What do I ask a roofer?

Parent Cafe
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<p>OK, the roofer has come and gone! And he was just fine. He covered just about all my questions (which I made a list off of here) before I even asked them. I looked him up on Better Business Bureau and he’s a member in good standing. I’ll get two more estimates and then make a decision. Once again - thanks everybody for the advice. Here in upstate NY it would be great to have a metal roof, but really, no one does (until you get into the Adirondacks - then everyone does!) but architectural asphalt shingles will do the job. </p>

<p>Don’t you just love how all the house repairs come at the same time as the college tuition?!!!</p>

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<p>duh…also, will your workers speak English and if not will one of them speak English? (happened to us, nighmare)</p>

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<p>Alas, no Roofing Aid FSA!</p>

<p>Also, you would be much off if they DO speak Spanish and not Traveler’s Irish. :(</p>

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<p>GAF makes a decent ashphalt shingle tile that is supposed to look like wood but actually does a fair apporximation of slate. Timberline <a href=“http://www.gaf.com%5B/url%5D”>www.gaf.com</a> </p>

<p>Get the sample board and then ask for larger samples of the colors you like. Remember–darker will hold heat in the summer. 25 or 30 year is fine. The distributo should be able to tell you where to go wsee houses with recent installations if you want a bigger view of your favorite color.</p>

<p>Talk to your installer about underlayments–the bit that’s protecting your house from water. Make sure he follows the installation recommendations, overlaps, etc.</p>

<p>Do you have copper or aluminium gutters? You might take the opportunity to replace old or worn flashing. flashing is another bit that keeps water out of the house–so it pays to bone up on that subject as well. If you have leaks, you might want to try a different flahsing detail–or use a bigger flap of metal.</p>

<p>Make sure they run the gutter flashing at least two or three inches up under the shingles. Ask about installing snow guards. You also might think about heat tape along the eaves or in the gutters…</p>

<p>btw, one cannot simply install slate or tile roofs where once there be asphalt. The structure must be much stiffer to take the weight of either.</p>

<p>Do not use fake plastic slate under any circumstances. Conc tiles are also an otpion–if the house has the structure to carry the extra weight.</p>