Why Meet with your Estimator?
“15-20 minutes with your estimator could save you thousands of dollars and headaches due to misconceptions about the project.”
At Rock Roofing our goal is to be strictly informative and low pressure, because we feel, an informed consumer will not only be prepared for their major roofing project, but also see the value in choosing Rock Roofing once they have gone over the estimate.
Understanding Your Estimate:
With today’s technology, we find more people are asking to have their estimates e-mailed or faxed to them. We've provided the following information so that you can educate yourself about steps involved during the roofing process. For a detailed roof estimate about your specific needs contact us.
Tear-off and disposal of roof:
“Rock Roofing will call prior to the start date to inform the customer when the disposal container and roofers will arrive. The container will usually be placed on either the right or left side of the driveway. This will be specified on the bid. We ask that the customer not ask the driver to place the container elsewhere, since the bid is estimated based on access for the roofers and suppliers. Rock Roofing does recycle, so only roof related materials are allowed in the container.”
Inspection of structure:
“As the roof is removed, the crew leader will inspect the structure for any rot or damage. Most roofs 25 years or less rarely have rot unless the roof has a history of leaking. If there is additional work due to rot or damage, the crew leader will notify your roof consultant who will then notify the home owner. Rock Roofing charges for additional work are as follows: Time ($55 per hour) plus materials. Plywood replacement is $48 per sheet, furnished, installed, and the old sheet disposed of.”
Installation of sheathing:
“After the roof is removed, the nails or staples are pounded down in the field and pulled over the eave and rake areas pulled so the old fasteners are not driven through the eaves where they can be seen. The sheathing is then installed directly over the existing skip sheathing. There are two types of sheathing. One is 7/16 inch OSB (or Oriented Strand Board) and the other is 1/2 inch CDX plywood. 1/2 inch CDX plywood is the recommended application, since it is an exterior grade plywood and has a higher tensile strength than OSB.”
Saturated Felt:
“Rock Roofing uses only 30# ASTM felt. Some roof companies use regular 30# felt. this is not to be confused with ASTM felt. ASTM felt is heavier and does not absorb water like regular 30# felt. ASTM felt is more water resistant, fastens better to the plywood and is the newest roofing code as of july 2004.”
Drip edge and starter metal:
“Drip edge and starter metals are the metals that go up the rake (or gable) and along the front edge of the plywood. These are 26 gauge metals that keep water from wicking up against the edge of the plywood causing premature rot.”
Pipe flashing's:
“Rock Roofing uses only lead pipe flashing's for plumbing stacks. The leads are painted with manufacture’s paint to match the color of the roof. Some roof companies choose to use no-caulk or neoprene gaskets around the plumbing stacks. These rubber gaskets have a life expectancy of about 15 years and won’t last the life of today’s roofing materials.”
Furnace vents/B-vent and collar:
“Most houses have a furnace vent or hot water heater stack through the roof. This is usually a silver stack and approximately 3 feet in height. Many roof companies will not replace the base metal and collar. It is common to drive around your neighborhood and see these rusted, unpainted stacks on a neighbor’s new roof. Rock Roofing will not only replace the base metal and collar, but will also paint the furnace stack with manufacture’s paint to match the roofing material.”
Bathroom vents:
“Improper ventilation from bathroom fans can lead to premature failure of the plywood. When bathroom fans vent into your attic, warm moist air can cause mildew and de-lamination on the underside of the sheathing. Rock Roofing will always make sure your roof will have the proper number of flapper vents and connect any existing pipes. If your home has no existing pipes, we will still install the vents for future connection.”
Venting the attic:
“Improper ventilation of the attic can also lead to premature failure of the plywood. Rock Roofing will make sure your roof will have the proper amount of ventilation. The two most common types of vents are vents and ridge vents. Can vents are either plastic or metal and are always placed on the back side of the roof. Ridge vent is the preferred method of ventilation because it allows for maximum air flow and reduces the amount of protrusions in your roof from the can vents. Your roof consultant will let you know if ridge venting is not an option.”
Other metals:
“Rock Roofing will install new metals at all roof protrusions including, but not limited to, valley metal, pan metal, roof to wall below skylights and chimney’s and step flashing at all side walls. These metals will be a 26 gauge, baked on, pre-painted steel and is the newest roofing code.”
Starter course/Rake edge:
“Before the roofing material is applied, a starter course is put down at the bottom edge of the roof to prevent water from entering where the tabs butt up against each other. If Certainteed Presidential is used, then a dual starter system must be installed. This dual starter system is necessary for you to get your warranty. Composition is also placed up the rake edge to prevent the laminate from sagging over the gabled ends (due to warm temperatures)..”
Laminate shingle:
“Laminates come with many different warranties and many different styles. Warranties range from 30 years to lifetime. Rock Roofing will always apply the shingles according to manufactures specifications. This is important to insure the homeowner gets their warranties.”
Fasteners:
“Rock Roofing uses only hot dipped galvanized nails. Hot dipped nails are not to be confused with electro-galvanized nails (sometimes called collated steel). Hot dipped nails are the electro-galvanized nail that has been dipped in molten zinc for added protection. This size of the fastener is very important. Rock Roofing will use the manufactures specified size. This will insure you receive your manufactures warranty. If the nail is to short, it can back out causing premature failure of the shingle. The fastener is one of the most important aspects of your new roof.”
Hip and Ridge:
“Rock Roofing will always use a high profile hip and ridge. A high profile ridge will give your roof a more desirable appearance than standard flat ridge caps. many roof companies don’t specify the type of ridge they are using in their bids. If it doesn't’t say high profile, it is’t. High profile hip and ridge costs a little more, but it is well worth the overall appearance of the roof.”
Cleanup:
“During the re-roof, Rock Roofing will make sure the job site is clean at the end of each working day. At the end of the job we will do a thorough cleanup, including cleaning out all gutters.”
Safety anchor:
“Rock Roofing will include at least one permanent safety anchor. Safety anchors are required by the Department of Labor and Industries and provide a safe anchor point for any future work (painting, window cleaning etc,).”
