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Below are some commonly asked questions about roofing and roof inspections. If you have a question that you would like SuperRoofer Joe Sardotz to answer in his blog or these FAQs, please visit Joe's Ask SuperRoofer page.
Roofing Q&A
- Why should I hire a roof consultant and inspector?
Regardless of what type of roofing services you seek, I can orchestrate a significant upgrade for you for a fee that is reasonable. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) says that roofing has one of the highest rates of disputes, lawsuits, callbacks, and other issues out of all the trades. There is no apprentice program for (non-union) roofers as well as for non-union electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. Anyone can put a ladder on a truck and call themselves a contractor. My services are money well spent. My fee will be a fraction of what you will spend on a roof. There are a lot of marginally skilled roofers and in my opinion at least 85% of roofs are improperly installed. Corners are cut. Inferior components are frequently used, including parts that will not last as long as the roofing material itself! Nearly all residential roofing jobs do not require a permit. Therefore you are at the mercy of the contractor. Legitimate quality control and qualified supervision are the exception rather than the rule. I am on *your* side. back to top
- Can't I just tell the Oregon roofers what to do?
No, you cannot. Oregon law forbids property owners from telling the roofers or any licensed contractor how to do their job. Not allowed. The law says contractors are an independent entity and are NOT the employees of the owner. Owners can be found in breach of contract if they interfere with the work being performed. They can ask questions all day long but CANNOT tell the roofers how to do their job. If you have a concern then immediately call the quality control/project manager (if there is one) or office of the contractor and ask to speak to the owner or second in command....... or hire Oregon Roof Consulting to monitor the job and "meddle" with the roofers: Our Oregon Construction Contractors Board license allows us to do just that. back to top
- Can I just tell the Washington State roofers what to do?
Well, you probably can, but it's not the best idea to go it alone. Washington does not have any type of dispute / mediation process, like the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) does. You either have to work out any disputes with the roofer, go to small claims court, or get a lawyer and go after their Bond. There's no in-between -- unless you hire a roofing-experienced third-party advocate who will make Washington roof contractor integrity, professionalism, and quality of product for the owner the top priority. Oregon Roof Consulting & Inspection is licensed in Washington to be that owner advocate for Washington property owners who need new roofs installed or inspections on existing roofs. back to top
- What is Joe's 25-Point WOW Factor?
Joe's 25-point "WOW Factor" will transform the typical mediocre roof installation into a high performer. Almost four decades of roofing experience have enabled me to develop a 25-point checklist for installing pitched roofs and an 11-point checklist for installing flat roof systems. When implemented, these checklists produce a significant upgrade in a roof's waterproofing abilities as well as its overall appearance, far exceeding the quality and integrity of at least 98% of other "typically" installed roofs. Guaranteed. See Joe's Blog article for details. back to top
- What roofing and inspection projects have you worked on, Joe?
See my 'Home' and 'About' pages. Also see my 'References' and 'Testimonials' pages.See 'Joe's Projects' and the other photos in the Gallery. See the entire website! It's user friendly, informative, and easy to navigate. back to top
- What does a bad roofing job look like?
Crooked rows, badly scuffed shingles, sloppy detail work at protrusions and chimneys, damaged siding, gutters, yards and landscaping show carelessness. back to top
- Why is there such price variation in roofing estimates?
If you get 20 bids, you will get 20 prices that are determined by company overhead, inaccurate estimating,a roofer deep in debt, inexperience, etc. back to top
- How do I choose between small roofing companies vs. large?
Many larger companies focus on production as their top priority. Quality suffers when speed is emphasized. You can do it right or you can do it in record time, but you can't do both. Small companies where the owner is on the job daily can often lean more toward attention to detail. There are good and bad of both. I can help you find the good and avoid the bad. I know what to look for. back to top
- All roofers say they are the best. How do I choose the right roofer for my home?
I can recommend vendors and/or translate your bids in to terms that you can understand. Hire me to help you through the process and make certain you get it done right. I have more than three decades of roofing experience in our Pacific Northwest area. back to top
- Do all roofing companies allow you to work with them?
A few roofing companies have the confidence and expertise to invite Oregon Roof Consulting's independent scrutiny, whereas others fear and avoid it. Which of these roofing companies would YOU want to repair your roof or to put a new roof on your property? The answer should be clear! Joe can help you find roofing companies that take pride in their workmanship, share Joe's high standards, and fulfill their contractual obligations. back to top
- What is the best roof shingle for the Pacific Northwest?
The install is more important than the shingle. You can have the best shingle that exists but if it is installed poorly you will have serious issues. There are a lot more bad installs out there than you would believe and what the roofing industry will admit. Having said that, according to Consumer Reports, Bob Vila, various studies, and the roofing industry the top brands are Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed, and Malarkey however all shingles are comparable. They must be in order to be competitive and remain in business. All manufacturers and their reps will gladly lecture you until they are blue in the face that their brand is #1. Personally I prefer Malarkey but that is just my own personal opinion to which I am entitled. Malarkey and CertainTeed both make a 5-ply ridge that lasts much longer than the typical 1-ply ridge. back to top
- What kind of gutters should I choose?
I like steel over aluminum. Aluminum dents easily by ladders. Also it expands more in the heat and soon the joints will separate the glue and begin leaking. The most common gutter profile is the 5" 'K' style. The next most popular is the 6" 'Fascia' gutters, which will hide the rafter tails if there is no fascia board. A nice option are 'cleanouts' near the ground, which have an accessible basket that prevents debris from going into the well. back to top
- What about roof vents and soffits?
Ventilation is crucial. I know how it is supposed to be. There are ratios and guidelines. back to top
- How do I avoid poor roofing materials?
All materials are NOT equal. Ask questions. Do your homework. I can help. I have worked with them all. back to top
- How can I save money without compromising quality?
To save money, quality usually is compromised, though many contractors' prices are more reasonable than others. Get at leat five bids. The record is 18 (I got the job). You get what you pay for (if you're lucky). Some owners do the tearoff and cleanup themselves, which saves a bunch of money; however, you will be responsible for keeping out the rain until the roofer arrives. back to top
- Can you help me be sure the roofers are doing a quality job?
Absolutely! I am on your side. I can monitor the project daily. If the roofer is doing it right, they have nothing to worry about. back to top
- I'm a do-it-yourselfer. Can you help me install my own roof?
Yes, though some roofs you should just stay off! Though all roofs are dangerous, a one-story lower-slope roof that is not real 'cut up' can be done by property owners with proper instruction and guidance. I have helped many owners do their own roofing job. A moderate amount of building background is required. If you fear heights, forget it! back to top
- How do I know my new roof was properly installed?
Have me inspect it. Hold back at least 10% until you are fully satisfied with the job. back to top
- Can you help me resolve disputes with a roofing company?
Yes I can. The manufacturers' guidelines as well as industry standards are quite clear. There is a rule book, and I have a copy. back to top
- What is your opinion about metal roofs for commercial and residential buildings? Do they work well in our climate? What are the structural and maintenance issues?
Metal roofs are very expensive and are notorious for 'sweating,' which means you need a roof under the roof. Grace Ice & Water Shield is an excellent underlayment for metal roofs. Metal roofs are common in snow zones because the snow slides right off! They're also noisy in heavy rain and hail, which might disturb light sleepers. Metal roofs are common on commercial buildings and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Sometimes plain steel roofs are installed using 'Pantena' which means using oxides to color the metal and protect the raw steel from the elements. This process can produce stunning and beautiful results. A properly installed metal roof should last at least 50 years though the sealant around protrusions will need replacement from time to time. Also keep an eye on the grommets that are attached to the screws as they will dry out and crack eventually and need replacing so as you can see metal roofs like all roofs require periodic maintenance. back to top
- What is the meaning of all those hammer decals on Joe's Red Ryder truck?
Each time Oregon Roof Consulting discovers a new roof so poorly installed that it needs replacing or major repairs, or when we save a homeowner at least $2,000, another 'hammer' goes on the company truck. The gold hammers mean 10 jobs per decal. I don't want decals all over the truck so I'm condensing them. back to top
- Do you accept credit card payments?
Yes! Oregon Roof Consulting Accepts all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. back to top
- How hot is too hot to walk on or work on a roof?
Direct sun and 80 degrees and above can make shingles more delicate. You can walk on the roof when it's hotter but be careful. Walk gingerly. Don't twist your feet back and forth. In heat, the shingles get soft and damage, scuff, scar more easily. The hotter it gets, the easier it is to damage them.
When roofers roof in hot weather, they should put plywood scraps where they are installing so the new shingles don't get damaged. Move the plywood scraps as you progress on the roof. I used to make a plywood scrap trail from the ladder to the work area and rearrange as necessary. Just takes a minute.
Also if painters or chimney sweeps are on your roof in hot weather, have them put plywood scraps on the shingles by where they are working.
On new construction, you see damaged shingles all the time because the builders always want to get the roof on ASAP so they can begin the interior work. Problem is that the siding and painting and windows and gutters aren't done, so all those trades will be walking on and scuffing the new shingles. It's very common. back to top
- How cold is too cold to walk on or work on a roof?
Do it anytime as long as no ice is on the roof.You can walk on frozen shingles, but you can't work with them. Frozen shingles don't cooperate. Too brittle and rigid. back to top
- How often should zinc be applied to prevent moss growth?
If you live in a damp climate such as the Pacific Northwest, apply zinc at least once a year; or apply zinc every other or every third time if you perform quarterly gutter and roof maintenance (see next question). back to top
- How often should gutter and roof clean-off be performed (gutter and roof maintenance)?
It's a good idea to blow leaves, pine or fir needles, and other debris off the roof and clean out gutters on a quarterly schedule. While you're up on the roof, you also can apply zinc to discourage moss growth (see previous question). back to top
- How should downspouts be configured to prevent water from seeping into the foundation?
It's a good idea to divert the water from gutter downspouts out to the yard instead of down into wells right next to your foundation. This will help prevent water from seeping into your foundation. back to top
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Residential and commercial roofing project consulting in Oregon; Portland Metro, Oregon; Bend, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Washington State; and the Pacific Northwest area. Offering professional roof consulting, inspections, project monitoring, and certifications for property owners and homeowners.
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