Shingle roofs

A new roof is a big job. And a big investment. That’s why we strongly recommend that you hire a professional roofing contractor who can offer proven experience, a written estimate and worry-free installation. To make sure you’re choosing the best, use this checklist before you sign a contract:

Does the contractor….

Have a good reputation? Check for references.
Have adequate insurance coverage? Protect your home from accidental damage?
Thoroughly inspect your roof? Including flashing chimney, soil stacks, other roof penetration, deck, plus attic?
Provide a written estimate? Including an accurate description of the work to be performed.
Explain the entire roof system? Your roof is a series of components that work together; you should know all about them.
Check existing ventilation for proper circulation? Explain the importance of ventilation? Improper ventilation will damage your shingles and can invalidate your manufacturer’s warranty.
Explain reasons for tearing off versus nailing over the existing roof? Local codes determine the maximum number of nail-overs.
Know, explain and comply with local building codes?
Apply underlayment to the wood deck? Additional waterproofing underlayment might be needed if ice damming, wind-driven rain, or collected or flowing water might be a problem.
Apply shingles according to manufacturer’s specifications?
Use proper fastening techniques? Four fasteners for each shingle – six in high wind areas. Fasteners should penetrate 3/4″ into the deck.
Commit to supervise the job during all phases of work and inspect it completely when finished?
Thoroughly clean up your roof and around your house when finished? Remove all surplus material? Leave your yard in the same shape the contractor found it?
Clearly explain both the workmanship and manufacturer’s warranty? Are defective shingles replaced for prorated replacement cost, or original cost, with labor additional? You should be very clear about who to call with a problem.
Use quality roofing materials?

Choosing exterior colors for a home is a tough job… here are three ways to successfully coordinate colors:

The first involves selecting colors within the same family, such as warm tones (browns, beiges, creams, golds and reds) used together with warm accents.
The second consists of contrasting light and dark colors out of different color families, for an eye-catching effect.
The third method- contrasting cool (blues, grays, black, white) and warm colors – is harder to achieve, but if one of the contrasting colors is a neutral, it will be easier to accomplish. For instance, try using a warm color like cream or ivory with a cool neutral, such a gray or black.

Planning

Gather samples of all existing permanent colors showing on the home’s exterior. Assemble the samples in proportionate sizes- large samples for predominant colors and small ones for details. Although the roof color may be the largest in total square footage, use only the percentage that can be seen from the street to determine sample proportioning.

Consider the neighborhood and environment. Coordinating with your neighbor’s home should not be a prime consideration, but duplicating it would not be ideal. Landscape colors may lend direction for color schemes. Among the options are to coordinate or blend in with nature, or choose contrasting but complementary colors.

Select colors in the same family as the roof, or other existing permanent elements such as brick or stone, to produce a simple scheme which will make a small home appear larger. Otherwise, this lack of combination can produce a rather plain and uninteresting effect.

Use color to balance the proportion and design of a home. Light colors make homes appear larger, dark colors make home look smaller. Dark colors outline architectural details against light backgrounds; light colors do the reverse.

Shingle roofs

Have a good reputation? Check for references.

Have adequate insurance coverage? Protect your home from accidental damage?

Thoroughly inspect your roof? Including flashing chimney, soil stacks, other roof penetration, deck, plus attic?

Provide a written estimate? Including an accurate description of the work to be performed.

Explain the entire roof system? Your roof is a series of components that work together; you should know all about them.

Check existing ventilation for proper circulation? Explain the importance of ventilation? Improper ventilation will damage your shingles and can invalidate your manufacturer’s warranty.

Explain reasons for tearing off versus nailing over the existing roof? Local codes determine the maximum number of nail-overs.

Know, explain and comply with local building codes?

Apply underlayment to the wood deck? Additional waterproofing underlayment might be needed if ice damming, wind-driven rain, or collected or flowing water might be a problem.

Apply shingles according to manufacturer’s specifications?

Use proper fastening techniques? Four fasteners for each shingle – six in high wind areas. Fasteners should penetrate 3/4″ into the deck.

Commit to supervise the job during all phases of work and inspect it completely when finished?

Thoroughly clean up your roof and around your house when finished? Remove all surplus material? Leave your yard in the same shape the contractor found it?

Clearly explain both the workmanship and manufacturer’s warranty? Are defective shingles replaced for prorated replacement cost, or original cost, with labor additional? You should be very clear about who to call with a problem.

Use quality roofing materials?

The first involves selecting colors within the same family, such as warm tones (browns, beiges, creams, golds and reds) used together with warm accents.

The second consists of contrasting light and dark colors out of different color families, for an eye-catching effect.

The third method- contrasting cool (blues, grays, black, white) and warm colors – is harder to achieve, but if one of the contrasting colors is a neutral, it will be easier to accomplish. For instance, try using a warm color like cream or ivory with a cool neutral, such a gray or black.

Select colors in the same family as the roof, or other existing permanent elements such as brick or stone, to produce a simple scheme which will make a small home appear larger. Otherwise, this lack of combination can produce a rather plain and uninteresting effect.

Use color to balance the proportion and design of a home. Light colors make homes appear larger, dark colors make home look smaller. Dark colors outline architectural details against light backgrounds; light colors do the reverse.