Second Critical Area: Correct Products & Application Methods

A common mistake that many homeowners make is selecting a good or even a very high quality name brand shingle, tile or metal, that even has a long manufacture’s warranty, without considering the other components required to create a complete intergraded roofing system. For example, suppose you purchase a luxurious, high-end automobile that had one quart of water mixed with the engine oil. Ouch! We hope that never happens, but if it did you certainly would not receive the performance you expected and paid for. Regardless of the name brand or how luxurious the car, it certainly would fail prematurely. Although not as obvious, a roof also has many required performance factors that will affect its useful service life in much the same way.

An integrated roofing system is much more than the part of the roof that is typically seen. It consists of three basic components: products including all the materials being used; application methods, which involve the workmanship; and the useful service life including any warranties. All three of these components are of equal importance and should never stand-alone or be compromised in order to create your optimal roofing system. By using these three components your roof will provide protection, curb appeal, increased property value, and peace of mind for many years after the work is completed.

Products

There are many different products used in assembling a roof. Make sure all products are compatible with each other to create an optimal, high-quality roof system. If you do not have a good understanding of roofing materials, you will want to be sure your roofing contractor does. The contractor should explain how the various components work together, and why each is being used in designing your optimal roof system.

You will want to ask specific questions about each of the items used. A professional roofing contractor will have no problem taking the time needed to help you design your optimal roof system.

Application Process

The application method is another critical part of your roof. Keep in mind the building codes set the minimum specification requirements. In other words, if the workmanship and materials do not meet the minimum standard required by the building code, the roof will fail the building department’s inspections. Contrary to popular belief, the building code does not set the standard to create the best-known roof system. There are many options that can be done while installing a roof that will improve the quality of your roof, which are not required by the building department.  Sometimes there are even application processes that could reduce your homeowner’s insurance costs. In addition, there are certain designs and application methods, which will reduce the chances of having mold problem in your home. You will want to ask each contractor for specific details about the application processes and the methods they use. Quite frequently, the upgrades will only cost a minimal amount when added to the base price. These upgrades can actually lower your annual roofing cost.

Warranties

Warranties are a key part of an integrated roofing system.  When the manufacturer provides a guarantee, it is critical to assure that the products are installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, or there will be no guarantee regardless of the document you were provided.

When you purchase a roof without an extended warranty from the manufacturer, you should consider that your warranty is only good if your contractor remains in business. Service after installation can be critical with roofing materials as with any exterior installed product that is exposed to the weather and elements. Contractors who install inadequately specified projects are typically out of business when the need for service arises. Finding a contractor to service another roofing contractor’s, improperly installed project is difficult and often leads to roof replacement.

The problem with not having an integrated roof system occurs when the roof fails prematurely and the products used were supplied from several manufacturers.  No manufacturer will warrant another company’s product or non-warranted poor workmanship.  When a roof fails prematurely, the question of “What failed and why?” always comes up–was it workmanship, which product failed and which one failed first. This usually leads to finger pointing much like the age-old question, “Which came, first the chicken or the egg?” with no resolve. Typically, this leaves the homeowner with either litigation, costing additional expenses and hours of aggravation or paying to have the problem corrected themselves, as their only recourse. Regardless, whether the roof has to be repaired or replaced it could cost thousands of extra dollars and greatly increase your annual roofing cost.