Tear Off
Removing an existing roof is a massive undertaking. If not handled appropriately it can be devastating to the landscaping, attic areas and even the interior of your home. Time should be taken to ensure you choose a quality, conscientious con- tractor that has the skills, management, and resources needed to perform to your expectations.
Overnight Protection
Intelligent production planning can enable a crew to complete a roof by section, which will ensure that the new roof can be tied-in to the old roof properly overnight. Thunderstorms catch many unprepared contractors off guard, resulting in extensive interior damage.
Decking
If you have ever seen a roof with sags, buckles, humps or rolls, you understand the importance of proper decking products and installation procedures. Moving lathe boards and using deck clips are important. Please let us quickly and completely explain our unequaled procedures.
Underlayment
Felt paper’s primary function is as a vapor barrier as opposed to a water barrier. It prevents the decking from expanding on very humid days by keeping the humidity away from the substrate. However, during severe storms felt paper can prevent leaks that could occur if rain is blown underneath the shingles. Freedom also applies ice guard water barriers in certain important areas
Drip Edge
Drip edge is the "L" shaped metal that is installed around the entire perimeter of the roofline. Drip edge prevents the decking edge from being exposed. If installed improperly, rainwater can run behind the gutters, and cause deterioration of the fascia board and soffit areas. For a few extra dollars custom colors can be used to get a really premium quality look.
BEWARE OF:
Improper Applications
Every year we see hundreds of senseless installation mis- takes. Many of these mistakes are made by so-called profess- sionals such as the one above (improper starter row).
Sewer Pipe Vents
If a new roof is done right, every accessory should out last the shingles. Lead pipe boots can last 100 years. Most com- panies use plastic vent pipe boots that often leak within 1-5 years. This is a classic example of ‘cutting corners’ to save a few bucks.
Gas Heater Vents
Careful installation procedures are critical in regards to heater stacks. Each home needs to be evaluated on an individual bases.
A standard Freedom practice is to color match paint all pipes, vents, and other penetrations. Again there is a little more cost but the look is terrific and the paint is a protective coating for the accessories!
Roof Ventilation
Low profile vents are the basic way to vent heat and humidity from the attic (clothes drier and vent-hood gasses sometimes too). They work far better when soffit (under the eave) vents are used too. In fact, if there are no soffit vents, code requires (4) times as much roof ventilation and this means increased cost, leak possibilities, and parts to wear out.
*See also ventilation upgrades
Chimney Flashings & Caps
Chimneys come in wide selection of styles and materials. One constant remains, they are all leak hazards and extreme care should be taken to properly flash them with the new roof. You are relying on a crew’s attention to detail and a company’s management ability. This is one more reminder of how important it is to choose a contractor wisely.
Skylights
Most consumers have heard that skylights “leak”. Bad roofers and poor installation procedures have given skylights this reputation. Skylights are very dependable if the crews have been properly trained and the right accessories are used. Quality flashings, SBS felts, and insulation to prevent air infiltration, completes a perfect watertight skylight.
Wall Flashings
Wall flashings account for a large percentage of roof leaks. Special attention should be given to these areas and to the condition of the siding. New step flashings should be installed where re-decking is performed. Sometimes siding re-work is required to do the job right. Most companies simply blast the areas with sealant that will dry out and crack long before the roof wears out.
Valleys
There are two main valley types, Shingled and Open. Each has a different look and consumers quite often have an established opinion. Our Open metal “W” valley is made of rust resistant metal with a baked on enamel finish. We feel strongly this is the best valley system. Shingled valleys are likely to wear out long before the other primary components.
Ridge Rows
High profile ridge rows, outline the roof structure and enhance its architectural beauty. Most manufactures build high profile ridge rows to match their shingles, and though they cost a little more, they can dramatically change the appearance and curb appeal of your home. They are an investment in your homes value!
Ventilation Upgrades
Turbines, Power Vents, Ridge Vents are all improvements over Low Profile Vents and are also designed to remove heat and humidity from the attic. Not properly ventilating a roof may also void the manufactures warranty and increase your energy usage. We’d be happy to advise you on each product’s advantages and disadvantages. As with low profile vents soffit vents are very important.
