Clearly written proposals that are detailed and broken down into separate line items are a good sign that the contractor is being thorough and has prepared an accurate estimate. The following is a partial list of items your estimate or proposal should include:

• The type of roof covering, manufacturer and color
• Materials to be included in the work, e.g., underlayment, ice dam protection membrane
• Scope of work to be done
  • Removal or replacement of existing roof
  • Flashing work, e.g., existing flashings to be replaced or re-used, adding new flashing, flashing metal type
  • Ventilation work, e.g., adding new vents
• Who is responsible for repairing/replacing exterior landscape or interior finishes that are damaged during the course of the work
• Installation method
• Approximate starting and completion dates
• Payment procedures
• Length of warranty and what is covered, e.g., workmanship, water leakage

Like any building component, roofs degrade at different rates depending on a large number of factors: the quality of original construction, the level of abuse, the level of maintenance, appropriateness of design, etc. So how long should a roof last? We have seen poorly designed and installed roofs go as few as seven to ten years before they failed, and we have seen old asphalt roofs that were over 30 years old. Most building owners, roofing contractors and designers feel 25 years is an acceptable service life for today’s products.

Several factors combine to affect roof deterioration. These may include ultraviolet radiation from the sun; temperature extremes in your area; inadequate ventilation; exposure to wind, snow, ice and rain; and poor installation techniques, such as the use of stapes or too few nails in the shingles.

Replacing a roof, whether on a commercial or residential building, is a labor-intensive project and, depending on the type of roof, could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The time involved is substantially affected by the weather, as well. Wind, snow, rain, or even just the threat of one of these and will slow the process considerably.

3-TAB shingles are the least expensive and most simple. They are single layer and give the roof a flat look.

Architectural shingles have an attractive appearance with a dimensional, more textured effect. They are heavier and thicker than 3-tab shingles, promoting longer life and extended durability.

There are a countless number of designer styles of shingles. Although these shingles may be a little more expensive, they also have increased value, beauty, protection, and longevity, and a more unusual and elaborate designs.

It is a reflective roof product that lowers roof surface temperature by up to 100°F, thereby decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building’s interior. ENERGY STAR qualified roof products save money and energy by reducing the amount of air conditioning needed to keep a building comfortable and are eligible for a tax rebate.

NO! The high velocity of the water will strip the asphalt from your shingles. This will damage your shingles resulting in a shortenedd life expectancy. This will also void any labor or manufacturer warranties.

There are a few ways to determine if it’s time to replace your roofing system.
Age: Roofing systems generally last around 2 decades. If your roof is approaching 20 years of age, it’s near the end of its useful life.

Leaks: If you see evidence of water leaking inside to your home, it probably has been leaking for quite a while. Water can damage rafters, plywood sheathing, ceilings, walls and more. Extensive structural damage can create a huge problem for homeowners. It’s often cheaper and less involved to simply replace the roof before it begins to leak.

Appearance: Shingles that have begun to curl, break, or warp are a good indication that it’s time for a reroofing service.

Leaks can be tough to spot because water wants to find the path of least resistance and can travel for a while before finally showing up through your ceiling. You can try going into your attic or crawl space with a flashlight the next time it rains and try to trace it, but your most accurate answer will come from having a professional come out to find it and give you a quote.