Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Replacement & Installation

The answer is ABSOLUTELY! Actually the quality of the shakes today is far superior to what could be purchased 15-20 years ago.

There are two reasons for this:

1. There is a regulatory board known as ICBO. This governing body establishes the quality standard that shakes must be manufactured to. If a mill wants to stay in business they have to comply.
2. The shakes can be pressure treated at the factory. This presses the treatment deep into the shake for long lasting protection. (Topical treatments that are applied after the roof is installed do not last long)

The shake mills in Canada harvest Old Growth Cedar that has fallen in the woods. They cut out the good wood and make shakes from it. Of course there are different grades, and if you want a quality product it will cost more. But if you want that shake look you can still get it, and get a quality roof as well!

Ventilation is important year round. In the Summer, heat from the sun is running attic temperatures up to 120 degrees or more. This overwhelms the insulation on the attic floor and causes your home to heat up.

In the Winter the cold air from outside cools your attic space. Because of how efficiently we are sealing the walls of our home, heat and moisture generated in the fall, and winter months is carried by rising heat into the attic space. When warm air meets cool air in the attic moisture is created. Moisture is a conductor, and insulation is an insulator. If moisture infiltrates insulation, the insulator becomes a conductor. Thus compounding the problem of heat loss because now the insulation is not doing it’s job to hold heat in the home.

This is why ventilation is important all year long. Ventilation is doing it’s job when it is removing hot air in the Summer, and moist air in the Winter.

If you need a ventilation inspection, please contact us for a free evaluation, or call 877-926-9966.

Working with a professional roofing service ensures that your roof repairs are done correctly and safely. They have the expertise, equipment, and materials needed to provide long-lasting solutions. There’s no question a homeowner can do a roof themselves, but there are inherent risks including injury, faulty installation, possible re-work, and home damage.

Hiring roof repair services is essential to address roofing issues promptly. Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive and costly damage in the long run.

After a roof replacement, continue regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the new roof’s longevity. Address any issues early to prevent significant damage or premature roof failure.

Asphalt shingle roofing is the most common roofing material in the United States due to its affordability, versatility, and ease of installation.

The most efficient roofing choice can vary based on your specific needs. However, metal roofing, particularly cool metal roofing with reflective properties, is often considered one of the most energy-efficient options. It reflects sunlight, reducing heat absorption and energy costs.

Euroslate is a roofing product that in fact is made from the rubber from used tires. It is manufactured by a Canadian company named GEM. In Washington state the product is being distributed by a company called State Roofing. They have exclusive rights to the product.

Benefits of the product are:

• It is light weight and can go on most roofs
• It has a slate tile appearance
• It is impact resistant
• It is impervious to moisture

Issues with the product are:

• The cost. Typically 2-4 times as much as a medium grade asphalt composite
• Fire Rating. Class A fire is not achieved without additional cost in underlayments.
• Warranty – The warranty is loosely written, and favors the manufacturer. Major concern with discoloration. Warranty is vague in this area. Also does not cover labor or removal of defective product. (From what could be determined by reading warranty) *Read warranty for clarification.
• Maintenance – The roof can still grow moss. The issue with these types of products is walking on them to clean them.

Believe it or not, you can actually get a guarantee on Asphalt Shingles that is superior to ANY other roofing product. For more information on any of these topics contact us.

Concealed fix roofing refers to a roofing system where the fasteners are hidden beneath the roofing material, providing a sleek and aesthetically pleasing appearance. It’s commonly used in commercial and industrial roofing but is also common for metal roofing panels used for residential applications.

Ridge venting is one of the many ways to vent a roof. Depending on your roof type, it may be the most efficient way. (Contact us for an evaluation of your roof)

Ridge venting works by cutting a continuous slot at the peak of your roof to provide a consistent area for air to exhaust from your attic space.

Some ridge vents are warranted against leaking, and failure for the duration of the roof system. Many of the vents are the shingle over type. This means that the roofing material can cover the top of the vent and hide the fact that there is a vent there at all.

For more information about ridge vent systems contact us, or call 877-926-9966

Some of the new trends in roofing solutions include the use of sustainable materials, such as solar shingles and cool roofing options, as well as the integration of smart technology for monitoring and controlling the roof’s performance.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an agency that designs testing and standards for manufactured products of all shapes and sizes.

In regards to roofing products there are 3 classes of Fire Rating. These classes are:

Class A roof coverings are effective against severe fire test exposures. Under such exposures, roof coverings of this class afford a high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands.

This is the highest rating attainable. Asphalt roof shingles, Concrete and Clay tile, and Authentic Stone Slate Roofs are in this category. Metal roofs and synthetic products typically require special underlayments to qualify for Class A fire Rating.

Class B roof coverings are effective against moderate fire test exposures. Under such exposures, roof coverings of this class afford a moderate degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands.

Class C roof coverings are effective against light fire test exposures. Under such exposures, roof coverings of this class afford a light degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands.

Wood shakes are an example of Class C Fire Rated material.

* Consult specific manufacturer literature for exact rating information. The information provided is not manufacturer specific.

It is allowed to install a roof over the top of an existing roof. By doing so the current owner of the building can save some money on the roofing project. However, Roofing over another roof does not provide the same quality of roof, or offer the same level of security that a roof system installed when a complete removal was performed.

This is where people say, “Building code, and manufacturers allow it. It must be all right.”

Let’s look how the code officials, and manufacturers look at roof over jobs.

When installing asphalt composite shingles most Building Codes allow for up to 2 layers of asphalt roofing on a structure. The code has nothing to do with shingle performance. It is written in regards to structure performance, and how much weight it can handle.

Manufacturers also prohibit roofing over an old roof. However if you read the fine print of any roofing manufacturer’s warranty you will find verbiage in their warranty exclusions that say “We will not warrant product failure if roof is installed over a substrate that is not smooth, flat, and clean.” This means that if anything under the roof causes the roof on top to fail, there is no warranty.

Other concerns about roofing over the top of a roof system are:

1. There is no way to do a thorough roof deck inspection when it is covered by old roofing. This could result in damage being concealed.
2. It is much more difficult to flash a second layer. If the second layer leaks the water can ride the layer underneath and travel to a different area of the roof. This makes leak detection and correction very difficult.
3. Shingles are made from Asphalt. The flexibility of Asphalt comes from the natural solvents within it. A second layer can be super-heated in summer months which can cause the shingle to buckle and curl prematurely.
4. Removal costs in the future will be tremendous due to the extra labor, and escalating landfill rates.

At Guardian Roofing we believe that roofs should be removed so the property can be totally inspected, and any damage can be repaired before a new roof system is applied. If you are considering re roofing, and are not sure of what your options are contact us for your free inspection!

In most cases, it’s recommended to remove the old roof when re-roofing. This ensures that any underlying damage is addressed, and it provides a clean surface for the new roofing material. However, in some situations, a second layer of roofing can be added, but it’s best to consult with a professional.

While it’s recommended to remove the old roof when re-roofing to address any underlying issues, in some cases, a second layer of roofing can be added. However, consulting with a professional is advisable to determine the best approach.

Whether it’s cheaper to repair or replace a flat roof depends on the extent of the damage. Minor issues can often be repaired cost-effectively, but extensive damage may require a full replacement.

The cost of a new roof can vary widely depending on factors like the type of roofing material, roof size, and labor costs in your area. On average, you can expect to pay between $5,000 to $25,000 for a standard roof replacement in the US. We’ve broken down the cost of replacing your roof in more detail here »

The cost to replace a torn roof depends on the size of the tear and the type of roofing material. Small tears can often be patched, while larger ones might require a more extensive repair or even a roof replacement.

This question is largely determined by the contractor. If the contractor is professional, and organized the project will be swift. (1-2 days on overage)

This will be due to the contractor having highly trained crews. The contractor will assign the appropriate team for your property. They will show up when they say, and stay until the job is complete, and not leave your home partially complete to finish other jobs.

If you are in need of a roof, and want the job completed promptly contact us for your free estimate.

Roofing felt can typically be left exposed for a limited time, usually a few weeks, before the final roofing material is installed. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and protect the felt from UV exposure and moisture during this period.

Yes, a new roof can increase the appraisal value of a home. It not only enhances the curb appeal but also improves the overall condition and longevity of the property. A well-maintained roof can positively impact a home’s value.

Permit requirements for flat roof replacement vary by location, the city in which you reside, and the local building codes. It’s advisable to check with your local authorities or a roofing professional to determine whether a permit is needed.

Yes, in some cases, you can install new rolled roofing over old rolled roofing. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the existing roof is in good condition and that the new material adheres properly and you don’t cover up dry rot or structural damage with a second layer.

The answer to the question is yes. However, it is crucial as to who you invite to perform the work on your home.

Your most important decision in any contracting job is who you hire no matter what time of year it is.

The right contractor will design the job correctly, they will specify the correct materials, they will have the appropriately trained personnel assigned to the job, and they will do so with the weather in mind.

Most standard jobs take 1-2 days to complete. If the contractor is adequately staffed with trained personnel the window of time that a roof is vulnerable to weather can be reduced to a few hours depending on the job.

For example, if the roof is an asphalt composite removal and installation, and the roof is installed on plywood a company like ours may only need a few hours of good weather to assure it is weatherproof.

With that in mind it does depend on your situation. If you are considering re roofing, and would like some more information please call us at 877-926-9966. We will try to assist you in any way that we can!