Accent
Roofing Top Ten Most Asked Re-Roofing Questions
1. Re-roofing - why is
tear-off necessary? Can't you just re-roof over top of the old roof?
No. The roofing
shingles must be removed and then the process of re-roofing can begin as new.
Trapped moisture from
old roofing shingles roofed over top can accelerate the deterioration of the
new roof. Some warranties are voided
if roofing over an old roof.
2.
Do I need to have a Warranty Card to have a warranty on my roof?
More important
is proof of purchase of the roofing materials, warranties often depend on
the manufacturer to be lenient
but make sure you fill out the card so there is no reason for the manufacturer
to walk away from a
claim. Most roof warranties have exclusions, one of which is that the roofing
shingles be applied in accordance
with the manufacturer's directions. Make sure that your roofing contractor
is knowledgeable in
the roofing materials they are putting on your roof.
3. Should
I ever power wash my roof?
No. And the
reason is that you can cause premature granule loss on roofing shingles and
damage to a cedar roof.
The roof may look better but your roof will likely leak when the next rain
comes.
4.
Can I get good life out of a cedar roof?
Everyone
seems to like the look of a cedar roof but it doesn't last as long as it once
did, its second growth
and generally split thinner. The average life of an untreated Cedar roof is about
10-15 years. Even if
you treated the cedar roof, the treatment only slows down the decay and rot, but
won't necessarily stop
splitting, cupping or leaking of a roof. You can purchase shakes and shingles
that are treated for
rot or fire protection, not both.
5.
How do I know my roof was installed correctly?
The best
thing to do is get details. Make sure your roofing contractor lists what he
is going to do and what
roofing materials he is planning to use. A good roofing contractor is your
best choice. Get references and
check them. Ask to see jobs the roofing contractor has done and call their
former clients.
6.
How do I choose the right roofing contractor?
Check them
out and then choose a roofing company that has been around for a long enough
to have problems and
then solved them. Ask
your neighbors who did their roof. Choose a roofing company that will give
you a proper written estimate
and addresses of past job references. Watch out for the lack of permanent
address. If it appears
to be just a phone number and no address the roofing company may not be from
your area or the roofing
company could disappear.
7.
How long should it take for the roofer to get to my house after we sign the roofing
contract?
It really
depends on where you live and the time of the year. If you sign a roofing
contract and get the roofer
there the next day, it is either a miracle or there is a reason roofing company
is not busy. Typically, re-roofing
is scheduled the day after the roofing contract is signed and the crews are
on the job within two
or three weeks. Weather, of course, plays a major factor and there are occasions
when months of delay
are not unusual. Roofing is a seasonal business and everyone seems to call
at once. Make sure the
communication is two-way so that you can reach the roofing contractor and
be available for them to reach
you regarding crew scheduling.
8.
How long does it take to have a roof done?
Typically
on an asphalt roof, the crew is done by the end of the second or third day. However
there is no such thing
as the average roof and clearly it depends on the size of the roof, weather and
the access to the site.
Tar & Gravel and Torch Down are very weather dependent. You don't want to open
up a flat roof on any
day that looks like rain. Cedar re-roofing takes longer and typically 3-4 days
on a good sized residential
home. Metal roofing can take anywhere from 2-4 days, depending on the type.
9. Should
I pay a deposit for my roof?
All reputable
roofing companies require a deposit. You should never pay all of the amount
and do not pay cash.
Roofing contractors that ask for cash could be trying to avoid paying Income
Tax, Workers' Compensation,
and other taxes. You don't need to be in the middle of those agencies and
the roofing contractor.
You can retain a holdback (agreed upon when signing the roofing contract)
for a short period
after the job is done and you have the right to cancel the roofing contract
within seven days of signing.
Using an established reputable roofing company, with proper contracts, can
reduce concern in these
areas.
10. Should
l receive a copy of the roofing contractor's leak guarantee with my estimate?
Yes, do not accept,
"5 years labour" written on the bottom of your roofing estimate. This applies
to the manufacturers
warranty, which does not cover roof leaks unless on defective roofing shingles,
such as the granules
falling off. If a roof leak does occur, you will need to know if you will
have to pay a service charge
or a fee for roof inspection. Even if the labour is free, is there an extra
charge for roofing materials? These factors
can be as much as the roof repair itself. If you plan on moving, is the
roofing contractor's leak guarantee
transferable and if so, are there any fees involved? A roofing contractor
who doesn't fully guarantee
his work can dramatically cut costs.
Accent
roofing serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Vancouver, Burnaby
New Westminster, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge since 1989.
Vancouver
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