| Does your roof have several leaks? Are the | | | | Water gaps (the spaces between individual shingle |
| asphalt shingles starting to break, wrinkle or lift? | | | | tabs) that line up perfectly straight as they |
| Does the roof have moisture damage? If so, | | | | alternate shingle rows. |
| your roof may be beyond repair, and need to be | | | | Shingles that are trimmed in a clean line along the |
| replaced. | | | | roof valleys where they overlap the valley flashing |
| Asphalt shingle roofs are by far the most | | | | (flashing is the protective metal piece that lines |
| common type of residential roofing in North | | | | the valleys, chimney and eaves). |
| America. And for good reason. Shingles are easy | | | | Tar-free flashing at roof valleys and eaves. |
| to install, require little maintenance and are easy | | | | Neatly trimmed shingles that align with the roof's |
| to repair. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are very fire | | | | edge. |
| resistant. They have a UL Class A fire resistance | | | | Call at least two references and ask if they would |
| rating, which is the highest, although organic | | | | use the roofer again. Ask if the roof leaked, and if |
| asphalt shingles have a UL Class C rating, which is | | | | so, did the roofer respond promptly, courteously, |
| the lowest. Asphalt shingles are also quite | | | | and did he charge for the repairs? Did the roofer |
| attractive, and come in a variety of colors and | | | | damage any landscaping? Did he leave nails in the |
| styles. | | | | driveway? Did the job come in on budget, and if |
| Several factors determine price | | | | not, was the extra cost justified? |
| Asphalt shingles last many years, and are | | | | Verify that the roofer carries at least $1 million of |
| relatively inexpensive, starting at around $0.80 per | | | | liability insurance and worker's compensation |
| square foot installed - although several factors | | | | coverage. |
| determine the price, including height of the building, | | | | Once everything checks out, it's time to get an |
| slope of the roof, ease of access to the | | | | estimate, which should be free. Note the roofer's |
| premises, complexity of the project, the particular | | | | appearance. Being neat and clean doesn't |
| type of shingle and geographical location. Use the | | | | necessarily mean you'll get a better roofing job, |
| Cost Estimator to help you estimate the cost of | | | | but it does show a certain professionalism. |
| your new roof. | | | | Things to discuss when getting a quote - and to |
| The American Society of Home Inspectors | | | | include in the contract - are: |
| estimates the life expectancy of asphalt shingles | | | | Will the existing roof be removed or will the new |
| at 15-30 years, with the variation due to weather | | | | roof be installed over top? Generally, you can |
| conditions, quality of the installation, quality of the | | | | have a maximum of two layers of asphalt |
| materials (thicker and heavier shingles generally | | | | shingles on a roof. If there are already two layers, |
| last longer), and level of care and maintenance. | | | | they should both come off. Be warned that |
| Hot weather shortens shingle life | | | | although you will save a lot of time, mess and |
| Local weather is a major factor in | | | | expense by not removing the existing roof, it |
| wear-acceleration, where hotter climates mean | | | | could void the warranty for some shingles. Also, a |
| shorter life. For example, a 20-year shingle is only | | | | second layer should not be considered if the |
| expected to last 12.6 years in Yuma, Arizona, and | | | | existing shingles are damaged or curled. |
| 14.1 years in Fort Myers, Florida. By contrast, the | | | | What type of warranty does the roofer offer to |
| same asphalt shingle is expected to last 19.7 | | | | covers leaks, flashing failure and other |
| years in Chicago, 20.7 years in Erie, Pennsylvania, | | | | labor-related defects. You should get at least one |
| and even longer in Alaska. | | | | year, but two or three is preferable. |
| Tips for choosing a quality roofer | | | | What type of shingles will be used? What grade? |
| Your roof is your home's most important | | | | Get the highest-rated, longest-lasting shingles your |
| protection from the elements, and shoddy | | | | budget will allow. |
| workmanship can lead to serious damage and | | | | How will trash be disposed of and nails picked up? |
| expensive repairs. Besides, a new roof is a major | | | | Make sure they put thick plywood under |
| investment, often costing thousands of dollars, so | | | | dumpsters and truck wheels to protect your lawn |
| you want to make sure the job is done well. | | | | and driveway. |
| However, like painting, roofing is an easy business | | | | What is the payment schedule? It should be |
| to get into with little skill or experience, so it pays | | | | acceptable to pay one-third up front, then the |
| to do your homework to find an experienced | | | | remaining two-thirds once the roofing job and |
| professional. | | | | cleanup are completed to your satisfaction. |
| Here are some tips: | | | | Who is responsible for damaged plants or bushes? |
| Look for a roofer who's been in business for at | | | | How will they be protected? |
| least 5 years and has a proven track record. | | | | Does the plywood decking beneath the shingles |
| Check the roofer's availability. Some roofers get | | | | need to be replaced? How much will it cost? Do |
| booked up for several months, even a year in | | | | not pay for replacement if the decking is in good |
| advance. There's no point wasting your time if | | | | condition. Also have the roofer check pipe boots |
| you need the job done sooner. | | | | and roof jacks to see if they need replacing. |
| Ask for names and addresses of references. As | | | | Have the roofer (or an HVAC contractor) check |
| with any contractor, don't even consider them if | | | | if you have proper attic ventilation. Now is the |
| they refuse or hesitate. | | | | time to install ridge and soffit vents which alleviate |
| Go and inspect a few recent jobs. Here's what to | | | | excessive heat in the summer and moisture |
| look for: | | | | buildup in the winter that can rot wood sheathing. |