Frequently Asked Questions

There are many factors that determine whether your roof needs replaced, or simply repaired. Call for a free inspection, and our project managers will be able to guide you in the right direction.

The black streaks you commonly see on older roofs are algae growth on the shingles, which is a result of moisture remaining on certain areas that do not get as much sun as others, which is generally the north slope.

Although code does allow for 2 layers of roofing, your manufacturer’s warranty on material is void if installing shingles over an existing roof. We do not offer a workmanship warranty on second layers because it is impossible to determine cause and fault of leaks when there is more than one roof system.

Keep in mind your property will be a dirty, messy, loud job site during the installation of your new roof. Our crews do their best to not damage gutters and landscaping, but you will always find a few nails and random debris after clean up. Debris collected in the gutters during installation will be removed, but you can count on some debris making its way out of the downspouts after the first rain. If you have new plants that cannot withstand any rough handling, your best bet is to cover the plant with a bucket. Tarping landscaping often does more harm than good because the crew will walk on the tarp, not knowing what is under it. If you have special instructions to protect certain plants, please let your project manager know BEFORE installation.

If your roof is steep, your gutters will most likely be damaged and/ or scratched from falling debris. Your Project Manager would be able to give you an estimate for replacing the gutters.

Your satellite dish must be detached and reset during the replacement of your roof system. Most of the time the dish is lined correctly, with no interruption to service. If service is interrupted and the dish must be re-aligned, we will reimburse the cost based on the invoice from the cable company service call.

Absolutely! Ice and water shield is an impenetrable water barrier that adheres directly to the roof deck, and helps prevent ice damns from forming. We install ice and water shield in all valleys, along all eaves, around chimneys, and highly recommend installing it around low sloped areas and eaves that are prone to ice build up.

On most homes, ridge vent offers more ventilation per square foot than box vents, and are more aesthetically pleasing. If you have a very low sloped roof, box vents might be a better choice.

If you have had issues with ice dams in the past, and are replacing your roof, installing ice and water shield in the problematic areas will prevent ice from forming under the shingles. Home remedies such as heating cables and even panty hose filled with rock salt, can help melt snow and ice to avoid ice dams from forming.

Unless shingles are missing from your roof, or you have water leaks showing up inside your home, it is impossible to know whether you have suffered hail or wind damage. Call us for a free inspection, and a Project Manager will be able to determine if you have storm damage, and if the damage is significant enough to warrant an insurance claim.

Most insurance companies cannot raise the rates of an individual based on one claim for storm damage, because it is a “no fault” claim; you did not cause it, and could not have avoided it. It is possible your rates will increase whether you file a claim or not, based on your zip code, and the number of claims filed in the area, which will determine if it is a “high risk” area.

Most significant storm damage claims are handled by the Catastrophe Claims Center of your insurance company, not the local agent. Your insurance company will send out specially trained Catastrophe Adjusters to inspect the loss in the field, and write the scope of repairs to the property. The Catastrophe Claims phone number is usually found on your policy, or a quick search on the internet. Our Project Managers have contact information for most insurance companies.

Your insurance company will not pay for material upgrades, or any additional work outside the scope of loss. Most insurance companies do offer discounts for certain shingles and new roofs, so be sure to ask your agent what discounts you are eligible for.

It is vitally important that your contractor meets with the adjuster to inspect your home. Most of the time a scope of repairs can be agreed upon on site, which helps expedite the process, and two pairs of eyes are better than one to ensure all damage is seen and properly documented.

Your insurance company holds back depreciation, a portion of the claim payment based on age and condition of the material, and deducts the deductible, which is the homeowner’s financial responsibility. The insurance company will release the depreciation payment once all the repairs have been completed, and proper documentation has been provided from your contractor.

A supplement is request for additional payment due to unforeseen repairs, additional work not previously documented, or an increase in pricing due to a time lapse from inspection to installation. All supplements are the financial responsibility of your insurance company, and are common with most homeowner’s insurance claims. Your Project Manager will provide all necessary documentation to the insurance company for any necessary supplements.