There are all types of roofing and several manufacturers make them. The different main types of roofs are flat roofs, low slope roofs, and steep roofs.
An example to use here is steep roofing material. Asphalt shingles are a practical and cost effective way to roof a building, house, business or church that has a 4/12 pitch and goes up to almost a vertical slope. Asphalt shingles are made by 4 or 5 major manufacturers that I am familiar with. We like CertainTeed the best because of many reasons, but the other 3 or 4 guys’ products are at least acceptable as well. The point is that you do not have many manufacturers of asphalt shingles to choose from, but you do have MANY roofing contractors or roofers or roofing companies to choose from just in your local area. These roofers are all over the chart as far as quality installation is concerned. One can install a shingle roof incorrectly that has to be replaced because of roof leaks or other problems in as little a time as a month. Yes, this is true. We are expert witnesses in cases like this. But the big surprise is that a roof can be installed “good enough” and perform for 10 years or be installed very well and last 30 plus years. This is for real.
A good roofer has been doing it for a while of course, but he also must know what the manufacturer says about installing their product. Conventional roofing industry wisdom is good but we must follow manufacturer specifications to make the roof its best and to make warranties count. A manufacturer in most cases is not responsible for the quality of the installation. They won’t stand behind it if it is not on right.
You do not want to be stuck with no warranty left after a few years because your roof wasn’t installed just right. The shingle makers spend big $ on engineering designs and testing to make sure their product stands up to elements such as wind, rain, and beating sun.
Think about it – that roof is the building’s first defense against these forces and it must do well for a long time. If they build that shingle, they know how to put it on for best performance and duration of service. Ex. Put the proper # of roofing nails in the proper spots. Use the right galvanized roofing nail and it must be the designated length. Do not drive the nail crooked or too deep and damage the shingle. These are just a few items to know about just the nails. This is the “tip of the iceberg.”
Trust me and take time to pick the roofer who will install a roof SYSTEM – not just a roof. The roofing crew needs real roof mechanics, quality supervision, and a thorough post job inspection. The inspection should be done by a manager of some sort, preferably one who doesn’t work on the crew. He must get on the roof and look it over closely before you pay. Here are pointers for getting the right man for the job. He must be….
1. licensed and insured
2. certified by the manufacturer
3. in business [same entity] for a while
4. able to provide references of people with roofs like yours
5. able to give you addresses of buildings he has installed roofs on like yours
6. not the lowest price by too much,especially REALLY low
7. not financially challenged , if he is he may not be able to finish
the job or honor the labor warranty down the road
8. in possession of good equipment [ride by an ongoing job to see]
I could continue but I have probably said enough for now . I am very
grateful that you read this.
Please contact me for guidance if you need it.
I really like this roofing stuff.
Robert Andrews, II, President robert@andrewsroofing.com/757-286-7400
David Wood has always been a hands-on type of guy. With his strong work ethic, natural talent for building and big heart, we are lucky to have someone so dedicated to delivering the very best to our customers.