[Jeff DIY]

I need to get a new roof/attic ventilation system on my home this summer. I've gotten two quotes so far but I wanted to know if anyone can recommend a basic online guide / website so I can read up on some roofing / shingles / ventilation issues. I just want to make sure I'll be buying the correct type of roof products and make sure the quotes are apples to apples.

I will still hire a professional roofer to do the work but I want to be informed enough to make the right choices along the way.

Thanks for any advice!
Jeff

 

[Ed the Roofer]

www.AirVent.com for ventilation information

and

www.Certainteed.com for roofing information.

Is there anything specific you figured you ought to know?

Personally, I fee that the choice of contractor is much more important than the materials.

Ed

 

[Jeff DIY]

Is there anything specific you figured you ought to know?

Personally, I fee that the choice of contractor is much more important than the materials.

Thanks, Ed!

I know the contractors were talking about different types of shingles and I have a flat part of my roof where it typically has a rubber area that gets painted with the aluminum oxide paint. One of the contractors suggested a different solution (more of a commercial solution) that would not need the paint. Also there was talk about different types of venting for the attic. That's the type of stuff I'd like to be informed on so I can make a good decision.

I totally agree about the contractor decision as well. Do you have any tips on picking a great contractor? I'm new to the area but I know a few people - although I don't know if any of them have gotten new roofs recently. I was planning on getting reference and calling them but beyond that I'm not sure what else to check on? Also, is there a good way to check to see if they are licensed and insured?

Thanks again for the input!

(edit) it seems that the AirVent site is down right now... not sure if you have any other sources for that type of info?

 

[Gary in WA]

Here are some: http://www.buildingscienceconsultin...of=FORID:9&q=attic+ventilation&sa=Search#1164

I like the second one down, choose your house style. Be safe, GBR

 

[Jeff DIY]

Here are some: http://www.buildingscienceconsultin...of=FORID:9&q=attic+ventilation&sa=Search#1164

I like the second one down, choose your house style. Be safe, GBR

Wow, that 2nd one has a ton of info. Thanks GBAR!

 

[Jeff DIY]

I found this PDF guide on how to choose a roofer on the Certainteed site. So thanks again. I'll post the link incase anyone else is interested in reading it.



http://www.certainteed.com/resources/ProfessionalRoofer.pdf
http://www.certainteed.com/learning-center/roofing/?qid=43

 

[Ed the Roofer]

Here is a guide I created a couple of years ago, that most consumers seem to find very helpful as far as how to choose a good roofing contractor to work on your home.

Ed



Roofing is Not Brain Surgery. There are many Wrong ways to roof a house. But…There is only…One “Right Way”, By Following All of the Manufacturers Specifications. Over 90 % of All Roofs Done - DO NOT Qualify for the Manufacturers Long Term Warranty!!! ( According to studies by GAF Roofing Corp., Air Vent Inc., & Alcoa )

10 Very Important Tips You Should Always Follow


“What You Should Know Before Hiring Any Contractor!!!”​

1) RELIABILITY: Verify that the contractor you call has been in business in your area for At Least 10 Years. Over 85 % of all roofing contractors are out of business in less than 5 years, way before the warranty expires and before many roofing problems begin to show up and cause problems. 85 % of those remaining do not last till the 10th year. (Department of Labor Statistics)

2) INTERVIEW: Make time to meet with any contractor you call, in person, at your home to review the proposal and detailed specifications. Try to select a Knowledgeable, Organized, Experienced, and Locally Established contractor who will take a personal interest in your roofing project. Choose one who has an established track record of many similar roofing projects done in your local area. If they will farm out your roofing job to an unknown subcontractor, you should interview them as well.

3) REFERENCES: Insist on a minimum of at least 20 - 50 recent job references & also several from each year they say they were in business. Ask for customer testimonials. Drive past several of the jobs to check for proper venting, flashing details, and general appearance. Ask previous customers if they were satisfied and if they would use them again. Contact your local building inspector for verification.

4) BUYER BEWARE: Be suspicious if any contractor requires you to get the roofing permit. The party who applies for the permit is responsible for building code compliance. What happens when the roofing specs do not conform to the local codes? Why won’t they be responsible for it? Also, Do Not Ever pay more than 50 % when paying a deposit.

5) ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:Make sure that the contractor actually has a physical location that you can find if you need to locate them in the future, not just a mailbox etc., drop box. Do they have an actual office and material storage shop or just work out of the back of their pick up truck. Make sure they have an actual local telephone # and not just a cell phone. When problems occur, it is much easier to find someone if you already know how to, in advance. Check out his drivers license address.

6) LICENSE, INSURANCE AND BONDS: Insist on receiving a copy of the Contractors State of Illinois Roofing License, General Liability Insurance, Workers Compensation Insurance and their Roofing Bond. Don’t just assume they have it because they tell you so. They should have enough pride in themselves to include a copy for each customer.

7) PROPOSAL AND/OR CONTRACT:Insist on a very thorough and detailed written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate length of the job and payment procedures. Verbal agreements should be added to the written agreement. You MUST, by law, be advised in writing of your 3-Day “Right To Rescind” if you change your mind and receive all of your deposit money refunded to you.

8) EMPLOYEES OR SUB-CONTRACTORS: If your contractor farms out the job to a sub-contracting crew, they too must supply you with their Roofing License, General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance and Roofing Bond. If they don’t and someone gets hurt, you may be liable. The sub-contractor should be interviewed as well. Dedicated trained experienced Employees are more desirable due to continuing training and experience.

9) CONTRACTOR TRADE ASSOCIATIONS: Quality control begins with dedication, the amount of proper knowledge and previous training from past projects and from advanced learning through many contractor trade associations. Memberships in any related trade association and certificates of completion from manufacturers product training classes authenticate the more dedicated professional.


10) USE YOUR NOGGIN: 85 % of all construction lawsuits involve roofing related problems. You only have one chance to make the “Right 1st Choice”. If one contractor tells you something extremely different than another contractor, then either do your own research or have the contractor provide documentation to justify and support his analysis, especially about Intake & Exhaust Ventilation, Plywood vs. OSB Particle Board, Ice & Water Shield & Flashings.

You need to be concerned with the initial price only once… But you are going
to be concerned about Quality…for many years to come!!!

The following named Roofing Contractor is an esteemed selected board member of the blah, blah, blah

 

[Jeff DIY]

You rock! (and roof)

:thumbup: