Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prepare my home for re-roofing?

INTERIOR: Vibrations (primarily hammering) may shake items off your shelves or walls. To safeguard your pictures, plates, figurines, etc. we recommend that customers remove valuables from the walls and shelves until our work has been completed.

EXTERIOR: We ask you to please remove any portable items (i.e. potted plants, patio furniture, toys, etc.) located near the perimeter of your home before our arrival. If you have special concerns, (i.e. flower beds, bushes, driveway space, etc.) please bring them to our attention before we begin and we’ll be certain to address them.

Finally, due to the novelty associated with roofing, and the heights at which we perform our work, it’s no surprise that our efforts attract the attention of onlookers. For safety reasons, we ask that you instruct your children (if applicable) to stay clear of the work area.

How long will it take to complete my re-roof?

Depending on the size and complexity of the job and the agreeability of Mother Nature, an average roof will take 4 to 7 days to complete.

Items of complexity that come into play would include the following:

• Are the materials required for the project successfully loaded onto the roof? Some houses may have restricted access to the roof as a result of trees, fences, landscape issues, the pitch of the roof, power lines, etc., which affect our abilities to load the roof quickly and therefore prolongs the completion.
• Are there any roof deck repairs to be done? Once the original roofing material has been removed, the examination of the roof sheeting is inspected to ensure it is sound for a new installation.
• What kind of roofing materials were used on the previous shingle installation? The removal of the existing roofing material also plays a part in our timeline. For instance, cedar shakes take longer to strip, clean up and dispose of than asphalt shingles.

Finally, Mother Nature plays a large role in our completion schedule. We do not want any unnecessary water damage to your roof deck, which means our work is stalled during rainy days.

How do you get the materials you need on to the roof?

Our suppliers have large flat bed trucks that are equipped with one of two systems that allow them to load the product on to your roof. Our suppliers will determine how to load the roof based on your homes placement in relation to the public road ways and any other complexities that may block the roof access. In some cases, the suppliers will place plywood on your lawn and back into the yard to gain the necessary reach for loading the shingle bundles. Either a conveyer belt system or a hydraulic arm will then be used to hoist shingles on to the roof. They will spread the bundles over the peak to ensure that the weight is distributed equally and there is no unnecessary stress to the roof.

What causes ice damming?

Ice damming occurs when heat from the roof melts the snow. The water then freezes when it reaches the cold eavestrough. As a result, ice builds up at the eaves and creates a dam that traps water. Heat that causes the snow to melt can come from the following:

• Inadequate insulation that allows excess heat into the attic.
• Improperly sealed bathroom fans, attic hatches, and light fixtures, which allows heat into the attic.
• Insufficient ventilation. Ventilation is needed to exchange warm and moist air with cold and dry air.

What is Ventilation?

Ventilation is the process of supplying a continuous supply of air through the attic space. Proper ventilation consists of 50% intake and 50% exhaust, which lies near or at the roof peak. The exhaust should be at least 3 feet higher than the intake system.

Why should I ventilate my roof?

Ventilation is used to help protect your roof from heat and moisture. Heat in unventilated attics may cause temperatures to exceed 150 degrees, which can cause damage to shingles. Moisture can cause rot, mildew, mold, paint blisters, and can cause insulation to become ineffective. Proper ventilation can reduce energy bills, prevent ice build up and eliminate mold and mildew.

How many vents should my roof have?

Requirements for ventilation are 1 sq ft of free air movement per 500 sq ft of attic area. On pitches less than 4/12, the required ventilation doubles. Generally, 1 vent per 500 sq ft on pitches of 4/12 or greater is required and 1 vent per 250 sq ft on pitches less than 4/12 is required.

Is this repair covered under my warranty?

Any problems in workmanship that appear within 10 years of the installation will be repaired at no cost. Damage caused by high winds, animals, or natural disasters are not covered by warranty. Defects in material are covered under the manufacturers’ warranty.