For many homeowners, the experience of installing a new roof on their home is a once or possibly twice in a lifetime experience. It is our goal to provide you with information that both answers questions you may have on the roofing process and to prompt a possible new list of questions. Below is a few of the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn't answered here, or not answered to your satifaction, please feel free to email or call us.

Q.    I would like a tile roof but I am worried about the weight. Can my home handle a tile roof?

A.   Tile weighs between 6 to 10lbs per square foot. If you are building a new home, you can specify the proper structure for tile roofing. If your home is older, you will want to get a maximum roof load inspection from a licensed engineer.

Q.   What is a laminated composition shingle?

A.    Laminated shingles are also known as dimensional or archetictural shingles.

Q.    Are metal roofs noisy?

A.    If the metal roofing is installed on a solid plywood deck, it shouldn't be any noisier than any other roofing material.

Q.    What are the different types of roofing material?

A.   There are several types of roofing material. Your preference and the structure will determine your choice.
· Asphalt composite shingles - The most popular roofing type in the United States. This type carries different classes of fire ratings, making it one of the most durable roofs in home building.
· Metal roofing - As its name implies, this is made of metal. It is primarily used by commercial establishments because it is quite expensive, though there is a growing residential trend of homeowners who prefer a metal roof.
· Tile roofing can be either clay or concrete, and the tiles come in different styles and finishes. If you plan to install a tile roof, however, you will need extra structural reinforcement to support its heavier weight.
· Wood shingles and shakes are usually made from cedar. The wood could be left natural, preserved, or fire-treated.

Q.   My home is very hot. Can additional roof venting help?

A.   Good ventilation creates a cooler attic in the summer An overheated attic, combined with moisture, can be damaging to roof decking and roofing shingles, causing them to distort and deteriorate prematurely. Good ventilation serves two main functions: moves hot air next to the roof deck out of the attic in the summer and dilutes and removes the moist air in the winter before it can cause damage.
Note: There are also energy efficient roofing materials available.

Q.    What can be done about the moss growth on my roof?

A.    The length of time that the moss has been on the roof, and the type of roof it is on will determine the method for removal. If the moss is recent and light, it may be removed by a broom or the use of a moss killer. If the moss has embedded itself beyond the point of a simple broom job then a Moss Killing product will be necessary. These products typically work very quickly (usually within 1 day).

Q.    How can I be assured of getting a quality roof installation?

A.    Ask questions. If the roofing contractor is reputable, they won't mind answering your questions and providing proof. Ask to see their contractor's license and proof of their liability insurance company. Ask for a list of references and check them. Ask for a written and signed proposal. Ask about the products they use. Ask about their warranty. Last, but certainly not least, if the low bid sounds too good to be true, it could be from an uninsured contractor who performs substandard work. Professionalism and quality workmanship, as well as cost, should be your criteria for choosing a contractor.

Q.    How much does a new roof cost?

A.    The price of a new roof varies widely and depends on many factors. Material, size and design of your house, area of the country, climate, time of the year, labor rates, and the contractor are all part of the equation of the cost of a new roof. To get a good idea of the cost, get three or four estimates from reputable contractors and keep in mind that cost must be balanced against the quality of the materials and workmanship.

Q.    I would like a new roof. Should I have it torn off or recovered?

A.    If you already have had one recover over your original roof, check with a professional roofing contractor to find out if your deck can support a second recover.

Q.    What consists of a "tile roof maintenance?"

A.    A tile roof maintenance consists of moss removal; gutters, valleys and wall flashings cleaned of tree leaves and needles; roof sprayed with Lilly Miller Moss Out as needed; roof flashings, vent pipes and air vents sealed as needed; broken tiles replaced as needed.

Q.    How do I go about finding a good roofing contractor?

A.    There are six things you can do to be assured of getting a good contractor:
1) Seek only a licensed contractor to work on your house.
2) Check contractor's license number by calling the state license board. In Oregon, the number is (503) 378-4621 and the website is http://www.ccb.state.or.us.
3) Get the contractors insurance information.
4) Choose contractors you know and trust.
5) Ask your neighbors who did their roof and if they were happy with the job.
6) Choose a company with an established place of business.

Q.    Where can I check on roofing rules and codes?

A.    In Oregon, you can check on building codes at http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/bcd.

Q.    How do I choose a new roof?

A.    The material you choose for your new roof is entirely a personal preference and may need to depend on the structure of the building. Your budget and climate can also affect your choice in new roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are your lower end buy with slate and tile at the higher end. Laminated asphalt shingles, cedar shakes or shingles, and metal somewhere in the middle. When considering your new roof options also keep in mind that a well installed roof with proper ventilation can save you money on your energy bill.

Q.    What are different styles of roofs?

A.    Your roof is not just a roof, it is an important part of the overall design of the building. Common types of roofs include gable, hip, gambrel, mansard, flat, dome, barrel, vaulted, shed, and more. For each roof style there are also variations in pitch and features, such as a turret, a cupola, a roof deck, etc. The style of your roof also has an influence on the cost to reroof and maintain it, and even the type of roofing materials it can handle.

Q.    How long can I expect my new roof to last?

A.    Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Read the warranties to find out what responsibilities and obligations they will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lifetimes. Ask your roofing contractor if they provide a warranty on their installation.