Roofing 101
Q & A - Loading a Roof Safely Causing Penetrations
When the 2×4’s are pulled up, should the roofer cover the nail holes that went through the double layer of felt by nailing? Rick asked, "I’m right in the middle of a re-roof job. The demo is completed, plywood installed and double layers of Fontana 40 felt covers the roof ...
Roofing Deposit - How Much Should I Give My Roofing Contractor?
The answer can depend on the state you live in and the contractor you hire. I get asked this question quite often. The answer can depend on the state you live in and the contractor you hire. Some contractors ask for deposits, some don’t. Whatever you agree on, make sure it ...
Valley Metal - Do I Need it On My Roof?
Valley metal is used on most types of steep-sloped roofs where two roofs intersect. This is a very important part of the roof. Just like a mountain with peaks, ridges, and valleys, the valleys carry a lot of water down the mountainside, so too with our roofs. We have on our ...
Q & A - Dutch Gutters, Why Are They Still Around?
What is a Dutch gutter and what is its purpose? Mike asks: "What is a Dutch Gutter? What is its purpose? Why are they used on some San Francisco Victorian roofs? There are different varieties of Dutch Gutters but most of the time these rain gutters allow the fascia board to be ...
Q & A - Adding Life to a Cedar Shake Roof
How can I make my cedar shake roof last longer? Monday evening I received this question from an old friend who lives in the Portland area. Rod asked, "I will be replacing my old shake roof this year. My roofer suggested going back with cedar shakes. Can you give me any ...
5 Signs of a Good Roofer
So you are new to the area and you have a roof leak. Who do you call? Most people do not have a list of contractors to review when things go bad with your home. For those who have been in their homes for years, may recall a catchy commercial may ...
Q & A - Do I Need Tar Paper Under My Shingles?
Is tar paper (felt) needed under asphalt shingles? Do I need tar paper under my asphalt shingles? AskARoofer was asked this question a while back by a woman and this question comes up very often. It seems this lady’s house was recently purchased and after the first few spots of winter ...
Contract with my roofer, do I need one?
Contract with my roofer. . . do I need one? Simple question-big answer. When doing any home improvements it is always a good idea to have a written contract no matter how big or small to the job is. Long gone are the days of a promise, hand a shake and trusting ...
Roofing Tear Off, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The removal of a roof is probably the hardest thing about the roofing process. Tearing off a roof. Many home-owners think it is a simple thing to rent a dumpster, get some buddies together and tear off the roof. This is a great way to save some money – right? The ...
SubContractor - Is that a bad word?
SubContractor. . . is that a bad word? So you are about to hire a roofing contractor and the subject of a sub-contractor comes up. What is a Sub-Contractor and is it a bad thing to have them on your roofing project? It is not required to have a license to ...
