You've decided you need a brand new roof. Many contractors have provided you estimates. How do you know which can be correct for you? It's essential to know just what the contractor is proposing when producing a decision on your roof replacement. You can find commonly many products/services included on most re-roofing quotes.

SHINGLES

The key item on a roof replacement estimate may be the actual roofing material. The estimate will list the manufacturer and type of shingles the contractor intends to utilize. It's going to also show the style of shingle. Architectural or dimensional shingles are the most common. They develop additional interest and usually mimic the look of other roofing components for example slate or tile. It might include color selection or choices if design and style was a part of the initial discussion. The estimate may also indicate the length in the manufacturer's warranty for that form.

FLASHING

If your roof has chimneys, dormers, and walls, then you definitely will see flashing on your estimate. Flashing prevents water from seeping behind and under shingles, causing water damage for the structure.

Flashing is normally thin sheets of aluminum or galvanized steel. Numerous expert roofers will fashion their very own from sheet metal. Flashing is installed more than joints in the roof & wall construction. Possible areas are valleys, chimneys, dormers, windows, pipes, skylights, porches, decks and edges.

New flashing is normally installed with a new roof. If flashing deteriorates or comes loose it can cause severe damage to your home. It can be crucial to make sure it truly is installed properly to avoid unnecessary harm.

UNDERLAYMENT

One item that should be incorporated on every roof replacement estimate is underlayment. Underlayment is a layer of protective material between the roof deck or plywood and the shingles. Often called felt paper, it's the first layer of waterproofing for your roof.

Manufacturers reinforce the underlayment with fiberglass to strengthen and resist tearing, make installation easier and improve its waterproofing effectiveness.

Manufacturers are constantly developing new underlayment technology. Newer synthetic underlayment further increases the effectiveness, ease & safety to install and increases longevity. Some manufacturers have developed organic and green underlayment goods.

It is actually typically recommended to work with underlayment from the same manufacturer as your shingles as they are designed to work together. It might be required for a valid warranty.

A contractor will choose the best kind of underlayment for your roof replacement based on the form of roof and climate in which you live. If you have any questions regarding their selection, they are the best resource for your specific project.

DRIP EDGE

Drip edge is another crucial and sometimes overlooked part of a roofing or re-roofing job. Even though manufacturers recommend it, and some require it for a valid warranty, some contractors do not include things like drip edge on their estimates.

Drip edge is metal strips applied along gutter lines, eaves and some rakes. It stops water from getting beneath the shingles and damaging the deck plywood and protects fascia. Properly applied drip edge will lengthen the life of the roof and further protect the home from water damage.

Drip edge is not expensive to include in a roof replacement project and the benefits greatly out way the cost.

ICE & WATER SHIELD

The purpose of a roof is to protect the home from the elements; wind, rain, ice, etc. In most climates, ice and/or water are a concern you can't ignore.

Ice and water protection should be discussed for almost every residential roofing project and will likely appear in your estimate. Ice and water barriers allow proper water flow preventing damage caused by high wind and rain storms and ice build-up known as ice dams. It strongly adheres to the plywood roof deck providing a second line of defense for the underlayment. The barrier is applied for the most vulnerable parts of the roof. Depending on the type of roof this could be the valleys, eaves and rakes, or the entire deck surface. Contractors may also suggest applying it around chimneys and other areas where leaks are likely to occur.

VALLEYS

A valley may be the angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes to provide water runoff. Because in the amount of water passing through that area of a roof, it's important to consider how the area will be protected when replacing an asphalt shingle roof.

You'll find different methods for shingling the area with dimensional asphalt roofing material. Closed cut valleys are most well-liked aesthetically. In a closed cut valley application, shingles from one side of your valley extend across the valley while shingles from the other side are trimmed back a few inches from the valley centerline. Any flashing is not exposed. When using the open cut valley roofing method the flashing is visible. Open cut valleys might be used to develop visual interest or enhance features on some style styles.

Some contractors will use ice and water shield under the shingles, others will choose to install metal flashing. Further, some contractors will install both for extra protection. A expert roofing contractor will consider lots of factors and make a recommendation as for the best method and style for the specific project. A detailed estimate will include these recommendations.

RIDGE VENT

All roofs need to be vented to allow moisture to escape and prevent damage towards the roof and the entire home. You'll find many types of roof ventilation systems. Essentially the most well-liked are ridge vents. They are installed along the ridge or peak from the roof and allow hot air to escape and draw cool air inside the soffit vents.

A detailed roof replacement estimate will incorporate which kind and style of vent is going to be installed. Ridge vents come in quite a few styles to match the home, shingle style, and homeowner's preference as to how much they stand out or blend in with the rest on the new roof.

CHIMNEY CRICKET

If the home has a chimney, a expert roofing contractor may possibly recommend installing a cricket if there isn't one already. A cricket is a peaked construction at the back of a chimney to help prevent snow and ice build-up and to deflect water around the chimney.

PIPES AND FANS

Pipes and fans on the roof should be addressed in the estimate. These are vents that allow air to escape the home from the attic, bathroom, or other household needs. A contractor will indicate how they will treat these during the project. Will they keep the same ones, replace with new pipes or recommend a different form of ventilation or fan.

GUTTERS

When replacing a roof, it's a good time to consider replacing gutters as well. Either on your request or their recommendation, an option for gutter replacement could appear on the estimate. It might specify the length in feet, variety of material, the kind of construction (seamless, sectional), the size or width in inches and the size of your downspouts that will be used. Gutter estimates may possibly consist of leaf protection, which is a covering that allows water to flow and keeps leaves and other debris from causing clogs within the gutter and downspouts.

SOFFIT & FASCIA

Often replacing soffit and fascia will be recommended.

Fascia - Connects the roof for the soffit, where gutters are attached.

Soffit - Covers the underside from the roof overhang.

Both of these play a large portion in protecting the structure of the home.

PLYWOOD & SHEATHING

Beneath all the underlayment, ice & water shield and shingle material will be the decking. This is the wood that makes the solid structure on the rooftop. During a roof replacement project, it may be discovered that some of this decking has been damaged and needs to be replaced. A roofing contractor may possibly indicate this expense in different ways. If they see obvious damage they will note that in the estimate and the kind of material that will be used. This could be plywood, Luan or other coverings. However, sometimes this damage is hidden until the replacement project has begun. Some contractors will also consist of the additional costs that could be incurred if a problem is found.