Frequently Asked Questions about Roofing & Roof Construction

FAQs

Why are shingles so expensive compared to other building materials. I thought the slow down in housing has resulted in lower prices for all materials.

Shingle prices have increased 57.5% from March 2008-March 2009. There are two primary causes, 1. petroleum prices soared last summer and have not adjusted downward, and 2. a greater percentage of asphalt is being set aside for increased road construction due to the recent stimulus bills. Since asphalt is the main ingredient in shingles we can expect prices to remain high for the foreseeable future.

What is the difference between an Architectural or Dimensional shingle vs. a standard shingle?

The most commonly known shingles are the 3-tab or strip shingle that has a flat appearance on the roof. An Architectural or Dimensional shingle has an additional layer of shingle material laminated on top to provide a more interesting appearance on the roof. Architectural shingles typically have a more substantial warranty than standard strip shingles.

What are the black streaks/stains on my roof?

Algae. Algae is a plant like organism that attaches itself to the roof. It is more prevalent in areas with high humidity.

Will Algae damage the roof?

No, Algae has no proven effect on shingle life.

Why am I experiencing shingles blowing off?

There are several possible reasons that you are experiencing shingle loss. One is that the roof system is nearing the end of its life cycle. As the roof ages, the asphalt dries out making the shingle brittle and more susceptible to coming off. The second is improper fastening or misalignment such as “high-nailing.” In this situation, the fasteners were installed in the wrong part of the shingle which has a lower tear resistance.

What would cause a leak in my bathroom?

More than likely, you have a plumbing vent flashing boot that has failed. Our building codes require plumbing pipes that are designed to remove gases from our sewage systems. These pipes generally exit through the roof. They are kept watertight by installing a plumbing vent flashing boot at the point where this pipe exits the roof. UV rays will degrade the neoprene seal leading to a crack that will allow water to enter the house. Water will then run down the pipe and show itself on the bathroom ceiling.

What is the difference between a woven and cut valleys?

A woven valley is a traditional method of installing shingles in the valley by interlacing the shingles as you go up the roof. This method is fine when installing the traditional strip shingles. However, it creates a problem with Architectural shingles. These shingles are thicker and the weave causes them to “bridge” the valley resulting in a condition that allows water to migrate underneath the shingles. The cut valley prevents this condition and provides a cleaner aesthetic appearance.

How long will my shingles last?

This depends on the shingles and the climate. Today’s shingles carry warranties ranging from 20 years to lifetime. Generally speaking, you can expect the shingle to last within 5 years of the warranty period. For example, you might expect a shingle with a 30 year warranty to have a serviceable life of 25 years. The harsher the climate, the shorter the lifespan of the shingle roof system. Our South Eastern Climate is tough on roofs due to our high humidity, warm temperatures, and temperature fluctuation. It is not uncommon for roofs in our area to fluctuate 60 degrees in a 12 hour time period. These drastic temperature changes create addition stress on the roof system.

Why do I need ventilation?

Ventilation is crucial to the performance of a roof system. Ventilation eliminates heat, moisture, ice dams, and prevents mold. Proper ventilation will maximize the efficiency of your home and reduce heating and cooling costs. All major shingle manufacturers recommend adequate attic ventilation. The preferred method of ventilation is a combination of intake and exhaust achieved through the use of soffit and ridge vents. (Please visit our webpage on ventilation for further explanation.)

What is drip edge?

Drip edge is a perimeter flashing metal that protects the fascia and prevents wind blown rain from getting under the shingles. As water runs off of the roof, the process known as capillary action causes the water to adhere to the shingle and wick underneath to the plywood sheathing and fascia board. You can experiment with capillary action by attempting to pour water out of a glass. You will notice that water tends to hug the side of the glass rather than pour away from it. Drip edge is an inexpensive way to protect from expensive repairs down the road.

Do I need to check to make sure that my contractor is insured?

Absolutely. Any Joe-Contractor can provide you with a photo copy of insurance. This does not prove any thing other than the fact that he or she can use a copy machine. For all you know, he could have had insurance in the past but let it lapse in order to save a few dollars. You are now at risk if someone is hurt on your property or if workmanship issues lead to damage to your property. Roofing is a dangerous occupation and likewise results in expensive insurance requirements. Contractors often carry General Liability on their premises only or for occupations other than roofing. This type of coverage does not provide any protection to you, the homeowner. The only way you can be assured that a contractor is properly covered is to request an insurance certificate from the Insurance Company that names you on the policy.

What's in a roof?

Here's a list of roofing terms to help you better understand the components of a roof system:



Dormer: A vertical window set into and projecting from the slope of a pitched roof.



Ridge: The top of the roof formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.



Ridge Vent: Vent located on the ridge of a sloped roof to provide air exhaust.



Soffit: The underside area below the eave of a roof.



Soffit Vent: Vents located below the eaves to provide air intake.



Valley: Internal angle fromed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.



Eave: The horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof.



Gable/Rake Edge: The inclined, outside edge of a sloped roof plane.



Step Flashing: Base flashing application where 90* pieces of metal are installed where a roof plane meets a vertical surface.



Counter Flashing: Flashing metal attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from getting behind step flashing. Attached with reglets sawn into masonry joints when attached to masonry walls.



Cricket: A peaked saddle construction at the back of a chimney to deflect water around the chimney.



Pipe Collar: A flange placed over a vent pipe to seal roof around a roof penetration.



For more information check us out on the web at http://www.roofwerks.com/

You cannot choose a professional roofer by looking at an estimate and comparing prices!

You cannot choose a professional roofer by looking at an estimate and comparing prices! Allow yourself time to sit down with the sales guys or even the owner to ask questions and explore your possibilities. You will be really surprised at how many options you have.

Great contractors take a lot of pride in their work and so should the salesperson representing them.

You should always ask these questions before ever considering making a final decision:

1. What is the full name and address of the company? Do they have an office, legitimate phone/fax numbers, do they reside in your area, and most importantly look them up on the Internet or phone book to make sure they are not a fly by night company. You will learn a lot by doing your research on them. Just remember, they are coming into "YOUR" home so make sure you trust any contractors you invite inside!!!!

2. Do they have insurance? Make them give you a number to their insurance company & call to confirm. It takes just a few seconds for and accident to happen that could cost "YOU" thousands of dollars if they are not insured. We have seen contractors issue fake certificates so please take the time to follow up. It's better to be safe than sorry! They will be on your roof & there is always that chance they could fall in & do a lot of damage to themselves & your home.

3. Do they have a license by the North Carolina Board of General Contractors? Make them show you the certificate and always be sure it is up to date. These laws are set in place to help "YOU" stay protected.

4. Are they a credentialed contractor? In other words, have they gone above & beyond the standards of the everyday roofer. Are they educated, trained, knowledgeable & professional? Are they certified by the nations leading roofing manufactures to install their products & roof systems correctly? Are they a member of any roofing associations or dedicated to the roofing trade as a whole. This goes a long way knowing that a company is taking the extra mile to make sure that they are giving "YOU" the knowledge and time you deserve. This is "YOUR" investment, "YOUR" roof & "YOUR" home so it is a contractors job to give you the time, workmanship & professionalism needed to protect "YOUR" biggest asset.

5. Have they provided you a list of referrals or references from previous jobs? This can get tricky so be careful. Ask for the most recent list of references, meaning jobs sold in the last 3-6 months. Drive by the homes to make sure that they are real references and not just friends or family members vouching. Things have changed a lot in this industry in the past couple of years so the reputation a business had two years ago may not be the same as the last couple of months. 

6. What is the company's workmanship warranty? The typical warranty is a year or more. Longer warranties are not necessarily more valuable than shorter warranties. Any good roofer will warrant his workmanship and this comes down to trust more than anything! Do you trust who you are dealing with? That is the most important question to ask yourself, and your list of references they have provided you. This will go a long way, and a company that cares about their future, will care most about making sure that their customers are always given the best workmanship they can give. A successful company is one that builds their customer base on referrals!! A warranty is only as good as the contractor & if they are no longer in business next year when you really need them, what good does that do for you?

Roofwerks hopes this helps you make the right decision! Please do your homework before you decide & do not get stuck on the price! Professional NC Roofing Contractors should always be fairly close in price so if you get an estimate that seems way too low or high, you need to start asking yourself why. We have seen too many homeowners call us after the fact and they have lost thousands of dollars. Choose a contractor that you "TRUST" and look up their credentials. We are here to help you, not hurt you so just remember that & always ask these questions!!!!

Roof repair & maintenance

Roofwerks offers full service roofing repair & maintenance. We service all types of roofing materials on both residential & commercial properties.


We service:

Asphalt Shingles & Asphalt Roof Systems

Metal Roofing

Slate Roofs

Tile Roofing

Rubber Roofs

TPO

Built-up Roofing


Gutter & Downspout Cleaning:

Have your gutters & downspouts cleaned

Roof Inspections:

Most home inspectors do not adequately check the roof. Only licensed Roofing Contractors like Roofwerks are qualified to inspect the most vulnerable part of your home.

Annual Maintenance Program "Roof Protection Plan"

Includes gutter cleaning, minor roof repairs such as cracked flashing boots, nail pops, lifted shingles, & a detailed report on any major roof repair items that may be necessary. This plan is perfect for the concerned homeowner, townhome community, or commercial property owner looking to maximize their investment by prolonging the life of the roof & preventing costly damage.