1. Choosing your roofing contractor
If your home needs a roof, you are about to enter into a relationship that can quickly turn sour if you do not choose your roofing contractor with care. You should feel comfortable with the company you contract with and know how and where you can contact them. Ask for a "Certificate of Insurance" to verify both liability (for your property) and worker's compensation (for their workers). Review references and professional affiliations (Better Business Bureau, etc). Be sure to check for a home improvement license number. What type of warrantee do they have on the installation? Does it cover the materials only? Or will the most expensive part of the work, the labor, be covered? And for how long?
Beware of:
Someone who doesn't use contracts, is vague in the scope of their work, or competes based on price alone. Keep in mind, 80% of the average contractors go out of business within 2 years of startup, disappear, and often change their phone numbers. And many contractors will tell you they’ve got 20 or 30 years experience. But why has their company been in business for less than 3 years? A problem with a roof will cost you much more than a cheap price will save you!
2. Surface Preparation/ Demolition
- All necessary permits are obtained by United Home Experts (United).
- A dumpster, if space available, is brought in and removed upon completion.
- All existing shingles, tar paper and flashings are fully removed.
- All sheathing and roof penetration flashings are inspected and loose sheathing is re-nailed securely at no additional charge.
- Rotted Sheathing, if seen, is repaired or replace per customer consent.
3. Installing Your New Roof
- An ice and water shield is installed above all gutter edges, in valleys, and around all roof penetrations to prevent water infiltration. This crucial step is often completely skipped by other roofing contractors, and you'll need it to help prevent leaks from ice dams in the winter!
- 30lb. felt underlayment (tar paper) is laid down as a protective layer over the sheathing. Many roofers use a 15 lb, which doesn't protect the sheathing as well.
- It is vital to install new aluminum flashing around roof edges. This is another step that is skipped by many contractors to keep their cost low, at the price of possibly rotting the fascia boards and causing peeling paint due to water run-off. We typically use an 8" aluminum drip edge, where our competitors use a 5" (which provides less protection from water).
- Install new pipe vent boots and ridge vent. A ridge vent can be cut for you if you do not currently have one--this allows the house to breathe and lengthens the life of the roof through increased circulation. The ventilation provided by a ridge vent also helps to prevent mildew build-up in the attic and is often needed to bring the roof in compliance with recent building codes.
- Additional ventilation will be installed to help the roof perform optimally, if measured to be needed by the project consultant during the original estimate and chosen by the customer.
4. Clean Up is NOT an Afterthought
Leaving your home in BETTER shape than the way in which we found it is our goal.
- Clean up is performed daily and at the completion of the job.
- All supplies and refuse are promptly taken away.
- Plant beds are cleaned and old tar paper, nails and rotted sheathing are removed.
- A United Standard Inspection is performed by a Foreman or Project Leader.
- The United Customer Comment Card is completed by the customer
5. Warranty
- Beyond the manufacturer's product warrantee, United offers a standard 5yr. warrantee on all work performed on your roof.
- This means we will perform any covered repairs at no labor cost to you, the original purchaser.
- If Certainteed Brand roofs are installed, United is certified to install the manufacturer’s 5 Star, SureStart Plus Coverage. This Industry leading comprehensive warrantee includes complete protection for materials, labor, tear-off, disposal and workmanship costs. The SureStart Plus warrantee can get you completely covered from 15 to 50 years, based on the roof shingle you choose to go with. Ask your Project Consultant for details.
Asphalt Shingles and Rubber Roofs
We offer an array of solutions to add to the visual appeal, protection and value of your home.
- Architectural Laminate Shingles provide a beautiful "rich" look with detailed shadow lines and are backed by 30 year to lifetime product warranties.
- 3-Tab Shingles offer a smooth uniform look with different grades and warranties available.
- EPDM rubber membrane roofs are used on very low pitch and flat roof applications. They are often the best way to protect the areas where shingles won't perform well.