Listed below are some frequently asked questions regarding roofing and our business practices. 

1.  Do I need to be home to obtain an estimate?

A.  Yes.  Most roofing companies will obtain the necessary measurements and inspections from outside the home.  However, we like to inspect the attic.  Every job to us is not just about roofing, but about home improvement.

It is also important to meet with each estimator to allow an opportunity to discuss your specific goals in obtaining a new roof.  You may find each estimator will have slightly different recommendations in terms of materials and suggested options.  This is also an opportunity to get a feel for a company's performance in the scheduling and keeping of appointments.

2.  My roof has only one layer of shingles at this time.  Can I lay the new shingles over the existing shingles?

A.  A number of factors come into play while making this decision.  Older shingles tend to cup as they dry out and age.  The new layer will follow the contour of the existing shingles which may cause your new roof to look bumpy or uneven.  Also, the existing rows of shingles must have been run straight when installed.  Again, the new layer will follow the old pattern and may lead to a visually unacceptable appearance.

Of greater concern is the inability to inspect the roof deck for heat damage, rot or loose decking.  While the wood can be inspected from inside the attic space for broken boards or water damage, loose decking can not be determined without removing the shingles and existing felt paper.  As wood becomes moist from humid air and condensation that collects in the attic space, it may swell slightly.  As it dries out, the wood returns to its natural position.  Over the course of several years, this swelling and relaxing of the wood can lift the decking nails slightly which may prevent the wood from laying lat.  This will be the only opportunity for the life of your new roof to address this condition.

3.  What weight felt paper should paper should I use?

A.  Roofing felt paper, sometimes known as "tar" paper, is an layer that is installed between the roof decking and roof shingle.  Commonly used weights for residential housing are the 15# and 30# underlayments.  

In the past, 30# felt was often used in conjunction with the organic asphalt shingles then on the market.  Today's fiberglass composite shingles offer greater durability ad a longer life expectancy in a thinner and lighter format.  Many manufacturers today recommend using 15# felt with their 20 year and 25 year fiberglass composite shingles available in our region.

4.  When the roofing materials are delivered, will they block access to my garage or driveway?

A.  Generally, we schedule the materials to be delivered by our supplier the morning we start your roof.  In most cases, the material will be loaded directly to the roof area of your home, allowing you unimpeded access to your parking area.  If there are reasons your roof cannot be loaded (power lines or tree branches in the way, or if your roof as too steep of a pitch) you will be notified in advance of the situation.  We do request that you keep the driveway area clear of vehicles on the day your delivery is scheduled unless someone will be home to move the vehicles when the supplier arrives.

5.  Do I need to be home while the work is in progress?

A.  No.  In fact, many clients prefer not to be home when the hammering starts!  We do not need access inside the home providing there is an outside electrical outlet we can use in the case of bad wood or if you have chosen the option of a ridgevent system.  However, if we have noted the possibility of damaged plywood, some homeowners like to be home to inspect the decking and assist in making the decision of how much decking to replace in cases of cosmetic consideration. 

6.  Will any dust accumulate in my attic?

A.  Yes.  In all roofing jobs, some of the finer grit will fall between the cracks of the plywood or plank board decking.  In cases where a ridgevent system is installed, sawdust will fall into the attic.  We suggest removing or covering any items stored in the attic space if dust or debris accumulation is a concern.

7.  Do I need to protect items inside my house from possible damage?

A.  Yes.  On all roofing jobs there is a degree of vibration which comes down through the framework of the home.  While it is not necessary to panic, it is recommended you safeguard fragile items such as glass globes on chandeliers, pictures which are not securely mounted to the wall, or the "old family heirloom" on the mantel.  Items in the kitchen cabinets should not be affected, nor should there be a need to empty the china cabinet.  If in doubt, take a few minutes to protect any non-replaceable items.

8.  Will discarded nails be left in the yard, causing a safety hazard?

A.  What often separates roofing companies is the quality of the site clean up at the end of a project.  Professional roofing contractors should remove all roofing debris, clean out the gutter system, and do a thorough cleaning of the grounds and landscaping.  Included in this is the use of a magnet to pick up any nails that have reached the ground level.  The perimeter of the home including lawn, landscaped areas, driveway, and support vehicle parking area should be included in the search for nails.  

9.  Can a check to see if complaints have been filed against a contractor in my area be done?

A.  Yes, the following link will take you to the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan.  Please take a moment to look us up and review our excellent standing.

http://www.grandrapids.bbb.org/