Roofing Answers

 

Ethical Exteriors "Help Line"

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Question #1

How can I tell if my roof needs replacement?

Question #2

I live in Michigan and I have two layers of shingles on my home, do I have to pull them off or can I put a third layer on? Will this third layer last?

By code, in the state of Michigan a contractor may not add or install more than two layers of shingles on the home. In many cases, it is not that costly to remove the old product. Whether it is a second layer or third, you will want to be sure that what you are covering is in reasonable condition so the new shingles will last. If the material that you are covering is poor then you risk diminishing the life of the new product. The reduction in life will depend on a number of factors.

I always tell my customers that the cost in doing it right the first time is much cheaper than repairs down the road. Particularly if you are going to stay in the home for more than 7 years. If you do have interest in selling the home in the near future there will be inspections involved and there is nothing worse than having an inspector say something critical about what was done or that the condition is poor.

If different contractors are telling you different things then check with your local building inspector for the right answers for your community. The following link will have much more about "Roof Overs": Michigan Building Codes

Question #3

I have a green mossy growth right on top of my shingles, How can get rid of this vegitation? If I leave it alone will it damage the singles?

There are three different types of growth that can attach to your roof: Algae, Moss, and Lichen. To remove this vegetation you need to make sure that you use a method that is right for you and your skills. Take into consideration the height and pitch of the roof and the equipment you have. I will summarize three ways to remove the problem.

You can chemically treat the roof with many different products and I would suggest using a hydrogen peroxide based material that will be safer for the environment. This will kill the vegetation, and the rain will wash it off. Just remember that it will take time for the vegetation to die and in the process, the moss turns from green to a dead brown color. You can Brush and Hose off the moss. I would pre-soak the area for 3 to 7 days with a chemical before scrubbing.

The quickest method is to power wash the material away. I have used a bleach mixture in the soap tank of the sprayer. I first apply a low-pressure spray with the bleach and let it soak for an hour and then power wash all of the vegetation away. Spray from the top downward and don’t bring the nozzle too close or the pressure so high that it removes graduals.

It is important to remove this growth so that water flows off the roof correctly and the roots don’t damage the shingles. Check out these websites for addtional information and materials to purchase: Wash Safe Industries or Roof-Be-Clean

Question #4

What should I look for in a good contractor?

As a contractor within lower eastern Michigan, I want to keep a strong reputation in the community and I am always concerned with the quality of our work. Ethical Exteriors is committed to standing by our service and materials. This is important because no matter what you pay for roofing services you want someone that will come back in 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or longer to warranty the services performed. I'm sure others would differ in the order of my list or the number of points but I would start with this.

1. If a contractor wants money down then that would be a turn-off right away unless it is a unique material with an extreme cost to it; but exotic materials are extremely rare.

2. If a contractor fails to climbed on the roof for an inspection then that would be a clue that they are not paying attention to the details. There could be soft spots or possible water damage that should corrected and priced.

3. Ask what they do if they find damage after starting the job. They should be able to tell you what their hourly rates are. They should also be clear in how they handle the problem and those fundamentals should include immediate communication of the issue with pictures. Most contractors include a number of 4'x 8' sheets of plywood to resolve this issue and I would ask about this.

4. Contractors shouldn’t bad mouth other contractors or ask for the competitors' pricing. These things add up to serious character flaws.

5. They can provide references in the local area. Try calling one of the individuals on the list and see if the person exists. You may be surprised at what you find.

6. their proposal should be in writing and on company letterhead.

7. They should be licensed, and more importantly, they should be insured for general liability.

8. They shouldn’t be a regular client with the Better Business Bureau. Here is where you can check: Better Business Bureaus

9. Finally, do you feel comfortable with company? Is their vehicle in good repair and organized for a construction company?

I hope this was helpful and please call if I can be of any additional service or you need answers on a specific issue.

Question #5

What should I be looking for in a shingle warranty?

In general, look for a shingle that has a warranty period of 30 to 40 years. Ask if the warranty is prorated and the number of years before the warranty moves from full replacement to the prorated amount. Even if the shingles did fail for some reason, it is generally only 15% to 25% of the cost total service cost and the shingle manufacturer normally covers the shingles that are defective. So don’t dwell on this part of the equation. 60% to 70% of all shingle failures occur because the contractor installed them incorrectly so you want this to be handled by a professional.

If you think that this is important, check with the contractor if the warranty is transferable to the new home owner. Some companies provide “limited transferability” which means it depends on the line of product you select. Whatever you decide, make sure you receive everything in writing. If you are purchasing a home then request that the seller provide the line of shingles used, the contractor name, and the date of the installation.