Welcome!





Below are questions often asked of our sales team:

Is it time to replace my roof?
Sooner or later every roof will need to be replaced, typically due to long-term effects of weathering. If a residential roof is more than 20 years old, the roof is a prime candidate for re-roofing.

What is a square?
A square is a unit of measure covering 100 square feet or a 10’ X 10’ linear foot measurement.

What is a pitch?
The pitch refers to the degree of an incline or the ratio of the rise, in feet, to the span, in feet. You can determine the pitch of your roof by measuring 12 inches of vertical rise to 12 inches of horizontal run.

Can I apply new asphalt shingles over existing asphalt shingles?
Yes, you can apply new shingles over existing shingles, but it depends on the condition of the existing roof. If the existing shingles are laying flat and the roof deck is in good condition then it is permissible to do so. However, you should check the local building codes to be sure that the building codes in your specific area apply.

At what pitch can I apply asphalt roofing shingles?
Most manufacturers allow from a minimum pitch of 2:12 to 4:12 with special instructions. (Please refer to manufacturers specific guidelines)

Different Types of Roofing

  • One of the most common or popular is the asphalt roofing shingle. Often it is referred as a laminated shingle, architectural shingle/roofing, composition roofing or three tab roofing.
  • Other types of roofing materials are, Tile, Metal, Cedar Shakes/Shingles, Built Up Roofing, often referred to as B.U.R. which is low slope, Rolled Roofing.

The plastic strip you see on the back of a shingle.
The plastic strip is actually a release tape to prevent the shingles from sticking together while packaged inside the bundle. There is no need to remove it, besides most manufacturers use the release tape to put their run numbers on it which identifies the manufacturer. On the release tape is the time and shift that shingle was made, in the unlikely event a problem occurs.

What is ASTM?
ASTM is the abbreviation for American Society for Testing and Materials which is a voluntary organization to develop and provide international standards.

For more information about ASTM go to www.astm.org

Is there any asphalt roofing manufacturers that have a warranty against moss?
No manufacturer warranties against moss on the roof, however, many manufacturers do offer a shingle that has a warranty available with an algae resistant system.

The scientific name Gloeocapsa magma, thrives in humid environments. Algae can cause unsightly black stains or streaks on shingles but does affect the performance or damage the roof.

We offer PABCO Premier Scotchgard Algae Resistant Roofing System with a 20 year warranty against algae growth.

To learn more about 3M Algae resistant systems and products go to:
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/IMPD/Roofing-Solutions/

What About Ventilation?
Attic ventilation is a very important part of roofing. Proper attic ventilation extends the life of a roof and reduces problems because it minimizes the temperature between the attic and the air outside. Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic. Trapped heat and moisture can raise energy costs, cause ice dams and damage roof system components. Other problems associated with improper ventilation:

  • In the summer improper ventilation can cause attic heat to easily reach or exceed 150 degrees.
  • Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by the use of washing machines, dishwashers, bath tubs, showers and tumble dryers unless properly ventilated through the roof.
  • In some cases condensation can be bad enough to be mistaken for a roof leak.
  • A roof deck not being able to “breathe” can cause it to deteriorate or warp.
  • The roof system itself can prematurely deteriorate.

Roofing Systems and Warranties

  • All roofing manufacturers provide a written limited warranty for their products.
  • For specific information regarding warranties, please consult manufacturer for details.

Can I purchase energy efficient roofing products?
Yes, Roofing products are now available that meet both ENERGY STAR and LEED requirements.

What is ENERGY STAR Roofing?

  • ENERGY STAR roofing is a reflective roof product that lowers roof surface temperature by up to 100 degrees.
  • Qualified roof products save money and energy by reducing the amount of air conditioning needed to keep a building comfortable.
  • Can increase a roof’s life by reducing thermal shock, where a roof will expand and contract, causing stress and degrading the roof.

Check out many other benefits at:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=roof_prods.pr_roof_products

What is LEEDS?

  • LEEDS is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Green Rating System, which encourages and accelerates global adoption of Building Rating System.
  • LEED for New Construction and major renovations is a rating system for buildings that was designed to guide and distinguish high performance buildings that have less of an impact on the environment, are healthier for those who work and/or live in the building, and are more profitable than their conventional counterparts.

More about LEEDS:
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19
 

For More Information About
Roofing & Installation, Go To:
www.asphaltroofing.org
Or go to:
www.nrca.net		 For More Information About
Gypsum Wallboard Go To:
www.gypsum.org

 
Below are details of some of the roofing terminology often used:

Roofing Details