Understanding Roof Contracts
We understand that contracts and roofing terms can be confusing. In an effort to assist you in understanding the different items in a roofing contract we have listed and explained some of them below.
Strip____ layer(s) of shingles: Some roofs have one, two or even three layers of shingles on the roof. There is a cost factor involved in the removal and disposal of each layer of shingles which is reflected in your contract price.
Apply 44” ice & water shield in valleys: Valleys are the areas formed where two roof planes meet to form a valley where water, ice and snow accumulate. Ice & water shield is a peel and stick rubberized membrane and is the best possible product that can be used in a valley. Dr Roof uses 44 inches as opposed to 36 inches.
Apply 44” ice & water membrane at eaves: The eaves edge is the lower area on the roof where the water drains towards, typically where the eavestrough are attached. There are specific regulations dictating the use of eaves edge underlayments. Your roof type, overhang width and roof slope will dictate the option best suited for your roof. Here is a list of the typical products you may see on a contract proposal.
No eaves underlayment at all.
36” ice & water membrane – This width does not meet the requirements on roofs with 24” overhangs
44” ice & water membrane – This width meets most eaves edge requirements and is the best option available.
68” ice & water membrane – This option is used on low slope roofs with a pitch above 3/12
Ice & water membrane on the complete roof – This is used on roofs with a pitch below 3/12 and above 2/12
Ice & water membrane: This peel and stick rubberized membrane is used in problem areas on a roof such as in valleys, around skylights and at eaves edges. Ice & water shield offers you additional protection against water migrating into the living space of your home. Ice shield is an excellent product but it does not guarantee against leaks, especially leaks due to ice dams.
Shingle types and brands: There are primarily 4 different manufacturers of shingles available in Winnipeg; CertainTeed, IKO, Owens Corning and BP. As you can expect not all shingles are of the same quality and not all warranties are the same. It is important to know that the shingle warranties are covered by the manufacturer and not by the installation company.
Options
Install 15 lb felt: Felt is an optional but strongly recommended secondary barrier of protection for your roof. It is also used to level off an uneven board deck and may be required in certain applications and with certain types of shingles. It is time proven product that has performed well for many years.
Synthetic underlayments: This would replace the 15 lb felt underlayment option. Most synthetic underlayments are vapour barriers and do not breathe and there are serious concerns within the industry that they may cause moisture related problems, especially on older homes. The GAF Deck Armour is one of the few synthetic underlayments that actually does breathe.
Drip flashing at eaves: An optional metal flashing used at the eaves to support to the overhanging shingles and to help direct rain water into the eavestroughing. It’s also used to span gaps between the decking and the fascia board.
Gutter Clean: Gutter clean is a product that is screwed on over top of you eavestrough to keep out leaves and other debris. It also strengthens the trough.
Convert plumbing stack to ABS: Old plumbing stacks consist of a cast pipe and a lead mat. New plumbing stacks consist of ABS pipe and a neoprene mat. Through previous roofing jobs the old lead mat may have become damaged. A proper repair consists of cutting the cast pipe below the roof line, installing an ABS coupler and an ABS extension pipe and a neoprene mat. This must be done carefully to ensure sewer gasses do not leak into the attic space. Some contractors simply jam a pipe extension in the existing stack which is unacceptable.
Reflash and counter flash chimney: If the existing flashing is not adequate then new flashing may be required.
Reflash roof / wall intersections: Areas on a roof where a wall and the shingles intersect require proper flashing to keep the water out. On some homes the flashing is non-existent or damaged and this area may have been sealed up with tar. The installation of new flashing may be required and the extra cost of completing this work would depend on the existing materials on the wall surface i.e.: stucco, siding or shingles and the type of flashing work required. A surface flashing and counter flashing may be required to complete the job properly. Or the removal of siding may be required to install flashings behind the siding.
Install new B Vent flashing kit: Many homes still have metal chimney housings on their roofs. These housings often leak and the plywood around them is often rotten. These old housings should not be reinstalled unless they are in very good condition, which is rarely the case. When a metal housing is in bad condition we remove the old metal housing and install a B Vent flashing kit to ensure that the roof is water tight.