Q. What is the best asphalt shingle to use on my roof?
A. Asphalt shingle material performance depends of the quality, quantity and compatibility of asphalt fillers, reinforcements and surface granules. There are two kinds of asphalt shingles (based on the type of reinforcement mat used); fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles are more fire- and moisture-resistant than organic shingles. Organic shingles have good wind resistance, high tear strength and can be installed in colder temperatures.
Q. Only the underlayment has been installed on my roof and it rained last night. Now, the underlayment is wrinkled. Does it have to be replaced?
A. If the wrinkling isn't severe enough to affect the shingle installation (i.e., the wrinkling won't telegraph through the shingles and they won't appear buckled or wavy once installed), the underlayment probably can remain in place. The effects of wrinkling also will be minimized by using heavier weight shingles.
Q. I received three significantly different proposals from contractors. How should I decide which contractor to select?
A. Clearly written proposals that are detailed and broken down into separate line
items are a good sign that the contractor is being thorough and has prepared an
accurate estimate.
Q. How do I clean algae and moss from my asphalt shingle roof?
A. Use a mild solution of chlorine bleach and water or mild detergent gently applied
with a sponge or hand-held sprayer and rinse thoroughly. Do not use a power washer
or high concentrations of bleach, and do not scrub the shingle surface.
The following is a list of items your estimate or proposal should include:
The type of roof covering, manufacturer and color. Materials to be included in the work. Scope of work to be done. Flashing work. Ventilation work. Installation method.
Approximate starting and completion dates. Payment procedures. Length of warranty and what is covered.
Q. How can ice dams be reduced or removed?
A. Remove as much snow as possible, but call a professional roofing contractor if
your roof is steep, the snow is deep or the ice is thick. NRCA does not recommend
using ice picks or shovels (or any tool with sharp edges) because there is a chance
of damaging roof coverings and flashings. NRCA also does not recommend hosing down
a roof with water or use of a hot air gun. Electric heat cables generally have limited
effectiveness.
