Roofing Q & A
What are the top three things I will notice if I need a new roof?
Most people wait till their roof is leaking or causing them other problems before they look into replacing it. But unfortunately, if your roof is leaking or shingles are missing, it is too late. Letting your roof go too long before replacement can cause unneeded damage on the inside of the house and can be easily avoided.
The top 3 things you might be aware of that could indicate you need a new roof are:
- Shingle wear, this is where you notice that the shingles are losing their granules and you can see the fiberglass matting through the face of the shingle.
- You are losing shingles or tabs of your shingles, usually by the wind.
- The age, sometimes you can’t tell by looking at your roof that it is in need of replacement, but if you know how old it (usually 15 to 20 years) you should have it inspected by a roofing professional who can give you a better idea if how long your roof has left in it.
New roof costs on average in Utah?
- The price for an average home in Utah is around $10,000, that is a complete roof replacement. Given that, roofing products and the size of your house compared to this can vary greatly so it is always best to get an estimate from a Roofing Professional.
How long does it take to install a new roof?
- On average, it takes only about a week to complete your new roofing project. This starts, typically with a tear-off and disposal of the old materials that have become ineffective to keep your investment protected. We are keen on the weather so you will never have to worry about the rain getting in while your roof is in process. After tear-off, sometimes we will need to re-sheet your roof, but whether or not we re-sheet, the next step is to install the new roof system. Most homes in the Salt Lake Area do well with asphalt shingles. We have also installed some beautiful metal, slate and TPO membrane roofs. From start to finish, give or take a day or two for the weather, plan for about a week for us to get in, get out, and leave you with something beautiful.
What types of roofing materials are best for our varying Utah climate?
- There are many different products out there and many more different types of buildings to put them on. Generally asphalt shingles when they are installed properly are a very diverse and durable product. Also on low slope situations there is TPO and PVC membranes that are a very reliable product, when installed properly. And lastly we have Metal, although a little more expensive than asphalt shingles it is a beautiful alternative on mountain homes or cabins etc. One product that I would recommend staying away from here in Utah is Concrete Tile, our freeze and thaw cycles cause these to crack and fail.
Do you give a final roofing estimate in writing? What will I see on the bid?
- Sure. You will get a detailed explanation of the work that we will perform with options most roofing contractors are not trained to observe. These include roof and attic ventilation, i.e. intake and exhaust, etc., instruction on maintenance, gutters, removal and reinstallation of siding for replacement of flashings and underlayment, just to name a few. We also will give you information on our standard, no-cost warranties as well as information on exclusive manufacturer warranties that only select roofing contractors are qualified to offer. In our estimates we do our best to observe a variety of aspects on your particular project so that in the end, you know what the needs of your roof are and the costs associated, as to minimize any surprise charges.
How far do you travel to install a new roof?
- Typically we only travel at most about 45 minutes to any given job however there has been circumstances that have taken us farther than that. We do roofing and framing contracting along the Wasatch Front, and have completed work as far south as Provo and Lehi, Utah, to Park City and Odgen.
How do you clean up your job sites after your roofing installation is complete?
- The cleanup process begins before we even start tearing off your roof. First off, we work with you to understand your biggest concerns with your landscape. We then take care in laying out tarps to catch debris, move things out of the way, if possible, so there’s no damage to anything, then we start tearing off the old roofing materials. After the tear-off is complete, we remove all the debris and tarps and rake up and pick up whatever missed the tarps, followed by a thorough pass with our heavy-duty magnets. This picks up any nails that might have been left behind. After the roof is complete and all leftover materials, scraps and debris are removed, we finish with a pass with our blower to remove all leftover granules that might have been left behind.
Do you take any precautions to protect my shrubbery?
- Yes, we take every precaution we can to protect your yards and existing landscaping, including plants, shrubs and trees. Usually we do this by using plywood to divert the debris so your plants stay happily growing and blossoming.