Q1: How do I know if the roofing contractor has insurance?

A1: Just ask! All legitimate contractors should give you a copy of both Workers Compensation & General Liability Certificates. We provide these with every bid, as well as 5 pages of completed job references.

Q2: What is the difference between a metal valley , woven valley or closed-cut valley?

A2.: A woven valley is when the shingles from both sides of the valley extend across the valley and are woven together by overlapping alternate courses as they are applied. A closed-cut valley is when the shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley while the other side is trimmed back approximately 2 inches from the centerline. The valley method which is to install a metal valley with a center rib and to then cut the shingles on both sides of the valley back from the center rib about 2 inches exposing the valley metal.

Q3: How many nails should be in each full shingle?

A3: Normal applications call for a minimum of four nails in each full shingle. Some applications call for even more if the roof is in a high wind area or the pitch of the roof is very steep. Never allow your roof to be three-nailed or for staples to be used instead of roof nails.

Q4: What is a 3 tab shingle?

A4: Three tab shingles are shingles that have knock-outs between the square tabs and that are all the same size and exposure. This very common shingle normally has a twenty-five year life expectancy.

Q5: What is a dimensional shingle?

A5: A dimensional shingle is a shingle that is textured or laminated and designed to produce a three-dimensional effect. This shingle is sometimes called an architectural shingle. Dimensional shingles are a very popular style of shingle and they normally come with a life expectancy of thirty, forty and fifty years. The higher the year of life expectancy, the more three-dimensional effect you will receive on your home and the thicker the shingle.

Q6: What is ice and water-shield underlayment?

A6: Ice and water-shield underlayment is a continuous membrane installed under your roofing shingles in areas subject to ice damming. It prohibits water that might get under your shingles from reaching your wood structure. The membrane is made to seal nail penetrations from your shingle installation. The best places for this membrane are along your gutter lines, in your valleys, along andy walls and around your chimneys and skylights.

Q7: What is underlayment felt paper and why use it?

A7: Underlayment felt paper is an asphalt-saturated felt installed between the roof deck and the roof shingles. Underlayment is primarily used to separate the roof shingles from the roof deck. It helps to shed water during shingle installation; helps in meeting Class A and Class C Shingle fire ratings; helps protect from resins that may come from wood board sheathing; helps prevent “picture framing” which is the visible outline of deck panels, caused by roof irregularities in the decking thickness; provides secondary weather protection during a wind-driven rain storm and, in some cases, protects your home when your shingles are blown off during a storm.

Q8: How do I know if my house has enough ventilation?

A8: Bohannon Roofing Co., Inc. uses the “1 by 300 rule” to determine how much intake and exhaust ventilation your home will need. Ideally, you want 50% intake and 50% exhaust. Please contact us and we will measure your house for the exact calculations.

Q9: What is the difference between a workmanship warranty and a manufacturer’s warranty?

A9: A workmanship warranty covers any type of installation problem that causes a leak in your roof system. A manufacturer’s warranty covers any kind of defective material.

Q10: Can we fix the rotten wood on our roof and behind the gutters?

A10: We can repair any wood rot problem that might have occurred from a roof or gutter leak.

Q11: Why do my estimates range from very low to middle to very high?

A11: If the low estimates sound to good to be true, they probably are. More than likely, you will find the contractor isn’t fully insured, will cut corners while doing the work, will not have high quality materials and will try to add something on at the end of the job. The very high estimates are usually high profile companies that have to pay for their advertising and large overhead. The best estimates to look for are the ones in the middle. Make certain that they are doing the same work item-for-item on your written contract. Make certain they use high quality roofing and flashing materials. Finally, make it clear you want references and be assured they offer a workmanship guarantee.