Understanding Your Roof Replacement Estimate

You have decided that you need a new roof. You have received estimates from several contractors. How can you choose the right one? When making a decision about your roof replacement, it is crucial to fully understand what the contractor is offering. Most re-roofing quotes include several services and products.

SHINGLES

The actual roofing material is the primary item in a roof replacement estimate. It will include the type and manufacturer of the shingles that the contractor plans to use. The estimate will also include the type of shingle. The most popular shingles are architectural or dimensional. These shingles are more interesting and can often be compared to other roofing materials like slate or tile. If design was discussed at the beginning, it may include color options or other options. It will also include the manufacturer’s warranty.

FLASHING

Flashing will be included on your estimate if your roof has chimneys or dormers. Flashing stops water from getting behind or under the shingles and causing damage to the structure.

Flashing is often made from thin sheets of aluminum and galvanized steel. Professional roofers can make their own flashing from sheet metal. Flashing is used to cover joints in roof and wall constructions. There are many possible areas: valleys, chimneys dormers windows skylights porches decks edges and skylights.

A new roof is often fitted with flashing. Flashing can cause serious damage to your home if it becomes loose or deteriorates. To avoid any damage, it is essential to ensure that flashing is properly installed.

UNDERLAYMENT

Underlayment should be included in every roofing replacement estimate. Underlayment is the protective layer between the roof deck, plywood, and the shingles. It is often called felt paper and it is the first layer for waterproofing your roof.

To strengthen and resist tearing, to make installation simpler and increase its waterproofing ability, manufacturers reinforce the underlayment using fiberglass.

Manufacturers continue to develop new underlayment technology. The effectiveness, safety and longevity of new synthetic underlayments are further enhanced by the use of modern technology. Manufacturers have created organic and green underlayment products.

As they are intended to work together, it is a good idea to use underlayment made by the same manufacturer. This may be necessary to maintain a valid warranty.

The type of roof you have and the climate where it is located will determine the type of underlayment that is best for your roof replacement. They are available to answer any questions you may have about their selection.

DRIP EDGE

Another important part of roofing or re-roofing is drip edge. Although drip edge is recommended by manufacturers and required for valid warranties, contractors don’t include it in their estimates.

Drip edge refers to metal strips that are applied along gutter lines, eaves, and some rakes. It prevents water from entering the shingles, damaging deck plywood, and protects fascia. A properly applied drip edge will prolong the roof’s life and protect your home from water damage.

It is very affordable to include drip edge in roof replacement projects. The benefits far outweigh the costs.

WATER & ICE SHIELD

A roof protects your home from the elements, such as rain, wind, and ice. You can’t ignore ice and/or rain in most climates.

Water protection and ice should be discussed in every residential roofing project. This will likely appear on the estimate. Water barriers and ice prevent water from clogging and can be used to stop damage from high winds and rainstorms. The barrier sticks to the plywood roof deck, providing an additional layer of protection for the underlayment. It is used to protect the roof’s most vulnerable areas. The barrier is applied to the most vulnerable areas of the roof, depending on what type it is. This could include the valleys, the eaves, and the rakes or the entire deck. Contractors might also recommend it around chimneys or other areas where leaks are most likely to occur.

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