Simply put, roof installation is a complex job and it helps, as a homeowner, to know some aspects of the process to make the job a bit easier and more worthwhile. While it is excusable that you don’t have the skills to do such a complex job yourself, there is no excuse for a responsible homeowner ensuring that they ask the right questions and make a calculated decision on that basis.
Today, we’ll walk you through a list of questions that you should ask your roofing contractor before a roof replacement starts and what aspects you should look out for. This approach will give you the most value for your money and ensures your roofing project stands the test of time and weathers the elements adequately.
Table of Contents
What Happens to the Old Roof?
Experienced and reputable roofing companies always remove the old roof before laying down the new one. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, because black-hat roofers will try to convince you they can do a visual inspection of the old roof to judge whether there are any soft spots underneath. They then proceed to shingle over the old roof and charge you for the full job, even though the cost of roof removal should be included in the quotation.
However, one can’t tell if there are any weak spots just by visually inspecting the top of the roof. This is why it becomes vital that the roof be taken up before placing a new one down. Any problems that are not found and repaired result in costly repairs and possibly even doing the roofing all over again.
Is the Roofer Responsible for Installing a Drip or Metal Edge?
Be sure to ask your roofer whether installing a metal or drip edge is included in the detailed estimate or not. Reason being that if it isn’t included and you don’t have edges on your new roof, then you’ll be seeing significant bills for water damage. Also, chances are you won’t be able to install them yourself, so it’s best to get the roofers to do the job. However, you should note that a reputable and experienced roofer will usually include the edges in their roofing estimate.
How Are the Shingles Nailed Down?
Standard roofing jobs entail using at least four nails per shingle, but this largely depends on the type of shingles, the degree of slope on the roof, and weather conditions. For example, if the roof of your house is sloped and you live in an area that experiences harsher weather conditions, then you’d need to use more nails. This is usually for the roofing professional to decide, but be sure to make a note of what your roofer says when you ask.
Are Flashings Also Replaced or Are the Old Ones Used?
Flashings, by their very design, are supposed to integrate not only with the dimensions of your roof but also the type of shingle being used. Inexperienced roofers will tell you they can make the old flashings work, and unscrupulous roofers will downplay the importance of replacing flashings, but be a bit wary of such statements. Confirm with the roofers that the shingle type is the same and if not then have them include the flashings in the quotations as not doing so could cause a myriad of issues, with roof leaks and a subsequent rotten roof just being some of them.
Shingle Valleys – Steel or Weave?
Always weave your shingles with metal installed underneath. Even if a qualified roofer is telling you otherwise, then consider it a red flag and look for another roofing crew. Woven valleys without metal are more vulnerable to premature wear and tear. They also tend to be a lot cheaper and easier for roofers to install, which is why unscrupulous roofers try to bypass this part of the job.
What About Shingle Cutting and Overhang?
Cutting shingles is not a job to be done using just hand-eye coordination. Make sure your roofer is marking and cutting the shingles with the right tools, which usually consist of chalk and a straight or hook blade. Using the right tools means your shingles are horizontally and vertically aligned, especially over large areas, making it much more aesthetically pleasing.
As for overhang, the usual rule is between 6mm and 2cm, but this also depends on a range of other factors. What’s important is that the overhang does not extend too much or too little. If too little, water can seep in, and if too much, your shingles become more susceptible to blowing off during severe weather. Be sure to discuss this with your roofing specialist.
Are Eavestroughs and Vents at Risk During Roofing Jobs?
Eavestroughs can get damaged during a roofing job, which is why it’s important to take steps to protect them while working on your roof. An experienced roofer will use a variety of tools and supports, such as troughs or ladder stabilizers. Be sure to ask your potential roofing contractor before hiring them what measures they use.
Similarly, you should also let your potential roofers know about any intake vents or exhaust vents so they can plan the job in a way to ensure there is no additional damage. Your roofing contractor could also help you evaluate whether your home or attic’s ventilation needs to be increased. However, be sure you understand how the ventilation of the house works and exactly what changes are carried out in terms of exhaust vents and intake vents.
What About Material Costs?
Be sure to sit down with your roofing contractor to discuss the material costs. Reputable roofing companies always include all material costs in their quotation, but it would also do good to have a discussion just in case something gets left out by mistake. Shingles, plywood, adhesives, nails, etc. are all materials that will be used in the project and it helps if one knows what the cost for each material is.
Will My Property be Treated Right by the Roofer?
At the end of the day, when getting a roofing job done, your actual property is being worked on. It’s only natural to want to ensure that your property is respected at all times. Tell your roofer to not strip more of your roof than necessary each day. This ensures your home is protected from the weather. Any open areas should be covered with a tarp by the roofing crew before they leave for the day. Your roofer should also be cleaning stripped shingles and checking the lawn and garden for nails and other hazardous items.
What About Insurance?
The roofing business you hire should have its own workman’s compensation insurance, but you still need to ensure the same as there are many unscrupulous contractors in the market. Also, ensure that the roofer also has general liability insurance to protect your property in the event of any damage caused by the roofing company. Also, remember that it would be perfectly reasonable for you to ask to see proof of insurance.
Finding The Right Roofing Company Near Me
As you can see, the above are fairly simple questions that shouldn’t be too problematic to ask your roofer. Moreover, if you’re fortunate enough to work with a reputable contractor such as Elite Roofing Halifax, they’ll surely answer any other roofing questions you might have. It’s important to remember, however, that not every roofing business is the same, and you should do your homework before agreeing to incur any sizeable roof costs.
If you own a property in Halifax, NS, that requires a roof inspection or roof repairs check out Elite Roofing Halifax. Book an appointment or call in for a free consultation and estimate. With a friendly staff and a highly professional team of experts, Elite Roofing Halifax is your best bet for all residential and commercial roofs.
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