How do I know if there is any storm related damage to my roof? Damages to roofs caused by weather can be difficult to see from the ground. It often takes a roof inspection by a roofing professional to identify damage caused by wind or hail. Storm damages can be easy to miss for the untrained eye.

Why would my insurance company pay to replace the whole roof if there’s only a little damage? The insurance company’s obligation is to repair the damages. In many cases, the damaged shingles are old and brittle, which may make the shingles impossible to repair without causing additional damages. In this case, the only effective repair becomes a roof replacement.

So the insurance company will pay a lot less because the roof is old? Most insurance companies hold back some percentage of the proceeds from the claim. Different insurance companies call it different things. This “depreciation” is in most cases recoverable when the work is completed. The purpose of withholding some of the funds is to ensure that the work actually gets done, thereby making certain that property will be protected from potential future losses.

Why is it important to have my contractor there for the insurance adjustment? Your adjuster may be tired from inspecting a bunch of other roofs that morning,  or maybe somewhat inexperienced. It’s possible that your adjuster might simply make an honest mistake. The best results for the benefit of the homeowner seem to be obtained when an experienced roofing professional walks through the inspection with the adjuster and calls attention to any damages that he sees.

My roof leaks. Do I really have to replace the whole roof? Not necessarily. Leaks can result from loose flashings or a damaged section of shingles. Some leaks can easily be repaired.  Bear in mind that older shingles may be very brittle, making repairs impossible. Complete roof system failure is generally the result of improper installation, and is irreversible.

 I’m pretty handy. Can I just do the roof work myself? No. Roofing professionals are trained in safe and efficient techniques. You can potentially damage your roof system if your work is improper. Furthermore, the risk for severe injury from a fall is very serious.  Trust a licensed, bonded, and insured roofing contractor with your roof replacement.

So I have received several estimates, and the prices vary a lot. What’s up with that?  The market dictates a range where pricing generally ought to be, but there certainly are variables. Quality of materials, workmanship, and company overhead can cause some degree of price variation. It is a good idea to understand what you are getting, and to remember that the lowest price roof may likely cost more in the long run. There are a lot of places where cheap is good, but the roof that protects your home is certainly not a place where cutting corners is prudent.

What is the best shingle for me to have installed on my house? Asphalt shingles should be in compliance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards and applicable building codes. Fiberglass shingles should meet the following standards:

·      ASTM D3462 “Standard Specification for Asphalt Shingles Made from Glass Felt and Surfaced with Mineral Granules”

·      ASTM D228“Standard Test Methods for Sampling, Testing, and Analysis of Asphalt Roll Roofing, Cap Sheets, and Shingles Used in Roofing and Waterproofing”

·      ASTM D 3161 “Standard Test Method for Wind-Resistance of Steep Slope Roofing Products (Fan-Induced Method)” Class F – 110 MPH

·      ASTM D 7158 “Standard Test Method for Wind Resistance of Asphalt Shingles (Uplift Force/Uplift Resistance Model)” Class H – 150 MPH

·      ASTM E 108 “ Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings”

Class A

What is the difference between architectural shingles and 30 year shingles? There is no difference. In 2011, shingle manufacturers changed their warranty language from 30 years to lifetime. The products did not change; only the term that they would be warranted against defects in manufacturing changed. These shingles are also commonly referred to as laminated shingles, because material lamination is used in the manufacturing process.

 I never had ridge vent before. Why do I need it now? Balanced attic ventilation is a very important component of a good roofing system. As a matter of fact, improper ventilation will void shingle companies warranties against defects in manufacturing. Ridge vent is proven to be the most effective product for proper attic ventilation, though some job conditions still call for alternative ventilation products.

 What about the underlayment? Is synthetic better than felt? Yes. When compared to asphalt saturated felt, synthetic roofing underlayments are far more durable. They are highly tear resistant, making them a safer option for roofing professionals. Synthetic underlayments also fully shed water, where felt clearlywrinkles when wet.

How long does it take to replace a roof? It depends on the size and pitch of the roof, but a typical asphalt shingle roof can be fully removed and replaced within 1-3 days.

Do I have to remove my solar panels in order to have my roof replaced? Yes. Because your roof is a complex system designed to protect your home from the elements, it is important that a new roof begin with a clear, solid wooden roof deck. If you are considering getting solar panels installed on your roof, you may want to have your roof replaced before the solar panels are installed.

Do I have to find someone else to fix rotten wood before you replace my roof? Your professional roofing crew will remove and replace any rotten wood on your roof before installing your new roof system. Most roof replacement contracts include a few sheets of plywood, and then charge for extra sheets on an as needed basis.

What about all of the accessory products on the roof? Do they get reused? No indeed. Your new roofing system should include all new materials, not just new shingles. You should expect to see new ventilation products, pipe boots, and drip edge. It is however very common for roofing professionals to leave existing metal flashings in place if the flashings are in good condition. This practice is to avoid the need to remove siding from your exterior walls in order to replace the flashings. Any flashings that are not in good condition certainly should be replaced.

What if they remove my existing roof, and weather moves in before they can finish the new roof job? There is a risk of rain on nearly every roof replacement project. Crews keep large tarps available to cover the house in the event of a pop up rain shower. Crews also will not remove more shingles in a work day than they can get dried back in with a new underlayment. The underlayment will provide waterproofing during the course of construction.

Am I going to have to find someone to clean up the mess? Absolutely not. Your professional roofing crew will clean up the entire mess upon completion of their work. Their goal is to leave your property cleaner than they found it.