Understanding Your Roof Replacement Estimate - Part 1
RIDGE VENT
All roofs need to be vented to allow moisture to escape and prevent damage to the roof and the entire home. There are several types of roof ventilation systems. The most popular are ridge vents. They are installed along the ridge or peak of the roof and allow hot air to escape and draw cool air in the soffit vents.
A detailed roof replacement estimate will include which type and style of vent is going to be installed. Ridge vents come in several styles to match the home, shingle design, and homeowner’s preference as to how much they stand out or blend in with the rest of the new roof.
CHIMNEY CRICKET
If the home has a chimney, a professional roofing contractor may recommend installing a cricket if there isn’t one already. A cricket is a peaked construction at the back of a chimney to help prevent snow and ice build-up and to deflect water around the chimney.
PIPES AND FANS
Pipes and fans on the roof should be addressed in the estimate. These are vents that allow air to escape the home from the attic, bathroom, or other household needs. A contractor will indicate how they will treat these during the project. Will they keep the same ones, replace with new pipes or recommend a different type of ventilation or fan.
GUTTERS
When replacing a roof, it is a good time to consider replacing gutters as well. Either on your request or their recommendation, an option for gutter replacement may appear on the estimate. It may specify the length in feet, type of material, the type of construction (seamless, sectional), the size or width in inches and the size of the downspouts that will be used. Gutter estimates may include leaf protection, which is a covering that allows water to flow and keeps leaves and other debris from causing clogs in the gutter and downspouts.
SOFFIT & FASCIA
Often replacing soffit and fascia will be recommended.
Fascia – Connects the roof to the soffit, where gutters are attached.
Soffit – Covers the underside of the roof overhang.
Both of these play a large part in protecting the structure of the home.
PLYWOOD & SHEATHING
Under all the underlayment, ice & water shield and shingle material is the decking. This is the wood that makes the solid structure of the rooftop. During a roof replacement project, it may be discovered that some of this decking has been damaged and needs to be replaced. A roofing contractor may indicate this expense in different ways. If they see obvious damage they will note that in the estimate and the type of material that will be used. This could be plywood, Luan or other coverings. However, sometimes this damage is hidden until the replacement project has begun. Some contractors will also include the additional costs that may be incurred if a problem is found.
WARRANTIES
Most roof replacement estimates will mention warranties and guarantees with limitations and for a specific number of years.
Manufacturers’ warranties usually offer coverage when there is a defect in the roofing material that causes leaks under normal conditions. A manufacturer’s coverage will typically cover the cost of replacing the materials, not the labor to do so. They also do not cover replacing the entire roof, just repairing or replacing the defective areas.
Manufacturers’ warranties often exclude damage due to pre-existing conditions of the roof. If the shingles were installed improperly or the roof structure and gutter design was faulty, coverage may be denied. Many warranties are prorated, meaning the longer the roof is on your home the less coverage you have.
Manufacturers may recognize quality professionals that they trust. These contractors may be able to offer additional or extended manufacturers’ warranties.
Be sure to understand the coverage and limitations of a manufacturer’s warranty before using it to make your roofing decisions.
While a good warranty to cover defects is important, choosing your roofing contractor is as much so.
Manufacturers’ warranties do not cover problems arising from installation. This is where a workmanship guarantee comes in.
A workmanship guarantee is offered by the contractor and covers all defects related to installation work only. A qualified contractor will know what type of material to use on your roof and how to install it properly, reducing the possibility of roof leakage. Your contractor will also recognize potential problems such as structure, drainage and ventilation issues and address those ahead of time so they won’t damage your new shingles in the future. A reputable contractor will offer a labor warranty to cover any issues that may arise for additional peace of mind.
When considering your new roof investment, be sure to look at the coverage warranties offer and especially the quality and knowledge of the company installing them.
Understanding Your Roof Replacement Estimate – Part 2 first appeared on:
Mountain State Roofing
12 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 816-3693
https://goo.gl/UpFF0l
