Questions and answers about roofing, products, cost, experience, certification, and more

Age (How long are roofing systems expected to last?)

Most roofing products are engineered for at least a 20 year life span. However, Roof Works of Virginia Inc. offers products and services that are guaranteed to last 20, 30, 40, and 50 years. Most product manufacturers offer warranties on their products. Once coupled with professional application techniques, these products will live up to their claims.

Bid

The process of a contractor listening to your needs, inspecting your roof, and providing a price for a new roof cost in Virginia and other services. You should consider getting at least 2 or 3 bids for comparison purposes. Factors to consider for selecting a roofing contractor include professionalism, experience, insurance (covered liabilities), up-to-date business license, warranties offered, quality assurance, price, and references (start with your state or regional Better Business Bureau).

Bitumen

Many roofing products are made of this natural substance. This blackish, tar-like substance is derived naturally or by distillation from petroleum and is used as a water-proofing substance for construction materials. Substances containing bitumen are called bituminous.

Certifications

Conscientious roofing contractors will carry and maintain certifications. Roof Works of Virginia carries the Select Shingle Roofer and Master Shingle Applicator credentials as granted by CertainTeed. A CertainTeed Select Shingle Roofer is rated in the top 1% of roofing service providers.

Two main categories of roofing systems are sloped and flat. Sloped roofs are generally comprised of asphalt shingles; although shake, slate, tile and metals are also used. Flat roofs are generally comprised of modified bitumen products, rubber products, sprayed foam, metals, thermoplastic single ply membranes (i.e., polymer sheets that are layered and sealed together chemically and/or with heat), and thermo set single ply membranes (i.e., heat welded rubber).

Counties (In Virginia)

Roof Works proudly serves the following northern virginia counties: Caroline, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Fauquier, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and surrounding counties (in VA).

Experience

Ask your contractor how many years of experience his roofing company has; particularly for each type of service and material he provides. Some companies may offer a particular service or product (e.g. residential shingles) but may not have experience installing the system that your particular project requires.

Insurance

It is always good to ask for a contractor’s proof of insurance; particularly worker’s compensation and liability. Professional companies will have both.

Inspection (How often?)

Roof Works of Virginia suggests a thorough roof inspection every two years. A Roof Works professional is trained to diagnose your roof to identify problems such as water traps, poor ventilation, loose pipe collars and flashing, and torn shingles. A trained and experienced roofing professional can show you existing and potential problems that the naked eye cannot see.

Pipe Collar

One of several common areas roofers check when diagnosing a potential leak, a pipe collar is the sealing system between a vent (plumbing or exhaust) and your roof. A pipe collar is comprised of a pipe (generally PVC) and a metal base (generally aluminum) with a rubber boot. Leaky pipe collars usually stem from the boot, which sometimes slides away due to settling, or erodes due to weathering. A temporary fix includes caulking the area around the base. The permanent fix involves pulling up the roofing materials around the pipe in order to replace the boot.

Price – what is the cost of a roof replacement?

Roofing replacement costs involves several variables including products, square foot size, location of your home, specialties, and labor rates. Keep in mind that proper installation, quality assurance, workmanship, warranty, and insurance are meant to provide protection and a strong return-on-investment (ROI) for your roofing need. Roof Works will help you realize a great ROI for your roofing, siding gutter project.

Ridge Vent

A ridge vent is a roofing system installed at the top of a sloped roof that allows warm, humid air to escape through the attic. For residential applications, the most common ventilation system is a ridge vent.

Symptoms of Roofing Problems

Symptoms of roofing problems include cracked and/or warped shingles, loose seams, discolored wall board, peeled wallpaper, and warped or saturated plywood or OSB.

Ventilation System

In order to prevent rotting, mildew, drywall damage, and warping, a balanced ventilation system is one of the most important components of a successful roof. A ventilation system is a roofing application that allows the physical attributes of wind blowing over the ridge to push warmer air out of the attic. Without a proper ventilation system 1) Summer heat will transfer back into your home and 2) Winter weather coupled with warm air from laundry, showers, dishwashing and cooking cause moisture build-up. For residential applications, the most common ventilation system is a ridge vent.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Insurance is required by law from employers for the protection of employees while engaged in the employer’s business.

Did you know that some roofing companies charge less because they don’t carry workers compensation insurance? “Is this good for me?” you may ask. Answer: Unfortunately, what you don’t know can hurt you. Some contractors will charge you just a fraction less than their competitors by passing on tremendous risk and liability. The problem is, if they get hurt on the job they will rely on your Home Owners’ Insurance to shoulder their bills. As a result, your roofing-savings are lost to a lifetime of raised insurance premiums. Worse yet, the contractor could find reason to sue you.

The purpose of the Roofing Knowledge Base questions and answers is to give general guidance. Roof Works of Virginia Inc. accepts no responsibility or liability for any incorrect information in the knowledge base. This information should be used for guidance purposes only. Technical advice regarding specific questions or roofing needs should be sought via an on-site inspection by a trained roofing professional. Roof Works of Virginia Inc. does not collect customer information for disclosure to third parties. Copyright Roof Works of Virginia Inc. All rights reserved.