Frequently Asked Questions

• Why can’t I get a quote over the phone?

Think of each roofing system as its own fingerprint. There are many issues that can cause a roofing system to fail. Visually inspecting the shingles and inspecting the attic are just a couple thorough evaluations you will want your roofing contractor to do. The needs of some roofs may not match the needs of others. A thorough inspection is key to ensuring that we don’t miss anything that would result in surprises and costly addons that you may not have budgeted for.

• How long does the process take?

Many factors such as the pitch of a roof or the type of material being used can speed up or slow down a project. Typical residential homes can be completed in a couple of days. We understand that having contractors at your home can be a stressful time. We will take the time to make sure it is done right, and clean up quickly.

• Can you re-roof any time of year?

Yes! Common misconception is that we are unable to roof through the winter months. In fact, we often lose as many work days to rain in the winter as we do to the heat in the summer. We do of course come prepared with tarps and water proof underlayment in the event of an unexpected shower.

• What determines the cost of roof replacement?

The main things that are factored into our bidding price point are the pitch of the roof (how steep is it), the complexity (dormers, valleys, pitch changes, venting modifications), the access (how easy is it to get material on and off the roof), and the materials used (designer shingles or basic architectural, metal or low slope membrane). We take our time to make sure all aspects of your roof are done the right way. We use only high quality materials, won’t cut corners and we don’t charge more just because it looks like you can afford it.

• What type of roofing do I need?

There are many roofing styles and products available today but not all styles are a good fit for a particular home. Finding out what’s right for your house and your budget is an important part of the process when selecting a contractor. Many companies may only install certain types of roofing material. Even with asphalt shingles, different types require different installation methods and techniques.
Architectural Shingles – Certainly the most common and most affordable roofing material you will see in our area is “standard architectural” or “comp”. Our preferred shingle is GAF’s Timberline HD Architectural Shingle. It is even engineered to be installed on most lower pitched porches and manufactured homes.

Designer Shingles –They are thicker and stronger than a standard comp shingle and may require some additional training on installation. Being a Master Elite Certified roofer with GAF gives us an edge with these shingles as we have the training and knowledge required to meet the installation needs of these dynamic shingles.

Standing Seam Metal – Standing seam metal roofing is one continuous panel from the peak to the gutter where the panels link together in a way that hides all of the screws that hold the panels down. Although it is more expensive than a typical asphalt shingle, it is often more energy efficient & environmentally friendly as they are often made in part using recycled material and have a much longer lifetime.

Low Slope Membrane –Roof slopes 2/12 and under require special care and special products. Installing membranes are not for your armature roofer. Special attention needs to be made to ensure fire ratings are met and condensation does not become a problem. When installed properly, membranes can be a long lasting leak proof way to protect a home or business.

• Should I do a complete tear off or a layover?

Roofs with multiple layers are quickly becoming a thing of the past and rightly so.  Laying shingles over the top of an existing roof can cover up problems with the roof deck that we would not have otherwise known existed.  Also a second layer will not last as long and the shingles won’t lay as flat as they should.

• Why is proper ventilation important?

Improper attic ventilation is the number one reason for a roof failing before it’s time.  Sadly, a vast majority of houses do not have a properly ventilated attic space. This can lead to shingle granular loss, thermal cracking, delaminating shingles in the summer months, and mold, mildew, and rotten plywood in the winter. Bottom line, poor ventilation leads to costly repairs.  You can do research for days on the best ways to accomplish a perfectly ventilated attic space. Or just call us! We have spent probably more time than we like to admit obsessing over the best venting methods in every challenging situation.  It is vital to ensure the roofing systems we install is 100% compliant with all code and warranty specifications.  Nothing is more frustrating than investing in a project as important as a roof, only to have it fail and a warranty claim denied because your roofer didn’t fully understand or care enough to get it right.

• Why is a warranty important?

There are two types of coverage you should ask your contractor about: coverage against manufacturing defects in the materials and coverage against workmanship errors. Most roofing manufactures, as with most products, will come with a standard limited manufacturer warranty. Along with a manufacturer warranty, your contractor should not hesitate to offer a workmanship warranty on your new roofing system. You might also hear the term “non-prorated”. The difference between a prorated warranty and non-prorated warranty is the cost to the consumer. A non-prorated warranty gives you full protection and will not incur cost to the consumer. However, a prorated warranty means that over time, the cost to the consumer increases and the full roofing system will not be covered. The other thing to consider is a transferable warranty. As a GAF Manufacturer, all warranties are fully transferable at no cost. This can be to your advantage when you decide to sell your home and can transfer the full coverage warranty to the new homeowner.

• How do I hire a roofing contractor?

Find out if the roofing contractor is adequately licensed, bonded and insured. Even if you choose a company that has a CCB#, it’s best to verify their license is still active and has not expired or been revoked due to penalties or other issues. Getting a properly licensed, bonded and insured contractor gives you insurance and peace of mind knowing that they will comply with city and government code requirements. Consider how long the roofing contractor has been in business and what kind of reputation they have built up. Experience can mean everything when hiring a contractor to work on your home. If a roofer has been in business for many years, it means they’re doing something right. Take into consideration that not every customer is going to be completely satisfied but consider the quantity and quality of reviews and the overall rating. Get a written and signed contract. It is very common that a contractor will ask for a deposit upfront, but if they require a substantial amount (like more than 50% of the total cost of the project), this could be a red flag. It’s best to get 2-3 estimates. Each estimate may vary in scope of work and price but be sure to really examine and understand the work that’s being done and not just the price. Find out if they are factory certified. Factory certified technicians have been trained and certified by the manufacturer. This guarantees quality workmanship and limits the possibility of potential installation issues down the road.