Who determines the right and wrong ways to put on a roof?

Local building codes cannot be specific enough on their own to ensure a good roof. Many roofers learn from "the guy I used to work for". This can be good or bad. Some people do it wrong for years, and end up passing that "knowledge" onto others.

There are industry accepted programs for evaluating a roofer's methods, understanding, and dedication to his craft. Two such programs are Certainteed's Master Shingle Applicator certification and their Quality Master program.

If someone gets hurt while working on my property, can I be sued?

Unfortunately, people who don't ask to see a copy of the company's Worker's Compensation Certificate put themselves at risk for lawsuits.

If the contractor doesn't pay for the materials used on my house, can the supplier make me pay?

As crazy as it sounds, the answer is "yes." Supply houses have written into their purchase orders that the party receiving the product (you) will be responsible in the event the contractor fails to pay for the supplies. This underscores the importance of hiring a trusted, qualified contractor.

What kind of insurance should a company have?

A roofing company needs a roofing insurance policy, not just carpentry insurance (which is much less expensive). When checking the references of your prospective roofer or contractor, you should call the insurance company whose name is provided and be sure the policy is current and the coverage includes roofing.

If a company did a good job on my neighbor's house, will the same people be working on mine?

Although the largest companies have been around for years, the quality of your new roof depends upon the actual people installing it. Some company's have an employee turnover rate of over 50%. The sad fact is that the demand for a large workforce sometimes decreases the scrutiny and training of new employees.

Why does one of my neighbors have metal showing in their "valley," and my other neighbor doesn't?

The simple answer is that there are different methods of installing a valley (that section of a roof where angles meet). Two of the most common, as illustrated below, are the open valley and closed valley. Which style you choose is up to you.

How is the necessary ventilation on my house determined?

Industry accepted standards are based on the size and configuration of your house, with many variables factored in. It is a good idea to ask for a roofer's credentials in the area and look for attendance of seminars specifically focused on attic ventilation. Ask to "see the numbers." A knowledgeable contractor would have no need to hesitate if, in fact, he has a basis for his recommendation.

Why do some contractors ask to go into the attic?

Someone who just walks around the exterior of the house may see vented soffit panels, but this does not necessarily mean there is sufficient airflow. To be sure, the contractor must venture into the attic or crawlspace to ensure proper airflow to eliminate the risk of built-up moisture ruining your new roof.

What does "Ice-Guard" do and where does it go?

The technical term for this is "waterproofing shingle underlayment." This is a self-sticking material that goes directly onto the wooden "deck" of the roof. It should be placed, at the minimum, on the bottom of the roof, near any gutters, as well as under any valley systems installed on the roof. The manufacturer also recommends, for complete protection, to place the "ice-guard" on the "rake" (the side of the roof edge), the ridge, the hip, and any roof penetration, such as skylights, pipes, or chimneys.

How much does the felt paper matter? What is the difference between cheap and expensive?

A quality felt paper will lay flat and won't "tear-out" as the installer walks on it. "High performance" underlayment may have fiberglass reinforcement for added strength and to further reduce the possibility of wrinkling before the shingles can be applied.

Are there affordable shingles that have algae resistance built into them?

Yes! Even many 25 year class shingles have several options available to prevent algae from growing on and ruining your roof.

How will my house be protected while the old roof is torn off?

A quality contractor will no doubt spend time explaining how important this is. Usually, plywood is used to divert old materials into a dumpster or truck. All windows, doors, and flower beds would be protected. Tarps would be spread out all around the house wherever loose debris might fall. The final cleanup should involve the use of magnets, both handheld and wheel-mounted. When finished, the only sign of a contractor's presence should be the beautiful new roof, not broken shrubs, scratched siding, and a lawn full of nails.

How long will it take to finish the new roof?

Of course, this will depend mostly upon the size and difficulty of the project. You should make sure that the contractor agrees to replace whatever shingles he removes before leaving for the day in case he is unable to return the following day.

Could there be extra expenses? What if my roof has bad wood?

Even the most experienced contractor will be surprised from time to time. There should be pricing specified in the contract in the event that bad wood is discovered during installation.