Need to get a new roof?

T

twopu

New member
Being a new home owner I have no idea what's involved in getting a new roof. All I know is that I can put a second layer down on top of my existing roof (18 yrs old).



I was told to get new attic fans too but I don't know. Do darker colors hold heat vs the lighter colors? Is there anything I need to know or ask the contractor about?

Thanks
 
What kind of roof? Asphalt, slate, shingle, metal etc? That makes a big difference in what the costs/longetivity/etc are.



IMHO, the colors are more about asthetics than heat transfer. Yes, a black roof will get hotter than a white one. However, since it sits atop a layer of insulation, its not a huge deal.



I'd ask the contractor about how he warrantys his work, as the most important factor about a roof is being waterproof, and remaining that way for as long as possible. If it goes bad in 90 days (due to some sort of mistake), will he be back to fix it?



As for other questions, I'm far from a roof expert. I think This Old House had a pretty good roof section a month or two back, you might want to check their website. You might want to get their magazine too, its full of tips/advice/how-tos if you are a new homeowner. My dad has a subscription, and I can't tell you how often I use tips or advice from the magazine.
 
I would never put new ontop of old. It cuts the lifespan in half of the new shingles. Go for the upgraded 3D shingles, they last sometimes twice as long, look much better. Use 30 Lb felt under the shingles, and do not let them skip the drip edge. Have any warped decking replaced with half inch 4 ply plywood at the minimum. Three ply warps too easily. Take a look at the new metal roofing. it comes 3 feet wide cut to length so no horizontal seams. Colors are easy to match to your house and last 50 years like a power coat. I am not a roofing contractor just a GC (general contractor) who in now a stay at home dad who loves to detail.
 
Like zippymbr, I would not put a new roof over an old. It is a common practice because it cuts labor cost but can cause problems down the road. If you do decide to go over the existing roof, make sure the roofer uses long enough nails to not only penetrate the old shingles but to also fully penetrate and go beyond the decking.



Not installing a drip edge is another way roofers save money but the reality is that a drip edge takes very little time to install. Like many contractors, roofers just want to finish one job and be onto the next, so if they can cut a couple of hours here and there (via shortcuts), they often will.



Like with any hired service, carefully check out the company and ask for references. The construction industry is very crooked (it is a real shame as it can be a lot of fun and lucrative depending on your position in it) so you have to protect yourself.
 
licensed and insured are tops. check with people in your area who they used. if your roof is bad, chances are other homes in the area of the same age need had new roofs installed



also, don't fall for any of those "we're in the area installing a roof on a home nearby and can give you a deal since we have extra supplies". good contractors are booked up and don't go door to door looking for work



just some thoughts from a <hopefully> soon to be homeowner
 
Thanks guys, that is a lot to take in. They are suppose to come out tomorrow so I'll definitely make sure I inquire about everything you've suggested. As far as laying a second roof (shingles) we only plan on living here 5-8 more years max. I don't need it to last me 30 years but in that 5-8 year period is it common to have problems with laying a second roof. If the roofer gives me a warranty of 25 years shouldn't they be liable for any problems?



Also, should I get a new attic fan? I have to flip the knob to turn on my current fan. Don't they have fans that automatically kick on when needed.



Last question, what's a drip edge? Sorry for the stupid questions but this is all new to me.



Thanks again for all the help!
 
Yes there are thermostaticaly controlled fans that come on at a set temp. Your fan can be rewired easily. Drip edge is painted metal flashing the goes around the bottom edge of the roof between the sheathing and the tar paper. It protects the edge of the plywood from moisture and provides support for the shingle edge.
 
IMO you oughta do the roof right even though you plan to move. It'll sorta even out when you go to sell the house. So yeah, I'd go with a tear-off too, rather than going over the old shingles.



One of the few no-hassle aspects of our house was/is the roof, because we went with a well established, local roofer. They've come right out and taken care of some minor issues, even things that weren't technically their responsability. Make sure you deal with trustworthy people.



We have a thermostatically-controlled attic fan and it works fine. We did have to replace the motor once but it was a quick, easy job. That's one motor since the house was built in '88, not bad IMO. The thermo control won't be a big deal to add and it'll sure beat having to hit the switch when you think you need to (and you can adjust the temp for on/off). You may well be able to add it to the existing fan, but even if you have to get a new motor with it built in it won't be a biggie. Keep the switch so you can easily shut the thing down "upstream" from the new thermostatic controller.
 
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