How to get an Accurate New Roof Estimate:
Simply call 703-368-7483 or e-mail
Summit Roofing.
A roofing estimate is a price given to do a job and might describe one type
of roofing system but with little additional detail. While a place to start,
this should not be your only written document on the work to be done.
A proposal contains Good, Better and Best roofing type
options with pricing on structural issues and roofing systems. The proposal should
include choices of products, designs, prices, brand names and services provided
by the contractor so that you know exactly to what you are agreeing and what
is expected of both you and the roofing contractor. Financing options may also
be provided.
Both estimates and proposals are forms of agreements and should be provided
in writing by the roofing contractor. The two can vary considerably in the kind
and amount of information they provide to help you make an informed decision.
Further detail will be shown in the contract.
Whether you receive an estimate or proposal, it is just good business to read
it thoroughly. Most problems come from misunderstandings about contract items
that were in writing all the time. If you see something you don't agree with
or don't understand, talk to the roofing contractor about it and get it resolved in
writing before any work begins.
In addition to an agreement, the roofing contractor should also offer information
on their company and samples of products should be shown as well as photographs
of similar roofing projects they have done.
Summit Roofing always provides a proposal because it details exactly what
you want and allows us to give you a price that you can count on. E-mail us at
info@summitroofing.com or
call at 703 368-7483 for a free proposal.
About Our Contract
The contract is a document that answers all questions and resolves
any issues. A good contract includes the final decisions from the proposal. The
contract should include all agreements like starting and finishing dates (because
of weather changes it is difficult for us to commit to an exact day, however,
the contract can include a "no later than" clause), products to be used including
all the manufacturer's brand names, color, specifics on structural work, current
conditions of the home and grounds to assure that shrubbery and miscellaneous
personal property, if damaged, is repaired or replaced.
The contract should also include terms of the agreement with all payment
issues spelled out as to time and method, site procedures followed by the contractor
like location of trucks and equipment, daily start and stop times and daily clean
up and final clean up of all loose nails and shingles on the roof and lawn at
the end of the job.
Is there a "right to rescind" clause allowing for a reasonable length of
time to change your mind after signing the contract (most state laws allow three
days)? Who is responsible for the cost and procurement of building permits and
getting inspections done, if necessary? If subcontractors are used, will the
general contractor give you a lien waiver with the final payment demonstrating
that you have met your financial obligation?
About Warranties
The Manufacturer's Warranty will cover the materials and workmanship
of the roofing materials. Each roofing style will have an amount of time it is
unconditionally guaranteed, then often for a longer period of time it receives
a limited warranty based on years in use. Look for circumstances in which the
manufacturer assumes no warranty. Often this is where your homeowner's insurance
takes over. Check to see if the warranty is transferable to a new homeowner should
you sell your house.
The Roofing Contractor's Warranty addresses work done on your particular
job. It will discuss those things that the manufacturer's warranty does not cover.
Look for the length of time and circumstances that protect you. The warranty
should be unconditional for at least one year, then offer ongoing preventive
maintenance checks to assure you are given the best possible solutions to your
roofing needs.
General Information Check List
- Carefully read over our proposal.
- Circle the price of the desired type of shingle.
- Circle any options desired (i.e. ridge vent or ridge vent II, etc.)
- Indicate the shingle type and color in the space provided.
- Sign the proposal and mail it in or bring it to our office.
When we receive a signed contract, we immediately place the order for materials.
We normally deliver them straight to your residence in two to three days. Do
not be alarmed if materials are loaded onto your roof. THIS IS NORMAL AND SAFE.
Generally within 2-7 working days after delivery of materials our roofers
will be at your home to install your new roof. We can also arrange for a "pin-point" schedule.
We cannot guarantee schedules due to weather or other delays beyond our control.
However, when you sign and send in our proposal, you can generally expect a new
roof in 7-10 working days.
If our men find any defective plywood or some other problem with your roof
we will notify you. We do not replace wood unless it is necessary to ensure code
compliance and more importantly to ensure a top quality installation as well
as protect your investment and your roof's warranty.
You do not need to register your product warranty with the manufacture, we
do this for you. We send manufacturer's warranty information directly to the
manufacturer, and send a copy to you at the same time.
Important Considerations
Since you do not have a new roof put your home very often, you may not be
aware of some of the key decisions that you will need to make. Here are the most
important ones.
- What style of roof do I want?
- What roofing material do I want?
- When does it need to be done?
- What color roof do I want?
- How much will it cost?
Know the answers to these questions before the project begins.
Construction
Your existing roof structure was designed to handle a specific type of roofing.
If it cannot withstand the weight of tile or slate, we will need to strengthen
the structure. This can be a major upgrade with increased costs.
Ventilation
Consider attic ventilation as well. Humidity and heat from the attic are enemies
of your roof. You may want us to improve ventilation before new roofing is applied.
Your roof must be able to allow humidity and heat to escape. Proper ventilation
will add years to your roof's life and even help your house cool itself in summer.
Continuous ridge ventilation, coupled with continuous soffit (at the eave) ventilation
is the best system.
Old roof removal
If you are replacing an existing roof, you need to decide whether to put
the new roof over your existing roof or start new. The roof structure and local
building codes determine how much weight your roof can stand. A second roof over
the first may save the cost and time of removing an old roof. Of course, the
old roof must be compatible with the new roofing system.
Climate and weather
Consider our climate. We are in an area with year-round heat and humidity.
This means we need to consider algae/fungus and ventilation. We also have wide
temperature ranges. We sometimes have strong storms that require extra wind blow-off
protection. Sun is always a factor and is the main cause of roof deterioration.
The south side of your home with exposure to more direct sunlight is a factor
for aging.
Fire ratings
The higher the fire rating, the more fire resistant your roof will be. A
Class A rated roof will resist catching fire far longer than a Class C rated
roof. Oddly, a metal roof is poor fire protection because it transfers heat directly
to the wood below, which may cause the wood to ignite. Even the best wood shakes
or shingle roofs offer only a Class B fire rating. You may want to discuss wood
roofs with your insurance company before you make a decision.
Major Roof Material Types
There are numerous roofing materials you can use regardless of whether you
are considering repairing the roof, or putting on a new roof. Each has its own
advantages and disadvantages.
Tile
Tile is made of concrete or clay. Barrel and flat styles are most common
and come in a variety of colors. They can be texture treated to give different
appearances. Tiles require costly reinforced rafter bracing to hold their weight
and require upgraded asphalt underlayment to do the real weatherproofing. They
can break easily and discolor. Premium tile roofs can be very expensive.
Metal
Both architectural and structural types are available. The architectural
style requires underlayment and is used on steep roofs utilizing an interlocking
securing method. The structural type resists moisture on low slope roofs and
does not require underlayment. There is high heat transfer and therefore a low
fire rating is a problem with both styles. Metal roofs can be noisy during rain
or hail.
Wood
Wood comes in various styles of shingles or shakes. It is attractive, giving
a rich look with a custom appearance. It requires routine maintenance due to
weathering. However, wood is wood, and it can easily catch fire. Check with your
insurance company.
Slate
Slate is a dense durable rock material and is nonabsorbent. Slate can be
smooth or textured, rough or uneven depending on the type and where it is mined.
Nature provides us with fascinating colors. Weathering changes its color. Slate
is heavy and, like tile, requires reinforced rafters. Slate roofs are very expensive.
Composite
Composites shingles are man-made materials (like fiber cement or plastic)
configured to look like shakes or other shingle styles but with different properties.
The materials offer unlimited shape and color options, and vary widely in weatherproofing
and fire rating.
Asphalt shingle/shake
Asphalt shingles are the most common and therefore the most easily installed
and guaranteed type of roofing material. They are relatively light in weight.
Higher quality shingle and shake designs offer superior weatherproofing for a
relatively low cost and offer a great variety of styles and colors. Laminates
are dual thickness asphalt shingles that offer increased protection from the
elements and enhanced appearance. Some come with algae/fungus resistant copper
granules. Fire ratings of Class A, the highest and best, are common.
Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Shingles are purchased in "bundles" and are calculated for quantity needed
in "squares". A square is 10 ft. by 10 ft., or 100 square feet of roof space.
Extra shingles must be ordered to accommodate the shape of the roof and the roof's
characteristics (chimney, stacks, valleys, etc.), which all require special cutting
and shaping.
Underlayment
Underlayment is asphalt-saturated felt sheet that comes in rolls and is placed
over the roof deck and under the roofing material. This waterproofing step enhances
the value of any roofing material choice. The right underlayment will be very
important over the life of the roof. Underlayment validates most roof fire ratings.
Fasteners
Nails, staples, adhesives and interlocking designs are all variations used
in different roofing materials to secure the materials selected to the deck.
Asphalt shingles require that roofing nails be used to apply the product.
Flashing
Flashing is the metal stripping, or other material, that when carefully and
professionally installed, will prevent leaking at joints where roofing materials
meet roof protrusions (valleys, chimneys, stacks, etc.).
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