does shingle underlayment,(roofing felt) serve?

Underlayment, commonly known as roofing felt, will:

• Protect your roof deck from moisture prior to shingle application.

• Provide a certain degree of backup protection in the event water gets under the roofing shingles once the roof is completed.

 

  Is it always necessary to tear off the existing shingles before re-roofing?

There are two options available for re-roofing installations. One would be to tear off the old roof before applying the new one (tear off). The second would be to lay new shingles over the existing roof (over-lay). While the second choice is the less expensive of the two options, it is not necessarily always the best choice. The limit of layers our local codes will allow is two.

What is the difference between the Manufacturers warranty and the Contractors workmanship warranty?

Product (Manufacturer) Warranty vs. Services (Contractor) Warranty The purchase of a new roof for a home is a significant expense. It involves purchasing a combination of products and services. It is very important that the homeowner understands the role of the roofing contractor and the role of the manufacturer.Talk to your contractor about this so you have a clear understanding of all the differences. While most shingle manufacturers offer 20,25,30,35,40,50 and life time warranties. We offer a 5 year, 10 year and a "life of the shingle" warranty on all of our workmanship. Unlike the workmanship warranty, which is generally negotiated in the job agreement, the product warranty is set in concrete by the manufacturer. It is limited. It is fixed. It is rigid. It cannot be altered by actions of the homeowner or the contractor. It is the responsibility of the contractor and the home owner to read and comprehend all of the terms and conditions of the warranty. In addition to the warranty price is always a central concern. Price is not a measure of experience,reliability,competence,honesty or stability. Price is a measure of the cost of the project. Some low prices are bargains. Some low prices are invitations to a bad dream.

 

          What are Architectural Roofing Shingles?

Laminated, High Definition, Architectural, Three Dimensional. These names for architectural shingles all mean the same thing.

In recent years, enhancements to the dimensional shingle have resulted in a new generation of high-quality asphalt roofing products with distinctive, often dramatic, appearances. With these advancements came a new name: architectural roofing shingles.  Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural roofing shingles are among the highest quality roofing products made.

Traditionally, they are composed of a heavy fiber glass mat base and ceramic-coated mineral granules that are tightly embedded in a carefully refined, water-resistant asphalt. 

Architectural roofing shingles provide a stunning three-dimensional appearance. Some of the most attractive architectural roofing shingles simulate cedar wood shakes.These shingles are quite thick with random slots similar to real shake shingles. Another unique architectural shingle design imitates the look of slate without the weight issues that normally accompany real slate materials. These architectural roofing shingles do not require any additional roof support as real slate would.

Because of their extra thickness, architectural roofing shingles weigh considerably more than conventional asphalt-based shingles and have longer warranties. Weights run up to about 480 pounds per square (100 square feet of roof area) and can carry up to a lifetime warranty.

Besides offering a surplus of good looks, most asphalt architectural shingle products have a design feature that helps prevent a common aesthetic problem: black streaks caused by algae.  This is commonly seen on roofing shingles in areas with high humidity and rainfall totals.  Algae-resistant shingles are coated with copper or zinc granules, which leach over time, inhibiting algae growth.

Because of their greater thickness, architectural shingles have better wind tear-off resistance. Most are rated at 110 m.p.h. and some at 130 miles per hour for wind resistance. They are also highly fire resistant especially if they have a heavy granulated top coat. A heavy layer of top coat granules provides the highest fire rating of Class A. We also now have a class 4 impact resistant shingle which is the highest rating for hail resistance available today. Most insurance company's are offering a discount on your premiums for using the class 4 impact resistant shingles.