Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between a certification and a warranty?

A. A certification is a professional opinion based on an inspection of what is needed to bring the roof to a serviceable condition. A serviceable roof is one that is not leaking, has been installed correctly and the roof is in good general condition. Only subsequent leaks that are not a result of a natural disaster will be repaired at no charge. Interior damage caused by a leak will not be fixed where roof was not entirely replaced. However a workmanship warranty and a manufacturer warranty are issued when a roof is replaced. A workmanship warranty guarantees that any repairs or damages resulting from poor workmanship will be corrected at the contractors expense. It is the customers responsibility to contact the contractor in a timely fashion of any visible damage or defect. The city or county inspector will also notify the customer of any corrections that may be required. Both workmanship and manufacturer warranties do not cover any damages from hail, wind, other natural disasters, fire damage, animal damage or tree damage.  A roof certification will not result in roof replacement.

Q. What does lack of proper roof ventilation cause?

A. A decreased life of the roof shingles, underlayment, decking and increased energy bills. The physical evidence is typically seen as blisters on the shingles. Blisters are raised areas on the shingle, either open or closed & range in size from a pea to quarter size typically.

Q. What else could cause blisters on roof shingles?

A. If the roof has adequate ventilation and there are evidence of blisters on a relatively young roof then there is a possibility of a manufacturer defect and if the homeowner is in possession of the warranty they may be entitled to all or a portion of the roof being paid for by the manufacturer.

Q. What types of shingle damage do you observe with normal aging?

A. Shingles can curl as the asphalt hardens over time and the once embedded granules break away, sometimes you will notice the granules in your gutters. As the asphalt hardens it shrinks and can result in a curled shingle. Also heat cracking or surface cracks become evident as the oils of the asphalt are depleted due to heat & become so brittle they crack.

Q. What does damaging hail look like?

A. Hailstones vary in size, shape & hardness, therefore the impact on the roof will have different sizes, shapes and depths. If the hail was baseball size the pits created are fairly obvious, however damage caused by smaller hail needs to be inspected by a roof professional as hail is often missed or mistaken for other types of damage.

Q. When should I call my insurance company?

A. That depends on your coverage, your deductible and the type of damage you have. If you have minor damage from wind, then typically you can just call for free estimates as usually the cost of the repair is much less than your deductible. However if there has been large hail in your area then you are welcome to call us to take a look, but you will also need to call your insurance company for them to document and process a claim if we find damaging hail. Insurance companies do not pay for normal wear and tear or maintenance issues. If your roof has been damaged by a fire, tornado or falling tree than we suggest you contact your insurance company first.

Q. What routine maintenance will extend the life of my roof?

A. It depends on what type of roof you have. All roofs benefit from being periodically inspected for any missing shingles, shakes or tiles, also to check for loose flashings & to see if penetrations such as pipes, vents & chimneys need to be re-sealed. It is also a good idea to have gutters & downspouts kept clear of debris. Keep trees trimmed back from brushing on roof surface, composition shingle roofs are most prone to tree damage.

Q. What repairs can I expect with a Wood Shake roof that is being repaired to certification?

A. Wood shake repairs to certification include covering all exposed felt, all missing, broken and shakes that are curled over 2" will be replaced. The existing staples on hip and ridge will be re-secured. Additional work may be required if roof needs any work in areas where flashings are insufficient or where a leak exists.

Q. What are the roof codes in my area?

A. You are welcome to call us or contact the building department of the city or county you reside. Since 2003 many areas have changed there code enforcement. Questions to ask are does the city or county now enforce a shingle that meets a specific wind speed or can we still use 3-tab 25 yr shingles? What is the maximum number of layers of roof shingles you allow before shingles need to be removed. Do you require ice and water shield at the eaves? Thicker laminate shingles, wood shakes and tiles always need to be removed prior to installing a new roof.

Q. What should I consider when selecting a roof contractor?

A. The contractor should: Carry insurance and be licensed. The contractor should pull a permit with the city or county if roof is being replaced. Be able to provide references if requested. Address all your questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner prior to obtaining a signed contract. The contractor should discuss financial arrangements prior to performing any work, if a deposit is required ask that the deposit be made once the materials are delivered but prior to the roof installation beginning. The contractor should put everything in writing including but not limited to: scope of work, price, and the type of material to be installed.

Q. What should I expect during a roof replacement project?

A. The tear off of the old roof causes a lot of debris, the contractor should leave the jobsite tidy as he leaves each evening, but during normal work activity street parking is advised and you should not allow pets or children to be outside unsupervised. There will be noise and some traffic so it is best to let your neighbors know in advance. Also take down anything inside that could be subject to the vibrations created during the roof installation such as a glass display on a shelf or a chandelier hanging from a ceiling.