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|
Q.
Just how important is attic ventilation?
| A. |
Positive
airflow created by proper ventilation allows the house to breathe
and helps prevent trapped moisture from causing damage in the
attic. Moisture is generated from varied sources, such as showers,
laundry, cooking, and dishwashing. If not vented, moisture can
condense on attic insulation, wood decking, trusses, and shingles,
causing excess energy usage, dry rot, and mildew.
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| Q.
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Is
it better to use light colored shingles, as oppose to dark colored
shingles, in an effort to keep the attic cooler?
|
| A. |
Not
necessarily. Tests conducted have indicated that light colored
shingles had a lower surface temperature than dark shingles.
However, with proper ventilation and attic insulation, the attic
temperature will remain consistent, regardless of shingle color.
|
Q.
Why would one contractor's price be so much less than another's?
| A. |
A
reputable contractor will have insurance, including worker's
compensation and general liability, safeguarding the worker
from injury and the homeowner from damages to property. This
security costs the professional contractor approximately 40%
of wages paid. Insist on visually inspecting current insurance
certificates; if they cannot be produced, find another contractor.
|
Q.
How can I recognize if my roof has problems?
| A. |
All
too often, roof problems are discovered after leaking or other
serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice a year) inspections can
often uncover cracked, curled, or missing shingles, loose seams
and deteriorated flashings, excessive granule loss, and other
visible signs of roof problems. Inside the home, look for discolored
sheet rock or peeling paint as signs of possible roof leaks. |
Q.
What are my options if I decide to re-roof?
| A. |
You have two basic options. You can choose a complete replacement
of the roof system, involving a tear-off of the old roof, or
a re-cover of the existing roof system, involving only the installation
of a new membrane and surfacing. If you have already had one
re-cover over your original roof, check with a professional
roofing contractor to see if you have the option of a second
re-cover. |
Q.
My roof leaks, do I need to have it totally replaced?
| A. |
Not
necessarily. Leaking can result because some flashings have
come loose or because a section of the roof has been damaged.
A roof failure, however, is generally irreversible and results
from improper installation or choice of materials, or from the
installation of a roof system inappropriate to the building. |
Q.
Can't I just do the work myself?
| A. |
Most
work should not be do-it-yourself. Professional roofing contractors
are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace your
current roof system. Novices can harm a roof with improper roofing
practices and severely injure themselves in the process.
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