Accent
Roofing Top Ten Most Asked Re-Roofing Questions
1.
Why is tear-off necessary? Can't you just re-roof over top of the old roof?
No. The
roof must be torn off and then the process of re-roofing can begin as new. Trapped
moisture from old 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 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 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
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 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 company may not be from your area
or the 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 they are 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 leaks unless on defective 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 inspection. Even if the labour is free, is there an extra charge
for 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
Roofing & Repairs
