The moment you feared so much has come. Your roofing contractor is right there in front of you. And, while he’s talking about replacing your roof, two questions are running through your head… “How long it will take? and… How much it will cost?. So, you freeze. But, don’t stress out! At Bay 101, we give you some roofing tips to feel more secure while talking with your roofing contractor.
The roofer’s coming. What’s next?
If you have the chance to talk with your roofing contractor (before he starts working on your roof), you should ask all the necessary questions to clear your doubts. There’s a lot of money involved on a roofing replacement so, be sure it is going to worth it.
Don´t be afraid to interrogate your roofer. The Bay 101 Roofing Team recommends to ask your roofer these eight questions:
1. Do you use a complete, matching system of roof components?
Your roof is so much more than a group of shingles nailed to plywood. It involves a complete system of many components all designed to work together.
So, make sure all of your roofing components and supplies come from the same manufacturer. Avoid mixing and matching elements to get the price down. It could be less expensive, but it will complicate the installation during work. Besides, be sure your roofer uses products as prescribed by the building code in your city.
2. How many nails per shingle?
Every shingle is different. The amount of nails depends on the specific instructions each manufacturer has for their products. Besides, nailing practices will vary between shingle products too.
3. What type of flashing do you recommend?
Flashing is extremely important as it is your primary defense against water.
Some roofing areas are especially vulnerable to water intrusion. That’s where flashing comes in.
Some contractors do a face mount flashing, but that’s not enough.
At Bay 101, one of our roofing tips is using Z flashing whether it is brick or stone siding. Get a reglet-set flashing for clapboard siding. They feature channels and bends that integrate with the siding, which helps prevent water intrusion from wind uplift.
4. How will you seal off the pipe boot?
The pipe boot, where vents stacks emerge from the roof, is a particular area of concern and it is often overlooked. Most pipe boot manufacturers usually don’t offer a warranty. So, it is doubly essential to make sure the pipe boot is sealed correctly.
5. What valley installation will you use?
Roof valleys are a vulnerable area to leaking as this is where the most water gathers during the rainy season. It typically happens due to improper installation.
A proper valley installation must include a combination of flashing, ice/water protector and shingles. All the elements should be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
6. How will you cap the ridge vents?
Ridge vents help your roof to breathe. They also prevent moisture from building up in the attic. Nowadays, roofers use ridge cap shingles, which offer a cleaner and easier installation.
7. How far will the shingles extend over the drip edge?
During rainy seasons, water can flow down the slope, hold onto the shingle edge and sweep back to the underside of the shingle. How to prevent that? By extending the edge of the shingle past the drip edge.
Shingles should overhang the drip edge to a nominal quarter inch. That way, water falls off the shingle and into the gutter.
8. What will the weather be like when installing the shingles?
Installing a roof is a fair-weather job. However, sometimes Mother Nature refuses to cooperate. During cold and grey days, make sure your contractor uses recommended cold-weather installation practices by using spot adhesives to secure all the shingles until proper bonding takes place. That way, your roof will stay in place until the sun does its part.
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Most homeowners consider a roof replacement as a daunting task but keep in mind that your home protects your family so, return the favor.
Make sure you know the right questions to ask your roofer before signing the papers. That way you’ll have more valuable information to choose the right contractor.
After reading this roofing tips, we know you’ll succeed on your search for the roofer that match your needs.
Are you thinking of getting a new roof in the Bay Area? Ask first for a FREE ROOF INSPECTION!
Our Bay 101 Roofing professional team is ready to help you. Contact us now!