There are certain questions that customers are always asking about their roof. These are the most frequently asked questions with descriptive answers.

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Metal Roofing

Are Metal Roofs Noisy?

            This is one of the biggest misconceptions about metal roofing. People who’ve experienced barns or other structures where the metal roofing is visible from the interior can recall the “pinging” noise that rain makes when it hits the roof. In these applications, the metal is installed without a solid roof deck, so there is no dampening effect when something contacts the roof. In residential applications, metal roofing is installed on a solid plywood deck, just like shingles. When installed in this manner, metal roofing is no noisier than other roof materials.

 

Will A Metal Roof Rust?

            Taylor Metal premium roofing products utilize high strength Metal Construction Association (MCA) certified steel that’s protected by an aluminum, zinc, and silicon anti-corrosion coating, commercially known as Galvalume®. The corrosion resistance of our steel is so outstanding, even our unpainted panels carry a 30 year limited warranty. We use this same high performance steel with our 300 and 500 series paint systems, giving you the highest level of corrosion resistance you can get in the industry.

Beware of metal roofing that is not MCA certified as it could be constructed with inferior steel and paint systems. Many companies will advertise a paint warranty, but the underlying metal will not be warranted against corrosion. Be sure to ask about base metal warranties before you buy.

Does A Metal Roof Attract Lightning?

            A metal roof has no greater chance of being hit by lightning than any other type of roof. Lightning typical targets the highest point in a given area, regardless of material. In the event that your roof is struck by lightning, a metal roof can actually help prevent damage by dissipating the electrical charge. Also, a metal roof is non-combustible.

How much Do Metal Roofs Cost?

            As with most roofing options, installation is a large percentage of the total cost, and this varies widely depending on your specific geographic area and the complexity of your roof. Depending on the metal roof purchased, the total installed cost could vary from $125 to $1100 per square. A square is equal to 100 square feet and is the measurement that is used to determine the size of your roof coverage area for quoting. Since metal is a premium upgrade, you can expect to pay more up-front than you would for a quality asphalt shingle. However, over the life of the roof, metal can save you over 60% in total installation and maintenance costs. To make an informed decision, make sure your dealer or contractor quotes the full range of paint grades and gauges available. Stepping up to a premium grade typically adds very little to the overall cost since installation is such a large component. In many cases, a few hundred dollars can mean the difference between getting an unwarranted low-end grade or a premium grade with a Lifetime transferable warranty.

Will I Have To Remove My Existing Roof?

            Because metal roofing is so lightweight relative to its strength, it can usually be installed over existing roof materials. It’s very common for metal roofs to be installed directly on top of asphalt shingles. This saves on labor costs and disposal fees for stripping the old roof, not to mention reducing landfill waste. Local building codes and the condition of your current roof’s substructure will ultimately determine if you can install in this manner.

What Does The Gauge Of The Metal Mean?

Shingle Roofing

What Are The Steps Involved In The Removal And Replacement Of Damaged Shingles?

            The following steps are recommended for the proper removal and replacement of damaged shingles.
Notes: In hot weather, cool shingles with a water hose to allow easy separation of the shingle tabs; In cold weather, avoid excessive bending of the shingles as it could cause cracking.
Step 1: Loosen adhesive under tabs in the second row above the damaged shingle. Lift tabs and withdraw the exposed nails.
Step 2: Loosen and lift tabs in the first row above damaged shingle and withdraw exposed nails.
Step 3: Loosen tabs of damaged shingle which can now be removed.
Step 4: Place new shingle in the same position from which the sample was removed and re-nail. To reseal shingles, lift tab and apply 1” diameter spot of shingle cement under each tab. Press tabs down into the cement. Repeat nailing and cement procedure for any other rows that are damaged.

Why Is Ventilation So Important?

            Ventilation is a crucial factor in the life of a roofing shingle. Heat build-up in the hot summer months, as well as the cold weather of winter will accelerate the aging process of your asphalt roofing shingles. Proper air circulation, regardless of the weather outside, will greatly reduce the chances of leaking, blistering, distortion, curling, rotting of wood structure, wet insulation and many other potential problems.
It is also important to note that adequate ventilation is required to validate the shingles manufacturer warranty. In Canada for example, minimum requirements prescribed in the National Building Code must be respected. In all cases, the most stringent applicable building codes must be followed.

Why Is My Roof Leaking?

            Leaking roof: Normal weathering of asphalt roofing shingles will not cause leaking.
 
 Causes:
 Flashings are crucial areas that must be watertight to avoid leaks. These are the areas most frequently identified as the causes of leaks.
 
 Damaged shingles leave the roof exposed to leaks and should be repaired without delay.
 
 When installing shingles take note of the alignment of the cutouts, depending on the type of BP shingle chosen, as well as the nailing location as these areas are crucial to the ease with which water can infiltrate a roof. They should always be covered by overlying shingle tabs.
 
 Inadequate ventilation can cause ice damming, frost and condensation accumulation. These problems can all be easily prevented with proper air circulation.

Why Do Different Shingle Types Carry Different Warranties?

            In today’s market, there are many types and styles of shingles available. The various types of shingles come with warranties representative of the life expectancy of each type.

Generally speaking, the heavier the shingle, the longer the warranty. All other things being equal, the weight difference comes from the amount of waterproofing material (asphalt) used during manufacture.

Why Are There Sections Of My Roof Where The Shingles Are Buckling Or Puckering?

            Fishmouthing looks like buckling but it is usually random on the roof. The front edge of the shingle is raised, and tapers back into the shingle. Although it does not usually affect the durability of the shingle, it should be addressed. Possible Causes:

Moisture build-up in the attic can cause wetting & drying cycles in the shingles. Improving attic ventilation can prevent this.

Installing wet shingles on a dry day, or dry shingles on a wet day will almost guarantee the appearance of fishmouthing.

Nails that are ‘popping’ out can also cause fishmouthing. Simply correct the position of the nail.

This phenomena is mainly an aesthetic issue that can be repaired in most cases. The most common repair method would be to use hot melt adhesive to glue down the distorted shingle rendering it flat. To proceed, the sealant bond of the affected shingle should be broken first. These types of repairs are best carried out in mild (not too hot) weather conditions.

Why Are The Corners Of My Shingles Turning Up?

            Corners of shingles turning up is referred to as Curling and it is generally caused by excess moisture attacking the underside of the shingle. Inadequate ventilation causes the entrapment of heat and moisture in the attic. This will eventually penetrate the roof deck and cause the shingles to curl. Improving air circulation within the attic space can stop the progress and rectify the situation if the curling is not too severe. In some rare instances, curling can reveal itself only under cold weather conditions. This would be referred to as winter curling. The corners of the shingles will slightly curl up from the roof deck when cold, and then lay flat again during warmer weather. This is especially prevalent during damp winter conditions when frost forms on the top surface of the shingles. This cooling on the top surface will cause the shingle to contract while at the same time the underside of the shingle in contact with the roof receives a certain amount of passive heat from the attic space. The variation of temperature between the top side and underside of the shingle will result in some minor curling. This does not affect the shingle’s durability and effectiveness to shed water.

Why Are There Granules In My Gutter?

            Granule loss is a normal process in the weathering and aging of any asphalt shingle. Common causes of additional granule loss:

Traffic on roof

Shingles applied on very slight slopes (2” in 12” or less), are prone to increased levels of granule loss due to the poor drainage capabilities of the roof.

A certain amount of granule loss is to be expected. Shingles are made with an excess of granules on the surface called “hitchhikers”.If the underlying asphalt is prematurely exposed, the appearance and service life of the shingle may be affected.

What Are The Black Streaks On My Roof?

            Usually visible on North-facing light-colored roofs ranging from five years old, discoloration or streaking is sometimes mistaken as dirt, moss, or granule loss. It is actually caused by algae growth that propagates in areas of the roof that receive less direct sunlight, and thereby retain a higher level of moisture. Although most noticeable on light shingle colors, the algae affects all asphalt shingle roofs, including darker colors. The discoloration caused by the algae is in no way indicative of a shingle defect. This is an aesthetic concern and will not harm the shingle or shorten the life of the roof. The algae discoloration is difficult to remove from roofing surfaces, but may be lightened using various solutions available at most lumberyards.

Notes:
Cleaning the shingles is a temporary solution as it will eventually grow back due to higher humidity levels in areas of limited exposure to direct sunlight. The cleaning process will have to be repeated every few years. Care must be taken when cleaning the algae as to not remove excessive amounts of granules that are attached to the surface of the shingles.

Why Are The Shingles Bubbling Or Bumpy?

            Small bubbles or bumps will sometimes develop on the surface of roofing materials. This is referred to as blistering that will generally appear within 2-3 years of product installation. Small rash blisters, 7mm (1/4”) or less, will not normally affect the performance of the shingle. Larger blisters, often up to 2.5cm (1”) in diameter, can shorten the life of the shingle as they often break exposing the underlying components of the shingle. Causes include trapped moisture, inadequate ventilation of the attic, excessive use of adhesive, or the use of non-compliant adhesive.

Why Are My Shingles Doing The Wave?

            Buckling shingles can become humped or wavy, usually running in a straight line up, or across the roof.

Possible Causes:
Deck or felt movement often caused by varying moisture levels in the material under the shingles. The shift will cause the nails to move in accordance with the deck forcing the shingles closer or farther apart depending on the situation.

Improper nailing - nails will ‘pop up’ creating the buckling effect.

Shingles nailed too tightly together.

Thin decking (3/8”) over 24” centers can be the cause due to clips, meant to hold the decking in place, coming lose or coming off.

Depending on the cause of the buckling, improving attic ventilation to eliminate excess humidity, removing fasteners and refastening or replacing distorted shingles can be some possible solutions.

What Are The Aging Signs In Shingles?

            All shingles, whether organic or glass based, will be subjected to UV rays from the sun, causing the asphalt coating to dry, loosening the granules covering in the long run. Other visible signs are pieces of torn shingles, curled tab corners as well as centerline cracks.

Is It Necessary To Remove The Plastic Cellophane Tape On The Back Of Shingles?

            It is not necessary to remove the plastic cellophane tape that is applied on the back of shingles. This tape is applied during the manufacturing process and prevents the shingles from sticking together in the package.

Estimate/Proposal Questions

Why is it important to meet with the estimator?  

It’s a good time to discuss material options, there are more selections available that many homeowners aren’t aware of.  You may have a good idea of what you want, but there could be a better product available for your situation depending on what the plans are for your house. 

Why do I have to be present for the first meeting? Can't he just go out and measure my roof?

Our project managers need to access your attic to inspect the substrate of your roof, such as what type of sheeting you have, water stains, mold, baffles (so insulation is not covering up low end ventilation), and overall condition. Also, there are a lot of different facets that go into a roofing system, and typically a couple different ways to approach a project (as stated above). We have to meet with you in order to discuss it. Lastly, an average roof is thousands of dollars, and it protects everything in your home, so it's a good idea to interview the roofing company.

Why is it important to have such a detailed proposal? 

Proposals are legal documents (contracts) and your only protection in the event that something goes wrong, or wasn’t done.  If something isn’t in the proposal then it doesn’t have to be done, and usually won’t be.  If a company is trying to be vague with you, there is usually a reason for it.  Do not depend on a verbal agreement, because if something does go wrong it will become a he said, she said scenario. 

Why is it important to have both spouses at the second meeting?  

The second meeting is when all the facts, and figures are discussed.  What we have found is that when we discuss a project with one spouse the information is not relayed properly.  When we go to perform the work there are different expectations from one spouse to another and we usually end up the culprit. We feel that communication is important and should start from the very beginning of the process to prevent any mis-understandings.  If everyone is present at the second meeting and there are any questions or concerns they can be answered by one of our professionals before the project begins.

Why are warranties important? 

Warranties protect you against poor workmanship, and faulty materials.  They serve as your guarantee that you have purchased a quality product that is backed should something fail.  Be careful of a company that offers a warranty for longer than they have been in business, a warranty is only as good as the company you do business with and you want to make sure they will be around to honor their warranties.  Savage Roofing is able to offer extended warranties backed by some of the manufactures we work with due to our outstanding track record for quality installations.  Ask us about them.

Why are you more expensive than another bid I have received? 

We are honest and up front in the way we approach every customer, so we simply are not going to cut corners to compromise your roof system.  In order to do things properly it simply costs more, nothing is for free.  We have standardized pricing and the experience to know what it costs to do your roof properly.  We wouldn’t do the amount of roofs we do if our pricing was out of line, people have access to too much information and would have figured us out by now.  Most roofing companies will try to win your business based on price, and then tell you that some parts of your roofing system are less important than others.  If they are cutting corners while trying to win your business, what will happen when the actually have it.  Roofing a house is a big investment and thousands of dollars, please do your research.  Piece of mind is priceless.

Have you ever been sued, have any pending lawsuits, or filed bankruptcy?

No we have never been sued or filed bankruptcy and do not have any pending lawsuits against our company. A good website to check out potential contractors is www.suspectfraud.com. This site is sponsored by the Washington State Department of Revenue and contains information on business activities. You may also look up our company on www.lni.wa.gov to see our license, insurance and bonding info. We recommend you research all potential contractor's on the L&I website. Check to see if their license has been suspended or revoked in the past, if their insurance limits have changed or if they have any summons and complaints against their company.

When you start the project are you going to work until completed?

Yes.  Once your project is started Savage Roofing will stay on your project until work is completed.  We will not start your project, then jump to another project.  We have multiple crews, and your project will have a specific crew depending on the materials we are installing, and the scope of work.  However, weather is not something that anyone can control, for obvious reasons your project may be delayed due to weather conditions.  You are communicated with daily during your project so you will be well informed.

How long will my project take?

This really depends on the size of your project, scope of work, and material type.  A typical project will take approximately three days.  Your project manager can give you more specific time frames about your particular project during the estimating process.

Are you roofers experienced?

Our average foreman has been with Savage Roofing for 7 years.  We treat and pay them well because we expect a lot.  However, we do not depend on their experience to ensure quality on your roofing project.  Our  production manager visits your project daily during the roofing process.  He does an inspection of your roof system’s installation process.  He will look for nailing patterns, how many nails per shingle, exposures, etc. depending on the materials and scope of work.  Our roofers know that we will be by everyday to check their work, so they do it right the first time.

What if our roof leaks after you install it?

You would simply call, or stop by our office and we would promptly take care of it at no cost to you.

Can we get our roof done in the winter?

Yes, we roof all year.  We work in sections on your roof.  We will not work on a section of your roof we can’t get dried in that same day. 

What Happens after the approval of the proposal?

First, your project manager reviews the project with the production manager all aspects of the project are discussed during this meeting.  Second, a crew is designated for your project depending on scope of work, and materials.  Third, the production manager reviews the project and safety plan with your foreman.