For many homeowners, the experience of installing a new roof on their home is a once or possibly twice in a lifetime experience. Our goal at Signature Roofing is to provide the discerning homeowner with information that both answers questions they may have on the re-roofing process and to prompt a possible new list of questions the homeowner may not have considered asking.
Regardless of which roofing contractor you select for your project, we hope this information helps make your re-roofing experience as pleasant and satisfying as possible.
Do I need to be home to obtain an estimate?
My roof has only one layer at this time. Can I layover the existing shingles or is it better to have them removed?
A number of factors come into play in making this decision. Older shingles tend to cup as they dry out and age. The new layer will follow the contour of the existing shingles which may cause your new roof to look bumpy or uneven. Also, the existing rows of shingles must have been run straight when installed. Again, the new layer will follow the old pattern and may lead to a visually unacceptable appearance.
Of greater concern is the inability to inspect the roof deck for heat damage, rot or loose decking. While the wood can be inspected from inside the attic space for broken boards or water damage, loose decking can not be determined without removing the shingles and existing felt paper. As wood becomes moist from humid air and condensation that collects in the attic space, it may swell slightly. As it dries out, the wood returns to its natural position. Over the course of 20 years, this swelling and relaxing of the wood can lift the decking nails slightly which may prevent the wood from laying flat.
This will be the only opportunity for the life of your new roof to address this condition. In general, removing the existing layer of shingles will add about $1000.00 to the cost of a roof replacement for a typical Northern Virginia home.
What weight felt paper should be used?
Roofing felt paper, sometimes known as “tar” paper, is a shingle underlayment that is installed between the roof deck and roof shingle. Shingle underlayments provide temporary protection from the weather while the home is under construction and also provide a secondary barrier against leaks should there be a failure in the shingle system. In the past, 30# (30 pound) felt paper was often used in conjunction with the organic asphalt shingles then on the market. Today’s fiberglass composite shingles offer greater durability and a longer life expectancy in a thinner and lighter format.
Many manufacturers today recommend using 15# felt with their 20-year and 25-year fiberglass composite shingles available in our region. While many consumer publications continue to recommend 30# felt for re-roofing projects, we suggest the manufacturer’s recommendations are followed to ensure full warranty protection.
For maximum performance, and to meet the criteria of the CertainTeed Integrity Roof System program, we use Roofer’s Select High Performance Shingle Underlayment.
When are the roofing materials delivered and will they block access to my driveway or garage?
Generally, we schedule the materials to be delivered by our supplier two days before your planned roofing date. In most cases, the materials will be loaded directly to the roof area of your home, allowing you unimpeded access to your parking area. If there are reasons your roof cannot be loaded (power lines or tree branches in the way, or if your roof has too steep of a pitch) you will be notified in advance of the situation.
We do request that you keep the driveway area clear of vehicles on the day your delivery is scheduled unless someone will be home to move the vehicles when the supplier arrives.
Do I need to be home while the work is in progress?
No. In fact many folks prefer not to be home when the hammering starts!
We do not need access inside the home providing there is an outside electrical outlet available in case of bad wood or if you have chosen the option of a ridge vent system.
However, your presence does allow your contractor to answer any questions you may have regarding the process and to point out any “quirks” built into the construction of your home that may affect the appearance of your new roof and to discuss possible options to remedy or minimize these quirks.
Will there be any accumulated dust or debris in my attic area?
Yes. In all roofing jobs, some of the finer grit will fall between the cracks of the plywood or plank board decking. In cases where a ridge vent system is installed, sawdust will fall into the attic. We suggest removing or covering any items stored in the attic space if dust or debris accumulation is a concern.
Do I need to protect items inside my house from possible damage?
Yes. On all roofing jobs there is a degree of vibration which comes down through the framework of the home. While it is not necessary to panic, it is recommended you safeguard fragile items such as glass globes on chandeliers, pictures which are not securely mounted to the wall, or the “old family heirloom” on the mantel.
Items in the kitchen cabinets should not be affected, nor should there be a need to empty the china cabinet. If in doubt, take a few minutes to protect any non-replaceable items.
My children play in the yard. Will discarded nails be a safety concern?
What often separates roofing companies is the quality of the site clean up at the end of a job.
Professional roofing contractors should remove all roofing debris, clean out the gutter system and do a thorough cleaning of the grounds and landscaping. Included in this is the use of a magnet to pick up any nails that have reached the ground level. The perimeter of the home including lawn, landscaped areas, driveway and support vehicle parking area should be included in the search for nails.
Why is there so much variation in roofing company quotes?
We have requested a number of proposals for our roof replacement project and have received a wide range of prices. Most companies appear to be using the same materials and quoting the same scope of work. Please visit our complete section on Selecting a Roofing Contractor.
Can I check to see if complaints have been filed against a contractor?
Yes. The following agencies in our jurisdiction will provide information on complaints filed in their localities.
Virginia Agencies
- Statewide Board of Contractors – 804-367-8504
- Alexandria, City of – 703-838-4350
- Arlington, County of – 703-358-3260
- Fairfax, County of – 703-222-8435