Do these five things before you reroof
Is it time to replace your roof ?
According to the National Roofing Contractors’ Association (NRCA), the following findings are indicators that shingles may have reached their life expectancy:
• Shingles that are buckling, curling or blistering;
• Damage around chimneys, pipes and other penetrations;
• Excessive amounts of shingle granules in your gutters. Granules give shingles added weight and protect them from ultraviolet rays.
The NRCA recommends that homeowners hire a professional roofing contractor to perform a roof assessment. An annual inspection will help identify potential problems.
Most roof systems need to be replaced every 20 years, according to the NRCA. When choosing a roofing company to replace your shingles, follow these five steps:
1. CheCk ContraCtor qualifiCations
Choose a local, reputable contractor. These contractors should have the best knowledge of local building codes, state codes and required certifications and licenses. Ask the contractor to see their certificate of insurance before stepping onto the roof. Consider going the extra mile and choosing a contractor certified by the manufacturer of the shingle the contractor installs. Improper installation is considered one of the major reasons roofs fail prematurely, so finding a contractor with knowledge and experience in the correct application of a particular product is of the utmost importance.
2. Determine layover or tear off
Many times, contractors will push for a removal of all existing shingles, or a tear off, over adding another layer of shingles on top of an existing roof, a layover. Although a complete tear off is more expensive due to increased labor costs, there are some advantages.
“When you tear off, you get a chance to look at the roof deck and repair any deteriorating wood or substrate,” said Rick Taylor, longtime roofing contractor and a trainer for shingle manufacturer TAMKO Building Products Inc.
Typically, doing a layover is more economical, although homeowners need to discuss relevant factors with their contractor, including local building code requirements and implications for the manufacturer’s warranty.
3. Research the warranty
It is important to understand the warranty specific to the roof product you have installed. Educate yourself on requirements for installation, including whether a shingle layover is applicable (as mentioned above).
“Some shingle manufacturers won’t warranty the roof unless it is a complete tear off,” Taylor said. “TAMKO is one that actually does have the option to warranty a laminated shingle applied over one other layer of 3-tab shingles.”
Other warranty concerns to consider include proper installation, the required steps to register your roof after installation and the time period allowed for transferring that warranty to future owners of the home.
4. assess ventilation neeDs
Inadequate roof ventilation is another major culprit behind premature roof aging. There are a variety of options for roof ventilation; however, it is generally recommended to incorporate proper ventilation into the original re-roof, rather than add it later. The recommended ventilation depends on the size and architecture of the home, but when done correctly, the air inside the attic should be near the same temperature as the ambient temperature of the air outside it.
5. CheCk the weather
It may seem obvious, but a simple check of the weather before starting a roofing project could prevent a big headache later. Avoid starting a project with wet plywood or underlayment, or when the forecast indicates a strong chance of rain. Also, many manufacturers of asphalt shingles do not recommend installation in below-freezing temperatures or in excessively high temperatures.
Careful consideration of these steps during your next home exterior project could save you from costly and lengthy rework years later.