Up on the Rooftop
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Up on the Rooftop

The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.

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Up on the Rooftop

Getting A New Roof? Make Sure To Ask The Following Questions

Lori Silva

Have you decided to finally replace that old roof that is falling apart? If so, you'll want to make sure the following things are done when having the roofing material replaced. Ask your roofer these three questions before they start working.

Will The Old Roof Get Removed?

If your roofing contractor is looking to save you money by installing a new roof over the old one, definitely consider not going this direction with your new roof. A layover roof will involve placing the new shingles directly on top of the old ones, and that does not give you the quality roof that your home deserves. It is very possible that there is damage underneath the existing shingles, and that damage cannot be repaired unless the roof is removed. While a layover roof is certainly cheaper, it may not last as long as a tear-off roof due to this reason.

Will There Be A New Drip Edge?

It is important that the bottom row of shingles has a drip edge along the bottom where the roof ends. A drip edge is necessary to prevent water from wrapping around that bottom row of shingles and getting into the fascia boards. The drip edge stops this from happening. However, it is possible that the roofers are going to leave the existing drip edge on your roof. If the drip edge is damaged, it could be leaving a place where water is getting to those fascia boards and causing damage. Ask if the drip edge will be replaced to know what is happening with it.

What Kind Of Felt Paper And Shingles Will Be Used?

One thing to ask is what kind of felt paper will be used underneath the shingles. This is important because many shingles require that the roofers use the felt paper from the same manufacturer in order to maintain the warranty on the shingles. Watch out for anyone that will be using shingles and felt paper from different manufacturers, because you will want to take advantage of any warranty you have if the materials fail. 

What Kind Of Roof Cap Will Be Installed?

If you have a problem with moss growth on your old roof, it is worth asking about the kind of roof cap that will be used. Swapping out the normal roof cap with a metal one can help fight off that moss growth. As water flows over the roof cap when it rains, trace pieces of metal flow down the roof and kill off the moss growth before it happens. It's an upgrade worth considering if moss is a problem.

For more information, contact a local roofer.


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