Cloud Roofing Inc - Definitions and tips for clients.

A Physical Examination Of Your Roof
Even if you are having a leak problem, it does not necessarily indicate that a new roof is imminent. The age of the roof and the "signs of deterioration" determine if repairs are a viable solution or you need a complete re-roof.

The signs of deterioration on any type of roof system can be attributed to a combination of ultraviolet rays from the sun, storms, insects, and temperature changes. Ultraviolet rays are probably most damaging; therefore it is quite common to find one area of your roof showing more severe deterioration than others. Structural damage from termite, hail, wind, rotting or settling of the house structure or chimney can cause damage that is sometimes hidden from view.

Keeping your roof free of debris is critical to the integrity of any roof system. Also, traffic should be kept at a minimum; only walk on your roof when it is absolutely necessary to perform maintenance such as cleaning the gutters, skylights, or the roof itself. The steeper the pitch or the slope of the roof, the more life expectancy you can expect from your roof.

Re-roof or Overlay?

Legally, you can install a new roof over your existing roof so long as it does not exceed three layers; however, this could change the fire rating. For instance, if you install a Class A materials over a material of a lesser fire-rating, it reduced the fire-rating of the new system. Even though the cost is somewhat higher to remove the existing roof, it is a recommended practice. Once the existing roof is removed, the contractor can check for any termite or dry-rot damage and make repairs before installing the new system. YOUR NEW ROOF WILL NOT LAST AS LONG IF YOU OVERLAY THE EXISTING ROOF.

Permits
Make sure it is understood who is responsible for obtaining any necessary building permits, covering the expense of them, and arranging for required inspections.

Underlayment and Sheeting
The felt underlayment is a critical part of the roofing system. It is the roofing felt that actually makes the roof watertight. Uniform building requires #15 felt, two layers if the pitch is less than a 4/12 pitch. It is advisable to upgrade your underlayment to a #30 felt or possibly two layers for roof systems such as tile applications. If sheeting is required, plywood is far superior to the less expensive OSB Board. Make sure you know what your contractor intends to use.

Flashings and Vents
Does the estimate include replacing all the rooftop metal and flashings? Even if the metal appears to be in fairly good condition at the time, it is more cost effective to replace all heating vents, plumbing jacks, and any flashings at the time your home is being re-roofed. It is much costlier to have to replace the metal at a later date. It is a nice addition to the appearance of your home if the contractor paints the rooftop metal to match the new roof.

Fireplaces
The fireplace flashings should all be removed and replaced as part of the new roof system or leakage will most likely occur before the roof is at the end of its serviceable life. In some instances this will require completely dismantling the bottom portion of the fireplace. If that is the case, stone or stucco may need to be replaced to install the flashings properly. This does add to the cost of the project. Ask your contractor to describe how he/she is going to address the fireplace in detail.

Ventilation
This is an extremely important aspect of the project. If adequate ventilation is not installed properly it will shorten the lifespan of the shingle dramatically. This could also void the manufacturer's warranty. Proper ventilation will also contribute to keeping your house cooler on hot days. Ventilation is especially critical to installations on homes with cathedral ceilings. Again, ask your contractor to describe in detail what his or her intentions are for ventilation.

Enhancements
You may want to consider enhancements to your home that could be completed as part of your roofing project such as gutters and downspouts. Even more aesthetic additions, such a high profile hip and ridge shingles, or skylights should be reviewed. When done in conjunction with a roofing project, all of the enhancements are more convenient and less expensive.

Signing The Contract & Finishing Paperwork
Before you sign your "Jane or John Doe" on the contract, carefully scrutinize the contents and a few factors that will have a bearing on your project. You should be informed of an anticipated start and completion dates; including the plan of action in case of weather delays. If adverse weather should occur, make sure you know what precautions your contractor will take to protect your home.

Ask your contractor how many inspections are expected and how that will affect the timetable of your project completion. Do keep in mind, that any defects i.e. termite and/or dry-rot damage discovered after the removable of the existing roof cannot be estimated as far as the length of the job or the price. The correctional work is always done as an added expense and can delay the completion of the project.

You should be aware that under the law of Texas, a contractor who does work on your home or a supplier of materials for such work, has a right to place a lien on your property. You may want to ask your contractor who his supplier will be along with any subcontractors that will be used on the job. Check with the supplier or sub-contractor to see if your contractor is in a good credit standing; you could end up paying for the materials twice.

Most contracts provide a right-to-rescind or a right to cancel the contract without penalty within a set period of time (usually three days). You should always retain one copy of all paperwork pertaining to your project.

At the completion of your project, make sure you have all applicable warranties in writing. If a manufacturer's warranty is offered, request your contractor to provide you with any necessary forms to ensure your warranty is valid.

Being A Good Customer
Now it is time to sit back and relax. The well-planned research you have done up front will undoubtedly save you a lot of time and trouble later on. If you have followed all the steps outlined in this brochure, you should feel confident you have the best contractor, the best product, and the best value. Simply relax and let your contractor do his job.

Despite the best of intentions, occasionally things don't happen as smoothly as desired. Perhaps something on the job got overlooked, or not done quite as expected. Maybe you feel someone wasn't careful enough or behaved in a way that annoyed you.

You should let your contractor know about such things right away. A call to the contractor can usually remedy these small problems or you may want to consider communicating in the form of a note or memo. This will assure your concerns are not forgotten in the press of other things and won't be as easily misunderstood.

A professional contractor will not consider you a "complainer" if you have valid concerns; he will appreciate your assistance in making you a satisfied customer.

Terms & Definitions