FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is it reasonable to expect to wait for work to begin?What is the typical duration of a reroofing job?
What function does shingle underlayment serve?
How can you determine if the roof is properly ventilated?
Is it always necessary to tear off existing shingles before reroofing?
What is roof slope? Does the slope of the roof limit the choice of shingle?
Do I need to obtain a permit to install a new roof on my home?
What does the U.L. fire resistance rating for a shingle mean?
What type of warranty should I look for? Aren't they all the same?
What’s the difference between an architectural, designer or standard shingle?
How long is it reasonable to expect to wait for work to begin?
Weather permitting, a common period from contract signing to job start is 2-6 weeks. This can vary a great deal depending on the time of year and the contractor’s backlog. Job start delays and postponements are a fact of life in a trade which is highly dependent on weather. However, the roofer also has a responsibility to you to be straightforward about his availability right from the start. He should also advise you on a timely basis about any changes in the schedule originally set.
What is the typical duration of a reroofing job?
The duration of the job varies widely depending on the size and complexity of the roof. A small, uncomplicated roof job can usually be finished in a day or two. A large, complex project can last a week or more. Once started, however, a job should not be interrupted for any reason other than weather. In the Auburn, Skaneateles, Syracuse, NY area, spring is the best time to reroof but also the busiest time for the contractors. If, on the other hand, a problem arises in the reroofing process, it might be necessary to halt the work to negotiate a change in the contract. You should always be advised of any changes which affect the contract agreement. A well-drafted, professional contract will anticipate unforeseen problems such as hidden deck rot, etc. These conditions can be incorporated in "not to exceed price" or "time and material" clauses.
What function does shingle underlayment serve?
An underlayment, commonly known as roofing felt, will:
• Protect the roof deck from moisture prior to shingle application; and,
• Provide a degree of back-up protection in the event water gets under roofing shingles.
Some local building codes and U.L. standards require that a shingle underlayment be installed. Ask your contractor if this is the case in your area.
Also, some manufacturers offer a special underlayment product which prevents leaks caused by water back-up from ice dams–a common condition in many winter snow areas. Protection against ice dams can be obtained by using a waterproofing shingle underlayment at the eaves or lower edges of the roof, in addition to installing adequate ventilation and proper insulation in the attic floor. Ask your contractor about these specialized underlayments.
How can you determine if the roof is properly ventilated?
When contractors say a roof should breathe, they are usually referring to the ventilation system beneath the roof deck.
Most shingle warranties require a lot of ventilation– as much as "one square foot of net free ventilation area for each 150 square feet of floor space to be vented; or one square foot per 300 square feet when both ridge and soffit ventilators are used."
An effective ventilation system will help:
• reduce attic heat build-up;
• reduce attic moisture and condensation;
• prevent weather infiltration, i.e., drifting snow, wind-driven rain; and,
• prevent ice dam build-up (see the following question for ice dam discussion).
Even if you feel you’ve had satisfactory ventilation performance with your old roof for as long as 20 years, it might be necessary to add ventilation with your new roof to meet the standards mentioned previously.
Is it always necessary to tear off existing shingles before reroofing?
There are two options available for reroofing installations. One would be to tear off the old roof before applying the new one (tear off). The second would be to lay new shingles over the existing roof (lay over). While the second choice is the less expensive of the two options, it is not necessarily always the best choice.
There are advantages to tearing off the old roof before installing a new one. For example:
• If there are any defects in the roof deck, they will be revealed when the roof is torn off. These defects should be repaired before applying the new roof.
• If condensation problems exist in the attic, they too will be revealed when the roof is torn off. Properly designed attic ventilation can then be installed in order to help eliminate such problems.
• When the old roof is torn off, waterproofing shingle underlayment can be installed before applying the new roof. This will help protect against cyclical ice damage.
• Tearing off the old roof and starting with a clean deck before reroofing may result in a smoother finished roof system.
Although there is added cost to these advantages, each lessens the likelihood that the validity of the manufacturer’s shingle warranty will be impaired. If the old roof is torn off, your contractor should be responsible for the clean-up and disposal of the old shingles, but make sure your contract states this clearly.
If you do plan to reroof over existing shingles, first check if your local building codes limit the number of roof layers that can be applied to a residence in your area. Your contractor should know the pertinent code requirements.
What is roof slope? Does the slope of the roof limit the choice of shingle?
The slope of the roof is measured by the rise vs. the run, or the number of inches vertically by the number of feet horizontally. Some roof slopes can limit the choice of shingles that can be used.
For Instance:
• A roof slope below 2/12 (2 inches per one foot) cannot use shingles.
• Roof slope between 2/12 and 4/12 require lowslope application techniques, including application of waterproofing underlayment as appropriate.
• Roof slopes above 21/12 require steep-slope application techniques.
Your roofing contractor should consult the application instructions found on each shingle bundle wrapper or installation instructions supplied separately for further details.
Do I need to obtain a permit to install a new roof on my home?
Some New York Fingerlake region local ordinances require permits be obtained prior to the start of roofing work in both new and some reroofing jobs, depending on the locale. If a permit is required, discuss it with your roofing contractor who will obtain it and how it will be obtained. If your contractor agrees to obtain the permit, make sure your contract states this clearly.
Your roofing contractor should know if a permit is required in Auburn, Skaneateles, Syracuse, New York for reroofing jobs. You can also double-check with the Cayuga or Onondaga county building codes officer to be sure.
What does the U.L. fire resistance rating for a shingle mean?
The Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) ratings signify that the shingles were manufactured to pass a certain set of standards to qualify as fire resistant. Organic shingles carry a U.L. Class C fire resistance rating. Fiber glass shingles carry a U.L. Class A fire resistance rating. Either is appropriate for NY residential applications.
Some Cayuga County or Onondaga County building codes may have ordinances specifying a certain U.L. Class for your residential area. Your contractor or local building codes officer can tell you what the requirements are for you particular area.
What type of warranty should I look for? Aren't they all the same?
Warranties usually range from 20 to 40 years. CertainTeed has a lifetime warranty. Yet, as an increasing number of contractors and homeowners tell us, the length of the warranty is not as meaningful to them as upfront coverage in the few years following application. This is the time when, according to contractors, problems caused by defects are most likely to occur. As a result you should:
• Look for manufacturers’ warranties that cover materials and labor in the first three to five years after application on any grade of roofing shingle.
• Carefully review the manufacturer’s warranty stipulations about proration and transferability.
Proration is the reduction of the manufacturer’s contribution to the homeowner for repairing or replacing defective shingles during the warranty period. Select products carrying a warranty that does not prorate during the first three to five years after installation. Also, make sure the warranty prorates on the current market cost of the replacement shingles (as opposed to the original cost of the defective shingles).
• Examine the manufacturer’s stipulations on ventilation and warranty validation. Shingle roof system failure as the result of inadequate ventilation may cause the shingle warranty to become invalid. (See question regarding roof ventilation for further explanation.)
• Note the contractor’s guarantee of performance. Contractors’ guarantees are usually for one to five years on the average. Remember that the length of the contractor’s guarantee is less important than his ability or intent to stand behind his workmanship and to service a valid complaint in a reasonable time period. This intent must be determined from referrals and references and his general reputation in the Auburn, Skaneateles, and Syracuse, New York business community.
What’s the difference between an architectural, designer or standard shingle?
Since the early 1900’s, the three-tab or strip shingle was the standard composition shingle installed on single family residences. These products come with 20, 25, and 30 year warranty coverage. Color is about the only appearance differentiation in this class of shingle.
In 1965, CertainTeed Corporation introduced the Hallmark Shangle™, the first architectural or designer shingle on the market. The standard laminated "dragon-tooth" design followed that. Other important innovations in architectural shingles include the Super Shangle and Super Shake styles.
Today, the architectural shingle class is running away with the market. Warranties range up to 40 years and even life-time. Color is no longer the only choice to make. The many textures, forms, and designs of architectural shingles in the marketplace can result in a major aesthetic upgrade for your home.
Ask your roofing company to show you a Good, Better, and Best selection of products. Shingles are not just for keeping out the rain, anymore.
Drive around the Cayuga County or Onondaga County to see what is being used locally.
