• I received several estimates to replace my asphalt shingle roof system and the prices vary greatly.

  If one estimate seems much lower than the others and it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many fly-by-night contractors' below-cost bids seem attractive, but these contractors often are uninsured and perform substandard work. If an estimate is confusing, ask the contractor to break down the estimate into items/terms you can understand.

   

• My contractor just started working on my roof and it's the middle of winter! At what temperature is it too cold to install asphalt shingles?

  There are no specific temperature guidelines regarding when it is too cold to install asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles do become brittle in cold temperatures, with fiberglass shingles more likely to break than organic shingles. Breakage can be minimized or eliminated if the shingles are stored in a warm area and loaded onto the roof a few bundles at a time. Another concern is that the self-sealing strips will not seal or bond sufficiently in cold temperatures. Hand-tabbing (the application of quarter-size dabs of adhesive to the underside of shingles) is recommended if the building is located in an area prone to high winds. This will help prevent the shingles from blowing off the roof until warmer weather arrives and the sealing strips can set properly.

   

• Only the underlayment has been installed on my roof and it rained last night. Now, the underlayment is wrinkled. Does it have to be replaced?

  If the wrinkling isn't severe enough to affect the shingle installation (i.e., the wrinkling won't telegraph through the shingles and they won't appear buckled or wavy once installed), the underlayment probably can remain in place. The effects of wrinkling also will be minimized by using heavier weight shingles.

   

• My contractor installed the felt covering (underlayment) two weeks ago and hasn't installed the shingles yet. How long can you leave underlayment exposed?

  Time is not the critical issue; the condition of the underlayment is what's important. Wrinkled or buckled underlayment should be replaced so the shingles lay flat.

• During the reroofing of my house, the contractor left one side of the roof unprotected and when it rained, water entered the house and my ceiling and walls are damaged.
  Who is responsible for repairing the interior of my house?

   Before signing a contract, make sure that it contains language addressing who is responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of the roofing work. All items of concern and work to be done should be included in the contract.

   

• My contractor re-used the existing flashings on my roof and after he finished installing the new shingles, he left! I've left several messages with the company and no one will come back to install new flashings. Shouldn't that be included in the work?

  If the contract didn't specify the installation of new flashings, it wasn't included in the original scope of work. Be sure that all items of work to be done are included in the contract before signing it.

   

• My contractor wants to use staples instead of nails to install my asphalt shingles. Is that okay?

  NRCA recommends galvanized steel or the equivalent corrosion-resistant roofing nails for asphalt shingle installation. Also, verify the governing building code requirements and what the shingle manufacturer recommends.
  
  

DID YOU KNOW?:

Most people think of a new roof as just a contractor installing new shingles and nails. But savvy homeowners know better! Today, effective roofing systems rely on advanced material technology and an integrated systems approach to protect your biggest asset— your home.