Managing the Re-roofing Process Most reroofing projects are not for the do-it-yourselfer. A building professional should be involved in the decision making process, and a professional roofing contractor should be consulted for any assessment, and/or hired for any repair or replacement. It is in the best interest of all parties involved, from homeowner to installer, to be educated and conversant with roofing terminology and the reroofing process. The following step-by-step procedure covers the essentials of reroofing project management.
Step 1. Determine the existing roof's condition.Damaged or missing shingles, tiles or shakes do not necessarily indicate that a roof needs immediate replacement. Many times the visual damage to the roof is just that: visual and not functional. Cosmetic damage to the roof covering itself may or may not indicate damage to the key component of the roofing system that keeps water out of a home: the underlayments (felts).
Older wood shake roofs can look particularly distressed due to splitting, warping, curling, or cupping leading to homeowner concern for the integrity of the roof and thoughts of need for roof replacement. Fortunately, the construction of most wood shake roofs differs from other roof types and, therefore, affords considerably more protection than it might appear from the ground. Most individual wood shakes are 22 to 24 inches long and with the most common exposure of 10 inches that leaves 12 to 14 inches (called lap) of the shake unexposed to nature's elements. In other words, the typical wood shake roof has at least two layers of wood protection over the entire roof area and three layers over forty percent of it.
In addition most wood shake installations have additional layers of unexposed felt between each shake layer (this is called lacing or interply) adding yet more protection. So, some pieces of shake on the lawn after the storm may not be reason for worry. The key water protecting component, the underlayment (felts), may still be doing its job-keeping water out. Unless the roof is leaking, careful on-the-roof inspection by an experienced professional is the only sure way to know what life can be expected.
If the roof is leaking, it should be immediately repaired or replaced, but many times leaks can be economically repaired by replacing just the damaged pieces. The main objective at this point is to protect the underlayment from the sun/UV, which would quickly compromise the material, leading to further failures and leaking.
Consult a professional roofing contractor to appraise the roof's condition. Be aware that walking on an aged roof can add to the damage, and should therefore be minimized. If the need for a new roof is the result of an insurance claim, and the claims agent has been on the roof, he or she should be able to advise as to the roof's condition, its potential for further problems, and to suggest the next action(s).
Step 2 Appraise and understand your roofing needs.
Replacing a roof is a major expenditure and worthy of the time spent to become an informed buyer. Roofing technology has changed since the existing roof was installed, and it is important to understand how newer technology materials are addressing the shortcomings of older roofs. A reliable contractor familiar with roofing peculiarities in the area is the best source of practical information, and should be knowledgeable of local building codes and covenants. However, they may not be familiar with the latest developments in roofing technology and the new products that have resulted, so additional research may be necessary.
Many roofing problems, including shorter than expected life spans, are the result of improper material selection in the first place most roofing decisions are made on the basis of first cost or appearance and local climatic conditions are often given too little consideration. Hail, wind and freeze/thaw cycling are particularly hard on most roofing materials. Start by understanding the local climate your roof must deal with. For an overview of roofing concerns by location view the map and chart of U.S. climate zones .
Step 3. Review available roofing material options and choose the best alternative.
Roofing materials fall into a few generic categories that have inherent weaknesses that require consideration in light of Step 2 above. Many roofing systems are designed, tested and manufactured in more temperate climates, and have proven to have substantial performance shortcomings in more demanding climates. The dots on the chart below indicate weaknesses of the most popular roofing system materials.
Weaknesses Competitive Roofing Systems ► Concrete Metal Wood Slate Weight - dry ● ● Weight -wet ● ● ● Shake Appearance ● ● ● Impact/Hail Resistance ● ● ● ● Walkability ● ● ● ● Fire Resistance ● Color Consistency ● ● Wind Resistance ● Snow/Ice Release ● ● Freeze/Thaw Resistance ● ● Installation Ease/Simplicity ● ● ● Insulating Value ● ● ●
Step 4. Select potential roofing contractors.
It is a good idea to get more than one bid for a reroofing project. The insurance company may have some suggestions, since many insurance companies have a list of preferred contractors they have worked with and found to be reliable. References from homeowners are also good idea. Not all roofing material systems can be installed by just any contractor because they require special skills, so the choice of preferred roofing material from Step 3 above may dictate which contractors are qualified. It is a good idea at this point to also check with the preferred material manufacturer for any pertinent information.
Step 5. Get installed cost bids and choose an installing contractor.
Be sure that all bids provide for all the essentials for a complete, high quality job. Items that should be included in all bids are:
► The same type and amount of roofing materials, including underlayment and accessories
► Building permit
► Contractor's license (if required by state or local building authority)
► Current worker's compensation and liability insurance policies
► Tear-off and disposal of old roofing materials
► Protection of shrubs and property during installation
► New flashing and trim where required
► Clean up of property upon completion
Step 6. Decide on project schedule/timing.
A leaking roof must be repaired regardless of the time of year, and there should be numerous local contractors available to do the work. Damaging hailstorms, however, occur mostly during summer months and are usually confined to small areas.
When a hailstorm hits residential areas, roofing chaos ensues. Local area roofing resources are usually strained immediately and less than desired installation, product quality, and customer service frequently results. Roofers from across the country (storm chasers) descend in mass, and homeowners are deluged with offers to immediately repair or reroof to avoid further property damage. This "fix it now" marketing can result in poor roofing decisions. If possible, the homeowner is well advised to wait until a reliable local contractor can appraise the situation and plan the project after the chaos has dissipated.
Step 7. Choose contractor and roofing material.
If uncertain which bid to choose, perhaps a call to the local Better Business Bureau or referrals and references from other homeowners will make the decision easier. For Ce·DUR Shake distribution and sales outlets or advice on purchasing contact us.
