Managing a roof system can be difficult for homeowners. Roofs are often inaccessible and/or dangerous to navigate for the inexperienced. Most homeowners only purchase a few roofs during their life. Here are some helpful tips for homeowners, focused on the most common type of roofing, asphalt shingles:

New Roof Installations

• Roof installation contracts from reputable contractors should include:
  • Square footage of the roof area to be installed.
  • The make, model, and color of the roofing products to be installed.
  • The number of layers of roofing to be removed before installation.
  • The types and amounts of underlayment to be used. For asphalt shingle roofs, typically “ice and water shield” underlayment is used at the eaves and in valleys, while synthetic underlayment is used in the field.
  • The total job price, with deposit and progress payments clearly outlined.
  • Set pricing on unforeseen items like replacing pieces of roof decking, fascia board replacement, etc. Prices are typically per square foot, per piece, or per linear foot.
  • The business name, telephone number, email address, and place of business of the contractor.
  • A workmanship warranty of at least 5 years, but preferably for 10 or 15 years.
  • Start and completion dates for the job.
• Ask your contractor for before and after pictures of any roofing work that is to be done, whether it be a simple repair or full replacement.
• If you are replacing your roof, get at least 3 estimates that are in-kind (same materials and same work area).
• For repairs or replacements, ask that your contractor provide a certificate of insurance naming you “Additional Insured”, and proof of workers compensation insurance before work commences.
• A contractor’s estimator should walk the roof, or at least set up a ladder and inspect the eaves if the roof is very steep. Details like the number of layers of roofing, soft roof decking, nail pops penetrating shingles, vent pipe flashings, and other small details are best inspected by walking the roof.
• Ask your contractor how driveways, lawns, gardens, and siding will be protected during a roof replacement job, and what their plan is for debris control.
• Ask your contractor to leave you with 3 extra bundles of shingles (typically ~100 sq. ft.) from the job, and store the bundles lying flat in a cool, dry place. This will ensure you have the exact make, model, and color shingles for use in future matching repairs to the roof (tree strikes, animal damage, and the addition/removal of roof penetrations).
• If you are filing a property insurance claim for damage to the roof, have your contractor take comprehensive pictures of the roof damages before any temporary repairs (such as tarps) are installed over the damage.
• If problems develop during roofing work (leaks, damages to your property, etc.), document everything with photos and notes.
• After roof replacement, notify your property insurance agent. Some property insurance companies give premium discounts for newly installed roofs.

General / Maintenance

• Well-installed asphalt shingle roofs typically last about 25 years, although numerous factors can shorten or lengthen that lifespan. Shade from trees, adequate ventilation, appreciable slope, and proactive maintenance can lengthen the life of an asphalt shingle roof.
• Avoid contractors that knock on your door to solicit business, or use high pressure sales tactics like discounts for signing contracts on the spot. Door knocking typically occurs after major storm events (hailstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, other windstorms).
• Conduct yearly roof inspections, either by a professional or by yourself using a safe method. Drones, binoculars, camera poles, and other tools can reduce your risk. Look for missing, broken, or slumped shingles. Inspections from the ground are also prudent after a windstorm.
• Before hiring a contractor, conduct due diligence:
  • Ask for references from local jobs they have recently performed, and talk to their customers about their experience. The references should be for work that is similar to what is being proposed.
  • If contractor licensing/registration is required for home improvements in your area, call the agency that issues those licenses and ask if the contractor is licensed/registered and in good standing. New Jersey and Connecticut have state-wide contractor registration, and some individual counties in New York issue contractor licenses.
  • Review social media feedback.
  • Check with roofing product manufacturers’ websites to see if the contractor is a manufacturer-certified installer. Certified installers can offer manufacturer’s warranties on your roof. Large asphalt shingle manufacturers include GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, IKO, and Tamko.
  • Check to see when the business was established. Longevity (10+ years in business) is a good indication.
  • Membership in the National Roofing Contractors Association is a good indication that the contractor is dedicated to their craft.
  • A local contractor is preferable, as they are better able to respond to future warranty requests and have an interest in maintaining their reputation in the community.
• Maintain a physical binder or folder on your bookshelf with all roofing related documents (installation/repair contracts, routine service contracts like gutter cleanings, etc.). Emails, contracts, photos, text messages, and other communications can be hard to find years later.
• Make sure your gutters are draining away from the building and not wetting the ground around your foundation. Check for gutter overflows during rainstorms, leaks in gutters after a rainstorm (at end caps, inside and outside corners, and outlet tubes), and ground near the building that stays wet days after a rainstorm.
• Trim trees and other plants away from your roof. Tree branches can cause abrasive damage, and trees and plants can provide a pathway to your roof for animals like squirrels and raccoons.
• Have the gutters cleaned every autumn after the leaves drop, or more frequently if you have a robust tree canopy over the roof. Also have leaves and other tree debris removed from the roof, especially at valleys.

If you have any other questions about maintaining your roof, feel free to give us a call, text, or email. Peak Contracting offers independent roof inspections and roof consulting services throughout NY, NJ, and CT.