The Homeowners Complete Guide to Roofing

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Contents

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System Components

What Causes Leaks?

Homeowner Considerations

Replace or Repair?

Hiring a Roofing Company

Our Difference

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The parts that make up your roof.A roof is made up of multiple components. Other than the shingle, which most people are familiar with, we have the underlayment, flashing ventilation and more. Each of these are listed on the subsequent pages with brief definition.

Every component of a roof works to support the others. If someone were to cut corners and neglect a portion of the roofing system, the other components would suffer.

In this guide you’ll learn how to understand the parts of your roof that are under consideration during the replacement process. We’ve compiled all the information here to give a “30,000 foot” perspective of what really happens before, during, and after a roof replacement.

System ComponentsChapter 1

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Understanding Roofing: What are the components of a roof?

1. DeckingDecking is the component that is installed between the trusses and the water proofing material. It will typically be made of plank boards or plywood. Often found on older homes, plank boards are 1x6, 1x8 or 1x12 boards. They tend to be more expensive to replace than plywood because of the labor involved. Plywood comes in 4’x8’ sheets with differing thickness. Often plywood is replaced due to water damage, delamination, mold, waviness, lack of plywood clips, improper building code application or if the wood is unable to withstand the weight of a new roof. Decking must be installed to meet fire and building code requirements.

2. Plywood clipsEvery piece of plywood needs multiple clips to help hold it in place. Without these clips the decking will become wavy and uneven, causing leaks and leaving your roof susceptible to damage from high winds.

3. Ice and Water GuardAlong the eaves, valleys, chimney and other penetrations in your roof, Ice and Water guard is installed to protect against snow and ice when it builds up on your roof. It’s also used in low slope areas to increase the protection of your system.

4. UnderlaymentThis is installed everywhere else on your roof deck and provides a necessary layer of defense between your shingles and decking while enabling your roof to breathe so that moisture doesn’t build up and cause leaks or mold. Your underlayment also affects how well your shingles will lay on the roof. Underlayment come in different types depending on the needs of your roof system, from the standard felt to the higher quality synthetic underlayment.

5. Drip edgeDrip edge is installed at the eaves and rake edges of your roof. This is an item of flashing that helps prevent water from running off the edge of the shingles and back into the house. It also ensures that the water running off the eave goes directly into the gutter as it’s designed to.

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Understanding Roofing: What are the components of a roof?

6. Starter shinglesInstalled along the eaves for water protection and along the rake for a higher wind resistance. Starter shingles are necessary for waterproofing your roof at the eave, neglecting to install them can cause your gutter to fall off, among other issues. For wind resistance they come with a special adhesive that keeps all the edges of your roofing material snug to each other, preventing it from blowing off.

7. Shingles/TileThe top portion of the water proofing system designed to withstand the elements. “Shingles” often refer to asphalt based roofing material while “tiles” often refer to a stone or concrete type of system. Every type of shingle comes with a different life expectancy, thickness and wind resistance.

8. Wall flashingMetal that covers the transition between your roof deck and a wall. One of the most important components of your roof that keeps water out.

9. Pipe flashingThis is the flashing that goes around the pipes in your roof. Designed with either a plastic or metal base and a rubber gasket to go around the pipe. Plastic flashing is often the first part of a roof system to break down and leak.

10. Valley The connecting point of two separate sections of sloped roofing. Valleys are often susceptible to build up of debris from trees and snow that can both cause a leak. Ice and Water guard is an essential component to the valley to protect against leaking.

11. Ventilation Every sloped roof requires ventilation, a system of intake and exhaust vents that cool down the roofing material to prolong the life of the shingles and prevent moisture from building up and causing a leak. There are multiple types of ventilation systems that vary depending on the type of house and roof system you have. Having two opposing ventilation systems can cancel out each other and cause moisture and rapid aging problems.

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There are so many different types of shingles, manufacturers, quality ratings, colors and so on. Sifting through the many options can be overwhelming. So to simplify things we have listed the three main types of shingles that are most common and distinct characteristics of each one. Aside from what is listed, there are many more details to consider such as algae resistance, impact durability, Energy Star rating and more. Other Types of Roofing Material Aside from shingles, there are a few other common types of roofing material. Slate roofing tiles, metal roofing, cedar shake, terracotta and concrete tiles to name a few. These types typically come with a life expectancy and durability that far exceeds the shingles. They also add a beautiful touch to your house like none other.

Understanding the many types and variations of shingles

Three tab shingleThe name refers to the design of the shingles because it has three individual tabs. All of the leading manufacturers make this type of shingle and typically guarantee them up to 25 or 30 years. Out of all the shingle types, this one has the least wind resistance, coming with a 60mph warranty from manufacturers.

Dimensional / Architectural shinglesBoth dimensional and architectural are terms used interchangeably to refer to the same type of shingle. Unlike the simple appearance of a three tab shingle, dimensional shingles come with a more visual appeal, stronger build and higher wind resistance. This shingle is able to withstand winds of up to 130 mph. All the leading manufacturers make dimensional shingles in multiple styles of color and appearance. Regarding theexpected life of this shingle, manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties. Lifetime means for as long as the original individual homeowner owns the property where the shingles are installed.

High End Designer shinglesHands down, these are the greatest looking shingles on the market. They come in many different designs that vary per manufacturer. They will take the appearance of your house to a whole new level of beauty. These shingles come with similar quality, durability and life expectancy as the dimensional shingles, 130 mph wind resistance and limited lifetime warranties.

Shingles

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What causes leaks?Generally speaking, the majority of leaks will come from these three places. These are the first things to inspect on your roof when there is a leak.

Quality of installation Unfortunately there are many people who will cut corners on installing the roof or lack the knowledge for how to properly install a roof system. Every manufacturer has specific guidelines along with state building codes on how to install a roof system that must be followed to ensure the longevity of a roof. There is more to installing a roof than simply nailing a shingle down. The ventilation has to be properly balanced otherwise it could rapidly reduce the life of your roof. In some cases, poor ventilation has caused a 30 year shingle to be replaced in just 15 years. Ventilation can prolong or destroy the shingle.

While inspecting the quality of installation, things we look for are:

● Were the shingles installed correctly, with the proper nailing pattern, and aligned correctly? When shingles are not nailed correctly they will blow off the roof eiser. If they are not installed on a straight line, water will be able to reach areas that it wasn’t intended to.

● Were all of the required components used: drip edge, underlayment, ventilation, etc. You can install the shingles correctly but without the proper underlayment, the shingles can still leak, particularly where ice and debris build up.

● Is the ventilation system set up right and is it working? There are multiple styles of ventilation systems. Does your system vent enough of the attic space as needed? Are there two types of systems that are canceling each other out? These questions and more are things to consider.

Chapter 2

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“Leaks” continued...FlashingFlashing is the material used to cover the transitions on a roof, from the shingles to a pipe or wall. This material will often leak when it is either installed poorly or has broken down and degraded from the elements. In an effort to cut corners, sometimes cheap material is used to flash portions of the roof. These cheap roofing materials will have a life expectancy of 5 years and yet the shingle is designed to last 25+ years. These flashing components then become a source of a leak while the rest of your roof is still in good condition. There are many types of flashing and in some cases, unique custom made flashing is required.

Damage From StormsStorms will often cause damage whether from high winds that blow material off, heavy rain that overwhelms the capacity of the roof, hail and even tree branches that fall and hit your roof. All of the different types of roofing material are rated for different wind resistance. If the shingles are not nailed correctly or if the wind exceeds the shingle’s wind limit, the shingles can blow off the roof. Overhanging trees that drop their limbs and puncture the surface of the roof. Hail damage can be tough to see from the ground but will damage the surface of the shingles causing it to age quicker or even causing a leak right away.

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Warranties

Labor WarrantyIf you hire a contractor that offers a grandiose labor warranty but is not an established company, you run the risk not even having a warranty if they go under and close up shop. It’s important to check the reputation of the company and how long they have been in business for. Inc. Magazine estimates that that 96% of companies fail within 10 years. Choosing a company that has been around for 11 years or more is a safer choice in regards to their warranty.

Understanding your warranty is very important. So to help you reason through your options, we’ve listed some things to consider when choosing your warranty.

Homeowner ConsiderationsChapter 3

Manufacturer WarrantyHaving a manufacturer's warranty on a product is great if the company providing the manufacturer's warranty is actually a certified installer for that manufacturer. Certain manufacturer warranties are not available unless the installer is certified with the manufacturer. If a company is installing a shingle that has a 130 mph wind warranty it doesn’t actually mean that you will be able to cash in on that warranty because certain warranties require certain installation processes. Make sure that your installer is certified with the manufacturer of choice and be sure to read and understand the technical terms and duration of the warranty

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Homeowner MaintenanceOwning a home brings on a whole new list of responsibilities. To help maintain your investment we have listed a few of the key things to keep an eye on. Maintaining these different parts of your roofing system will help you to prolong the life of your roof and keep you ahead of things in case of a leak or damage to your roof. GuttersWhen your gutters fill up with debris it can cause water to overflow behind the gutter, rot out the boards and then eventually cause the gutter to fall off the house. If your gutter is pulling away from the house or if you see excessive water overflowing the front or dripping behind the gutter, you probably need to have the gutters looked at. First objective would be to clean out the gutter and downspouts, check the pitch of the gutter, make sure the gutter is secured tight against the house and make sure the drip edge is transitioned into the gutter the correct way. The gutter needs to be slightly pitched towards the downspouts so the water will drain naturally. The drip edge is a long piece of metal that covers the transition between the roof and the gutter, making sure the water goes into the gutter and not behind it. VentilationHaving the proper ventilation system is important to reduce the heat in the attic, help the attic space breathe, get rid of moisture and to prolong the life of your shingles. There are multiple ventilation systems that are applied differently depending on the type of roof you have. If you have a mixture of two or more systems, you run the risk of canceling them out to where the air and moisture will just sit in the attic and cause problems. Moisture can cause mold and excessive heat that isn’t vented out will cause the shingles to age quicker. When looking in the attic, if the nails are rusty at the tips there is a chance that moisture is not able to vent out of the attic space. If your upper level of the house is excessively hot, there is a chance that heat is trapped in the attic space and affecting the living space. Keep in mind that adequate attic insulation will also help keep the air system of your house separate from the ventilation system of your attic. Ceiling StainsIf you notice a stain appear on your ceiling, you could take a look in the attic space during a heavy rain to see if water is dripping from the bottom side of your roof. Taking pictures will help if you have someone come and inspect it further. If you notice a stain but you don’t know if it’s an old leak or a new one, take a pencil and draw a line along the edge of the leak. Drawing this line will help you monitor if the leak is still growing or not.

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If a large storm comes through with high winds or hail, this is also an important time to have the roof inspected. Often hail damage can not be seen from the ground but can still leave significant damage to the roof. High winds that result in shingles blowing off can normally be seen from the ground but in some cases there are parts of your roof that can’t be seen from the ground and would require an on-roof inspection. Typically if there is damage to the roof, your homeowners insurance would get involved. But if you want to be sure it’s worth a claim, have a licensed roofer who also understands the insurance claim requirements inspect the roof. This way they are able to inform you of the damage and let you know if it would be worth placing a claim and why.

Getting your roof inspected by a licensed roofing company before buying a home can give you an idea of how long the roof will last.

Taking care of leaks If you find a leak in your ceiling, put a bucket under the leak but then also poke a small hole through the drywall to help it drain, that way it won't spread out wider or pool in your attic space causing more damage. After you have done this, if you’re feeling up to it, inspect the leak from the attic. Sometimes you can put a bucket in the attic to catch the water there. Take pictures of the water coming in.

From the outside, apart from getting on the roof there isn’t much to do except take pictures if you see anything missing or perhaps a hole in the roof from a tree branch. Tarping the roof would be the next step unless you can get it repaired before the next time it rains.

When to inspect If you’re buying a house, it’s recommended that you have the roof inspected by a licensed roofing company who are able to provide a roof certificate stating the condition of the roof and give an idea for how long the roof will last.

If your roof is over approximately 8 years old we recommend having it inspected. Reason being, if there are any lower quality materials used, like plastic flashing or cheap caulk, these things will typically break down between the 5-10 year mark.

Title of the book

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There are a few extreme cases of damage to a roofing system that, while less common than your typical leak, are still potential dynamics that a homeowner would want to be aware of.

MoldWe’ve seen a few houses over the years that have extreme cases of mold that grew on the insulation, trusses and roof decking. In cases like this we had to bring in a mold specialist to remove as much of the mold as possible before we addressed the roof. In smaller cases where there is only a little mold on the bottom of the roof deck, we are able to address it on the day the roof is replaced. Mold to this extent is a result of the poor air circulation, which comes about from an inadequate ventilation system. Air and moisture need to be able to come in and exit the attic space. Without this, the moisture is trapped in the attic and creates mold.

Rotten woodIn some cases, part of the roof will be damaged and yet water will not enter the home for a very long time. During this time the decking or trusses around the leak will become saturated in water and begin to rot away. Sometimes these spots are not accessible from the attic so we don’t see the rotten wood upon inspection. But from an inspection on top of the roof we can normally feel the softness in the wood as we walk on the roof. At which point we are able to discern if there is rotten wood. At the same time, there are cases where there is uncertainty regarding the exact condition of the decking until we remove the shingles. Once the shingles are removed we can clearly inspect the decking to see if there is any rotten wood.

Roof Collapsing Building code only allows for two layers of roofing to be on a structure. The weight of anything more could cause it to collapse. In an effort to cut the costs, some people will install a second layer of roofing over the original. It’s always important to perform a thorough inspection of how many layers are currently on the roof. Large amounts of snow can also collapse a roof. While this is less common, if you have a few feet of snow on the roof, it would be wise to have some of that snow removed. Residential Roofs

Extreme Cases

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Roofs that blow offIf a wind storm comes through and large portions of your roof blow off, it’s likely that it was never properly fastened. When a roof is old, its normal to see a few shingles here and there blow off. But to see whole sections blow off together is significant. Reasons for this could be either they didn’t use actual plywood for the decking but instead used some other cheap material that wasn’t intended for the roof decking. Another would be if the fasteners were not installed correctly, in the correct nailing pattern or if they weren’t long enough.

Did you know that in 2011 Hurricane Irene brought 80 mph winds to Maryland and critical damages. These devastating weather occurrences may be rare, but it is important to be prepared to make the necessary repairs.

Severe Weather in Maryland

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SkylightsThe Velux brand is the complete skylight system. They come in many different sizes with many different options. Some can open, others have solar powered blinds, tinted glass and more. It has become quite convenient to have your skylight meet the needs of your home. Three areas that a skylight can leak from, the flashing, the seal around the glass and from the roof above the skylight. Each type of leak will present itself in the home in a different way which indicates what is causing the leak.

● If the flashing is leaking it can sometimes be replaced. The risk involved with replacing just the flashing is that you end up having an old skylight with new flashing and the old skylight can still leak in the near future. Older model skylights typically have a very poor flashing system. Which means, attempting to repair just the flashing doesn’t always ensure the longevity of the whole skylight.

● If the seal around the glass is leaking, the whole skylight has been compromised and needs to be replaced. If someone offers a band-aid repair of caulking the glass, know that it will only slow down the inevitable. The caulk will only last a short amount of time and even then doesn’t guarantee the skylight to remain leak free.

● In some cases, the roofing material above the skylight will be compromised. As the water gets below the shingles and onto the underlayment or the roof deck, it will travel down towards the skylight and then enter the home at that point. It will appear that the skylight is leaking but could actually just be a small point of damage above the skylight. This is why inspecting the skylights from inside the home and on top of the roof is very important.

A common question we are asked is, “do I need to replace my skylights when the roof is replaced?” We highly recommend this because more often than not, the skylights are old and were installed with the original roof. Which means they are also at the end of their expected life. If you have a new roof but old skylights you end up having to take care of a skylight a year or two after the roof is installed. This ends up costing more than if the skylight was replaced along with the roof. Also, an old skylight can’t be warrantied, so while you might have a great warranty on your new roof, the old skylights, even with a new flashing kit, won’t be under warranty.

“Do I need to replace my skylights when the roof is replaced?”

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Energy Efficient Roof SystemsThere are many things you can do to make your home energy efficient. When it comes to your roof we have a few things you can do to greatly increase your energy savings. From the insulation to the type of shingles and accessories, all of these items have been designed to help you lower your carbon footprint. ShinglesWe are excited to say that leading shingle manufacturers offer shingles that are Energy Star certified and are rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC). These shingles reduce the amount of heat transferred into your home, which reduces energy costs by lowering the energy consumption needed to cool your home. Actual savings will vary depending on the geographical location and each individual building characteristics. The shingles also extend the life of your roof by reducing the temperature of the shingle, which slows down the aging of the asphalt. The Energy Star certified shingles are specially designed with granules that have a greater solar reflectance than traditional shingles to help reduce the environmental impact.Insulation Insulation is key to keeping your living space cool. It’s also one of the least expensive ways to save on energy. Because of the heat that builds up in your attic space and begins to enter your home, it is important to have the adequate amount of insulation between the attic heat and your energy bill. The DOE recommends the R-value of R-49 compared to the building code standard of R-38. R-value is a measurement of thermal resistance and measures the ability of heat to transfer from one side of an object to another. To give you some context, an inch of blown fiberglass insulation has an R-value of 3.1 - 3.4 and an inch of blown cellulose in an attic has an R-value of 3.2 - 3.7. Keep in mind that if you store items in your attic space in a way that compacts the existing insulation, you are potentially lowering the R-value in that area. Ventilation Another component to keeping your attic space cool which also helps keep the energy costs down is to have the adequate ventilation system for your roof. This ventilation system will allow cooler air to enter the attic at a lower point like the eaves and exit the attic space near the ridge. Having the proper ventilation system will also prolong the life of your roofing material, since excessive heat will cause the material to age quicker. There are multiple types of ventilation systems and each system varies depending on the size of your attic space and shape of your roof. The U.S. Federal Housing authority recommends a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation (evenly split between intake and exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic floor space.

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“Energy” continued...Accessories - Fans and skylightsSolar powered accessories are available in attic roof fans and skylights. Attic fans are used in conjunction with certain roof ventilation systems to pull hot air out of the attic. Since attic fans often run for hours on end, solar powered fans have been designed to lower your energy consumption. Skylights that open and close that have blinds attached to the inside are now designed with solar power to perform these functions. Solar panels While our company does not install solar panels we have worked alongside solar companies for years. So we have important recommendations for anyone wanting to install solar panels to their home. Not all solar companies are roofing experts. These companies may spend a lot of time on the roof but to ensure that your roof is adequately cared for, we highly recommend having a licensed roofer walk alongside the solar panel installation.

● Attic Recommendations - Make sure that the structure of your roof trusses can hold the extra weight. Often extra supports are needed inside the attic. Have a licensed building contractor inspect the structure if the solar company doesn’t already handle this.

● Roof Recommendations - If your shingles are near the end of their life, have them replaced before installing the solar panels. If you have to replace the roof after the panels are installed it will increase the cost and time involved to have the panels removed, new roof installed and panels re-installed.

● Inspection Recommendations - Take pictures before and after of your roof or have a roofer get on your roof and do this. With all the extra people walking on your roof to install the solar panels it becomes easy for your roof to be damaged. Shingles must be handled with care and not every solar company knows how to care for your roof. It’s important to know the existing condition of your roof.

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Knowing which to choose.Check the ageHow old is your roof? The longevity of the shingle depends on the type. Some are built to last 25, 30 or 50+ years. You might have a 30 year shingle on your roof but if you don’t have the appropriate ventilation system, your shingles will age quicker and need to be replaced in half the expected time. One easy way to test the roof is to see if your gutter has a lot of granules in it. When a shingle ages, it begins to lose the granules which then wash down into the gutter. Another way to test the roof is to brush your hand against the shingle to see if granules come off. If it is easy for your hand to dislodge the granules, then your roof is most likely at the end of its life and you need a new roof.

Should you replace your roof or just get it repaired? Replacing your roof is dependent on the current condition of your existing material and roofing system. Here are 5 ways to tell when a roof needs to be replaced or repaired.

Replace or RepairChapter 4

Missing componentsA missing component such as underlayment, plywood clips or poor installation are all aspects that will leave your roof susceptible to the elements. The only way to properly install or adjust these three components if they are missing would be to completely remove the roofing system, assuming that those three defects are across the whole roof. Without the appropriate underlayment your roof will be susceptible to wind driven rain and ice. Without plywood clips your roof will potentially sag and become wavy. It will also be more susceptible to damage when someone walks on it.

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Multiple layersIf you have two layers of roofing material already on your home and the top layer has reached the end of its life. Instead of installing a third layer, this is when it would be necessary to completely replace everything on the roof. Building code only allows for two layers of roofing on your home. The structure of your house is not built to withstand the weight of any more than two layers. So if you already have two layers of roofing, it’s time to replace. It’s important to check in multiple locations of your roof to see how many layers there are. Sometimes the second layer can be installed in such a way to hide the first layer really well. Since this becomes a significant portion of the cost in replacing, it’s important to be sure how many layers exist.

Getting your roof inspected by a licensed roofing company before buying a home can give you an idea of how long the roof will last.

When it costs more to repair than replaceIn some situations there are so many small repairs that it costs more to do all the small repairs than it would be to just replace the roof. The main cost of a roof replacement comes from all the finer details, flashing and portions of the roof that take the technical knowhow to properly install. Based off of the individual labor involved for each small repair, it can become more cost effective to have the whole roof replaced. If your roof is old and nearing the end of its life, it might be more cost effective to still replace it since in a few years you will be needing to replace everything anyways. Rapidly falling apartIf your roof is near the end of its life, two ways you can tell would be shingles that are curling at their edges or cracks in the shingles. Curling will appear on the corners of the shingle or along the bottom of the shingle. This can sometimes be seen from the ground. Basically the shingle has dried up and started to lose it’s integrity entirely. At this point the granules begin to fall off at a rapid rate leaving the shingle even more exposed to the elements. Cracking will be seen on the surface of the shingle and will typically rip the shingle completely in half. This will create a direct line for water to pass through the shingle and into your house.

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Storm Damage/InsuranceWhen you have storm damage from high winds or hail damage, it’s important to know if the damage qualifies for an insurance claim. Once the adjuster inspects your home are they actually addressing everything that you are eligible to receive? We recommend having a licensed roofing company advocate on your behalf to bring about the best value possible for the restoration process.

Speed Up The ProcessYou can save yourself from unnecessary hassle by having a roofer inspect the roof first and inform you of the extent of the damage. But make sure that your roofer understands what actually qualifies your roof for placing a claim, since insurance companies vary in standards. If your roof qualifies for a claim, the roofing company is able to then place the claim with you and relay all of their findings to the insurance company.

Adjuster - Meeting and CollaboratingOnce a claim is placed and the insurance adjuster inspects the roof, having a roofing company in your corner can greatly benefit you in this process. A licensed roofer who understands the estimating process of the insurance company is able to work with everyone involved to make sure each component of your roof, siding or gutters are adequately addressed. Have the roof inspector meet the adjuster at your home during the adjusters inspection. This way nothing is missed and they are able to discuss any needed components of the restoration process.

Qualified Roof Inspector Having a roofing contractor who is trained in the same estimating system that insurance companies use will speed up the restoration process and increase the ability of advocating on your behalf as the homeowner. Understanding the estimating system that insurance companies use enables us to adequately communicate your restorative needs to the insurance company making sure that nothing is missed.

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“Insurance” continued...Complete ValueYour roof is more than a shingle, it’s a system of multiple components working together. The flashing, underlayment, pipe jacks, drip edge, ventilation and shingles are all valuable components, each of them essential to the roof system. As such, it is important to make sure that nothing is missed. Having a roofing company look over all of the details from the insurance company is important for this reason. Storm ChaserUnfortunately, there are companies that chase storms and aren’t the reputable establishment that is needed to ensure the coverage you deserve. It’s important to have a company that will be around for the long haul, a company with a local reputation and one that stands by their warranties. Take your time and do the research necessary to make sure they are a local company.

Extra Expenses Sometimes the storm damage is only on one side of the house so the insurance company will only offer that portion to be restored. If the insurance company only covers a portion of your restoration needs or if the deductible is too much, consider financing through the roofing company. Don’t miss the opportunity to get the upgrades you need. There are 0% financing or low monthly payments available.

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When you call a roofing company to address a problem with your roof, these are a few things to expect regarding the process.

“RoofPRO did a great job on my roof. The staff

was very professional and knowledgeable.” -

Stephanie H.InspectionEvery inspection should include going into the attic as well as walking on the roof. Without inspecting the attic it is almost impossible to accurately estimate the cost of a roof replacement and it also significantly hinders their ability to find the true source and location of a leak. Always make sure your roofer looks in the attic.PicturesIt’s important to have pictures for your own documentation as well as to see and understand the exact nature of the problem. Even if you don’t understand all the dynamics of your roof, it is helpful to make sure that your roofer is being honest. PresentationOnce the roof has been fully inspected, the estimator will sit down with you, show you the pictures of the damage and explain what needs to be done. This is your chance to ask as many questions as possible. As they show you the estimate, make sure to walk through each item and have them show you the product samples and explain all of the components. Day of installation Be sure to meet the crew leader the day of the job to talk over any details about the contract that are needed. It’s important to make sure everyone is on the same page. When replacing your roof, the crew should lay down tarps to protect your yard. Make sure to mention any particular items that need extra protection such as flowers or lawn ornaments. Completion of the jobWalk around your house with the crew leader. Make sure you ask all the questions you need to. Have them show you close up pictures if needed. Go through each line item on the contract with the crew leader and make sure they were completed. Also, be sure to get a copy of your warranty. If you are receiving a manufacturer's warranty, discuss with the company how they intend to have it delivered.

Hiring a Roofing CompanyChapter 5

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How much does a roof replacement cost?While there are multiple factors that contribute to the cost of a roof replacement, the two main determining factors for your roof replacement costs are the size of the roof and type of material. Other variations will apply which we will discuss.

● Townhouse roof replacement typically vary between $4,000 to $12,000

● Single family home roof replacement typically vary between $5,000 - $25,000+

According to the Remodeling Cost-vs-Value report of 2018, the average cost for a typical 30 square roof in Baltimore is $20,636. Most single family homes are around 30 square. A roofing square is a 100 square foot area or roof surface.

Pricing

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What affects the price of a roof?

Size of the roofRoofers often charge per “roofing square,” which is a 10’ by 10’ section, or 100 square feet. In other words, a 2,000 square foot roof would be broken down into 20 roofing squares.

Type of MaterialThere are three main categories of shingles: 3-tab, architectural and designer. After that, the quality and price continues to go up as you have the options of choosing between metal, slate, terracotta ect. Each product performs differently in regards to durability, estimated length of life and appearance.

WarrantyManufacturer warranties can increase the cost because specific guidelines need to be followed with specific material. For example, a high wind warranty requires a specific shingle along the rake edge, a different nailing pattern and so on. This increases the labor and material of the project.

Wood ReplacementRotten or damaged wood needs to be replaced. It’s important to always inspect the roof from the attic and on top to see if there is any wood needing to be replaced. In some cases, we are unable to know for sure until the roofing material is completely removed. At this point we sometimes find rotten wood. If we find rotten wood before writing a quote, we will add this to the first quote but we also have a price we charge per piece of wood in case we discover any more.

Slope of roofA significantly steep slope to your roof will slow down the replacement process and make the process more difficult. A steep slope could be anything above a 7/12 pitch, meaning the roof increases 7” every foot.

Unique features Houses that have dormers, valleys or a lot of walls. A home with more than two stories above ground or skylights needing to be replaced.

Residential Roofs

25Residential Roofs

Our DifferenceLasting PerformanceWe believe that a roof is more than a shingle, it’s a system built of multiple components that when properly joined together with each unique essential facet will provide the longevity you need for your home. We bring you roof systems built to last, crafted with excellence and quality, a complete package from top to bottom.

AccuracyIn order to enjoy all that you have invested into your roof, the system must be installed with excellence. This is why we take pride in the highest standards of quality installation to ensure that every part of your roofing system is installed right the first time.

Advanced SolutionsWith our combined years of experience, highly certified and insightful team, we have the confidence and reputation to prove that every roofing dilemma has a remedy. Bringing to you a thorough description of every roofing need you might have is the beginning of us delivering on our promises.

www.roofpromd.com | (410) 428 - 6806

Roofing it right the first time.