We are giving away a total of 10 copies of our Roofing Calculator App for iPhone or Android ( https://www.roofingcalculator.org/app.php )

We will feature the winners of this contest on our website, and will include a Direct DO-FOLLOW link to your company website, company name and address. This is some great promo for your roofing business!

Rules and requirements:

1) Like and comment on this post (in the comment, you can tell us how our app can be useful for your business or anything that is relevant).
2) Share / Retweet this post
3) Like / Follow us on Facebook, Google + and Twitter ()
4) Send us a picture of the roof that you are MOST proud of, including a short description of the project (job specifics, difficulties you had to overcome, etc), and why you are most proud of that job.

We will choose 10 best submissions, and publish them on our blog, giving your company more exposure.

Submit your pictures, and descriptions of the job to roofcalc@gmail.com
Also send your Facebook, Twitter and Google+ profile links / names.

Connect and Follow Us:

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/roofingcalculator/
Google Plus- https://plus.google.com/108577833968679475191
Twitter – https://twitter.com/roofcalculator

The post Contest: WIN Roofing Calc PRO App ($20 value) appeared first on Roofing Calculator - Estimate Roofing Prices.

Never overpay for a new roof again! Use our app to calculate FAIR roof replacement cost based on your roof size, technical details and your region in US. Save HUNDREDS (even THOUSANDS) of dollars on a new roof when negotiating with contractors. You can also get up-to 4 free roof estimates from pre-screened contractors.

Our calculator uses the following criteria to calculate the most accurate price for your roof replacement project:

1. Roof size
2. Roof slope (including VISUAL ROOF SLOPE GUIDE)
3. Number of chimneys and skylights
4. Roof complexity
5. Your region

You can select to get prices for multiple materials: Asphalt Shingles, Metal Roofing, and Flat Rubber Roofing.

Users can make up to 4 calculations for Free, which is enough for a typical homeowner. Roofing Contractors can unlock an unlimited number of calculations for $4.99

We can also make a custom app for your roofing business, with your own prices, logo, website, jobs portfolio, and custom contact / estimate form.

ScreenShots:

The images below are from both iPhone and Android versions. Note the second screenshot has “Visual Roof Slope” guide that is not present in the iOS version. This is due to limitations of how iOS displays the multiple selection carousel.

How To Use Roofing Calculator FREE:

Since both iPhone ad Android apps are nearly identical, using them is very simple:

To calculate the cost of your project, enter roof size (ground dimensions), slope, # of chimneys and skylights, roof complexity, and your region, and get your price quotes for for multiple roofing materials.

Roof Size: Measure the ground dimensions of your house with a tape measure, and be sure to add any overhangs.

For example, if your house is 26 feet wide (gable sides) by 42 feet long (front / back) and you have 1 foot overhangs on front and back and no overhangs on the sides, you should add 2 feet to the side dimension – enter 28 x 42 into roof size fields.

If you have 6″ overhangs all around, add 1 foot to each dimension (27 x 43).

Roof Slope: If you are unsure what you roof slope is, use visual help (images next to each slope setting, and chose the one that best represents your roof). Note, that this will only be available on the Android platform, due to the way iOS handles multiple selections.

Roof Difficulty / Complexity: This is a rather tricky concept, but to be on the safe side, assume that homeowners usually underestimate real roof complexity, while contractors sometimes overestimate it. However, roofers are the ones who will be doing the work, thus they know better how simple or complex the roof is. Therefore, if you think that your roof is between simple and medium complexity, choose medium. If you thing that it is more on the difficult / cut-up side, choose difficult. This way you will always be safe, and will not get a price estimate that is too low.

Skylights and Chimneys: Enter the combined number of skylights and chimneys.

Choose your region: Your local prices will be different than the National average, in some cases by as much as 18%. Our calculator is one of the most accurate tools on the market in terms of regional roof price differences. However, it may still be slightly off, if your city/town is way more expensive that the rest of your region, or if it is much poorer.

Finally click CALCULATE, and you will get a combined prices chart for 6 types of roofing materials. You can also request a free roofing estimate from local prescreened contractors, that are part of Roofing Networks.

Check out our other mobile apps (Roof Calculator PRO)

If you are a contractor, check out our Roofing Calculator PRO App here.

The pro version gives you control over ALL aspects of roof calculation, material prices, and many other details. Watch the short video below to see a demo of Roof Calc Pro

The post FREE Roofing Calculator App – iPhone, iPad and Android appeared first on Roofing Calculator - Estimate Roofing Prices.

Leave the Job Site Clean

Roofing can get real messy, and keeping the site clean is integral to customer satisfaction. The logic is simple: your client may not be able to appreciate the fine craftsmanship of your roof repair or installation, but she sure will notice if her property is a mess after you are done. Ideally, you clients should be left feeling like they have come home to a “white glove service”. A thorough clean up only takes an extra 30 minutes, but it will pay tremendous dividends in terms of customer appreciation and referrals.

Befriend the Neighbors

Surely, most of your time will be spent working on your client’s roof, but you will do yourself a great favor by making connections with the neighbors. When it comes to roofing, neighbors can be a pain, complaining about the noise, mess, etc, but they can also be a blessing in disguise, because they can potentially be your next clients. You can start building a positive relationship with the neighbors while doing some marketing along the way, by handing out letters letting them know that your crew will be a presence for the next few days/weeks. In the letter, include your contact information so that they can call or email you if they have any complaints, or if they want a roofing estimate. You can take it even a step further and include a discount coupon for your services. It is also a good idea to have a display sign on the front yard of your client’s home with your company’s name, contact info and a Free Estimate offer.

Have a Zero-Defects Guarantee and Stick to It

Competition in the residential roofing market is pretty stiff, and thanks to the internet, homeowners are lot more savvy and informed about roofing. Many homeowners go to roofing forum websites to get other contractors’ opinions on whether their roof was installed correctly. So there is a good chance your work will be judged by a jury of other roofers, and those guys hold no punches. Because homeowners do so much research, when they choose to contact your company, chances are it means they are expecting you to be better than the 10 other companies they checked-out. This means that you should build on this initial vote of confidence and go above and beyond in your service to prove that you are THE BEST roofing contractor in your area. This zero-defects guarantee also means that if your customer complains about a job you have done, or if something is not installed correctly, you must fix it. Clients who are confident that you are not cutting corners and have their best interests in mind, will reward you with positive online reviews and referrals to their friends.

Manage Expectations and Over-deliver

To avoid client complaints and dissatisfaction, it is critical to manage expectations from the onset and to set the bar at a reasonable level. However, this is just the first part of the success recipe. The second is that your crew should always strive to over-deliver and surpass the client’s initial expectations. Obviously, it is not possible to impress a client in all areas, but if you pick a couple of things that homeowners tend to focus on, such as communication, timeliness, explaining what you are doing every step of the way, your extra effort will definitely be noticed.

Respond Quickly

Good communication is the key to keeping your clients happy and it should start right from the first point of contact-the estimate. When a client fills out an estimate form or calls to get a quote, be sure to get back to them within 2 hours. Why not 24 hours? Because in 24 hours your prospective client could already have a signed contract with another roofing company.

The same 2-hour response time should be standard for existing customers, who are calling with questions or issues regarding your work. Your clients should feel that you are accessible, attentive to their needs and can answer their questions in a knowledgeable, professional manner. The more information you provide your clients when answering their questions, the more they will be inclined to view you as an expert to whom they can entrust their roofing project.

High Maintenance Clients

We have all dealt with really difficult, high maintenance clients, whose complaints keep us up at night. This type of a client can typically be panged right off the bat, from the first conversation. Some companies have an unwritten policy of walking away from such clients and sparing themselves the headache. Obviously, if someone is a nut case, you should not waste your time, but many high maintenance clients may be worth the extra effort. Why? Because if you go the extra mile to please them, their reviews and references will have a lot more weight. You can be sure that this client will tell their friends about you, and they will be super impressed, knowing how difficult it is to please Mr/Ms X. Winning over a few difficult clients and posting their reviews on your site can be a great way to establish a stellar reputation and attract more customers.

Resources for Roofing Contractors

Roofing Estimator App – mobile roof estimating software (iPhone and Android) for roofers – this tool will help you calculate any steep slope roof in less than a minute, and will produce a detailed report, listing all roof sizes, breakdown cost of all materials needed for the job, and all prices, including Material Totals, Labor Costs, and the Total Roof Price. All results can be saved and exported. The estimator has full access to change all material prices and labor costs.

Art of Roofing Sales – how contractors can improve their roof selling skills.

Roofing Contractor Marketing Guide – how contractors can improve marketing online, and crush the competition with much smaller advertising budgets.

The post Customer Service Tips for Roofing Contractos appeared first on Roofing Calculator - Estimate Roofing Prices.

Benefits of Recycling Asphalt Shingles

1. If a recycling facility exists, it is often in town, located much closer than the landfill, which means there will be less trucking involved, saving you time and money. You need to find out the location of a recycling facility in your area.

2. Most facilities that recycle charge a lower tipping fee than the one at the landfill. The cost averages around $30 per ton or roughly $10 less per ton than ordinary construction waste.

3. As more homeowners are getting into green living and learning about the detrimental environmental impact of dumping asphalt shingles into landfills, offering to recycle their asphalt shingles roof will make you stand out as a Green Roofing Business. This can be a highly advantageous marketing strategy that can bring you more clients.

Challenges You Need To Consider

If you find that there is in fact a recycling facility in your area that will take asphalt roofing shingles, there are a few things you need to have lined up, before you can get started.

1. You need to educate your roofers about the purpose and process of recycling asphalt roofing shingles. Roofers will need to be specially trained to separate out the shingles from other construction debris. In some states, where asbestos testing is required, roofers will need to be trained in taking samples of asphalt shingles to be sent for asbestos testing prior to being recycled. Thus, you need to find out the specific regulations for asphalt shingles recycling in your state, and whether asbestos testing is required.

2. Since separating asphalt shingles from other construction debris takes longer than simply driving them to a landfill, you need to figure out the added cost of the job, if you or your roofers will be spending extra time on this procedure. You should factor into this equation the amount of extra time spent, the savings you will get from shortened trip to the recycling facility vs. the landfill, as well as the cheaper tipping prices you will pay at the recycling facility vs the landfill. You may also consider offering your clients the option of recycling their old asphalt shingles roof, explain the environmental benefits of this choice, and charge them extra money for it. This way, you will definately not lose any money, and may even earn a little extra.

Process of Recycling

1. If asbestos testing is required in your area, you need to test the shingles on the roof you will be tearing off for the presence of asbestos. When you get a contract for a tear off, get 3 shingles samples, one from each layer of the roof. The samples can be small, about the size of a quarter. Some recycling facilities do not require that you do an asbestos test prior to bringing the shingles, and will actually do the test themselves on site. You need to find out the rules at the recycling facility near you.

2. Send your samples to a testing lab in your area. Prior to this, find out what forms the lab requires. Obtain the forms and fill them out, so that they can be sent along with the samples. If the shingles contain asbestos over 1%, you will not be able to take them to a recycling facility, and they will have to be taken to an approved asbestos landfill. If the test results show that there is no asbestos, or the amount present meets the regulations standards of the local recycling facility, you can safely bring the shingles there.

3. Tear off the roof. To make the process of separating the shingles from other construction debris easier, start making two separate piles right away, rather than doing the job and then spending extra time separating out the two piles.

4. Proceed to the nearest recycling facility. Don’t forget your asbestos report, which needs to be presented to the gatekeeper at the facility.

5. When you enter, most facilities will have two dumpsters: one for trash and one for metals. You can throw the waste materials into the trash and then move to the shingle area, where the material will be unloaded and further sorted.

6. The recycling facility can refuse loads that are not clean. In this case, you can bring asphalt shingles to a landfill.

The post Recycling Asphalt Shingles: Guide for Roofers appeared first on Roofing Calculator - Estimate Roofing Prices.

So what will this be about? Essentially, this is my philosophy and attitude toward roof sales in general. I will share with you what I think make me a better “salesman”. I put salesman in quotation, because I don’t think of myself in that regard.

But enough with the introductions – let’s get to the point.

Where do you start, if you’ve never sold roofs before?

I will be honest with you – I never took any sales (power sales) classes or management skills improvement seminars, or anything of that sort. I actually never even tried to come up with a strategy of how I will sell the roofs. When I started out, I had near zero experience selling anything expensive.

It does not mean that I had no experience in sales at all. I did sell cigarettes in front of a train-station in Moscow when I was 12 (rather successfully), and had another less successful enterprise of selling bottled soda when I was 10 or 11. One day, some deaf guy accidentally broke all 6 of my soda bottles, did not pay for them and walked away. I got so discouraged that I quit my soda business all together.

Fast-forward 11 years, to when I and my brother started the roofing business. We had no clients / references and had very little equipment. What we did have, was PASSION for what we were doing, a couple of years of installation experience, as well as great motivation to succeed.

This passion and motivation was what helped us sell our first jobs, and get the necessary references, job pictures, and most of all experience of talking with the customers. Right off the bet, we decided to specialize in niche roofing products – IB PVC flat membranes and metal roofing.

We truly believed (and still do) that both IB and Metal Roofing are the best products that we could provide to our clients. We know both materials well, both from the technical and practical perspectives, nearly every possible application of each, as well as interaction with other products. For example – you cannot combine copper and aluminum, as copper with corrode aluminum. This is a small detail, but when it comes up during a “sale”, YOU (or I) bring it up to the client, explain to them what may/will happen, and they immediately see that you know what you are talking about, and this increases their trust in you.

This brings me to my next point.

Show the Customer That You Know What You Are Doing and That You Care!

You may have the best looking truck or the most professional looking website, but when you talk to a customer one on one, they have to trust you, to give you their business. I will purposely disregard customers who care ONLY about the lowest price. I do not want to work with them, and my prices are too high anyway.

Here is how I approach each client / project:

1) Get to know the customer, and find out what they need!

Whether a client calls us or emails, I always respond to them (usually by email if possible) with a multitude of questions about their current roof, the condition and source of leaks, and with questions of what they are looking to accomplish in the end. I also ask them to email me pictures and other supporting info, if possible.

Based on the information I gather, I suggest a few options that ALL solve the main problem that customer has, as well as try to keep the budget reasonable.

If I see a potential issue, I always bring this up to the client – this accomplishes two major things for me: If there will be extra work, the customer knows about it ahead of time, and does not expect you to “just do it” for free. Also, they see that you gave their project some good thought, and looked for the best solution for their needs / problems.

Remember: Most homeowners do not care much about technical details, such as thickness, composition of your material, etc – they care about stopping the leaks for a long time, and to make sure that everything will be done correctly (as well as looks). They don’t know how good of a roofer you are, and can only learn it if you inadvertently show them. Saying that you are the “fastest shingler east of the Mississippi” is not the way to win their trust.

2) Do the best job you can do!

While it sounds obvious (let’s face it – we all think we are the best roofers), most roofers (and contractors in general) do a mediocre job at best. Seriously!

The way I approached this is simple – I never EVER wanted to go back to my jobs to fix leaks. It was absolutely unacceptable. So what did I do? I spent an extra few hours on EACH job, making sure all small details and potential problems would never come up.

Think about it. What is a few hours? You miss your baseball game on TV? So what? Going back to your leaking roof takes a WHOLE day, for which you do not get paid, the customer is upset, and you lose the opportunity to ever ask them for a reference.

And while you are working for free on your leaking roofs, you could be making money elsewhere. Even worse – it costs you more to do inside repairs…

So what do I do? I tell my customers exactly the following (or a variation of it): “I don’t want to come back for a leak repair, so I make sure it (leak) never happens!

Most customers take it the right way!

What else?

Really, basic stuff. Be friendly with a client – show genuine interest in their life or what they do. For example, I often talk to my clients about ballroom dancing (my hobby), or if they work in IT (computers) field – I turn on my “geek-mode”. For example, I discussed Starcraft 2 (my favorite PC game) and Diablo (client’s favorite game) with one of my recent customers. Why? I saw a Starcraft box on their shelf…

The bottom line – think of the best solution for your client, show them you care (and you really should care – it’s in your best interest, anyway you look at it), and do your work accordingly. Charge “reasonable” prices for your work, and you will see success – I almost guarantee it!

P.S. – By reasonable price I mean the true cost of your work + materials, so you make profit and don’t have to cut corners, but without inflating the cost.

P.P.S. – I always tell my clients, if they tell me that “roofer x” gave them a lower price:

“We are in business to install great roofs and also to make money. If we as a company DO NOT make money, we will be out of business very soon and there will be no one to uphold the warranty, if something happens to your roof later.”

Once again, most people take this the right way, and understand why your price is marginally higher than the other guy’s.

End of Part 1 – in Part 2 I will walk you through my typical roof sale, from first contact with the client to the roof estimate, to signing the contract, and doing the work, as well as post-work things.

References:

Roof Estimating Software for roofing contractors / estimators / salesmen. Helps you estimate any roof in less than a minute, generates all labor and material prices, as well as material list for the job. You can also send a formal estimate to your client right from the calculator app. Works on iPhone, iPad, and Android phones/tablets.

Roofing Business Guide for contractors, and those who are considering starting a roofing biz.

Roofing Business Marketing Guide – learn how to get more jobs with advanced marketing techniques developed and tested by real roofers (us).

The post The Art of Roofing Sales appeared first on Roofing Calculator - Estimate Roofing Prices.

You have spoken and we have listened – based on YOUR comments here on our website and those in App Store / Android Play Store, we added ALL the things you’ve asked about, and MANY more!

Download Roofing Calculator PRO V2:

Roofing Calculator app for iPhone

Roofing Calculator app for Android

Roofing Calculator 2.0 for IPhone – Screen Shots:

New Features Include

• Multiple Roof Sections!
• Valley Calculation!
• Dormer Calculation!
• GPS Location to get and Record Job Address!
• Save and Modify Calculation Results!
• Results Exporting as PDF / Plain Text for Your Records or as a Formal Roof Proposal!
• Your Company Info, that will appear on the Letterhead of your Exports!
• Miscellaneous Costs (Permits / Dumpsters / Equipment, etc) and Sales Tax!
• More Intuitive App Navigation – All Features are listed as logical groups!
• Native support for iPad 10″ screen!

Let’s take a closer look at all the new features:

Calculation Improvements

Multiple Roof Sections:

In Version 1, you could calculate only 1 roof at a time. While this worked for most estimates, there are always houses with very cut-up roofs, or multiple buildings on the property, that need to be re-roofed. Now, you can have as many as 10 roofs or sections in one calculation.

All results are combined to give you an overall snapshot of all costs and sizes, and broken down into detailed materials, prices and sizes list for each section!

Valley Calculation:

In version 1, we were also missing the ability to calculate a valley – a common feature on many roofs. One of the reasons it was not added to the initial release, was the fact that we were not sure how you wanted it, and how we could implement it, so it does not confuse you, when estimating a roof.

The way it’s done now – there is a set cost per 1 linear foot of valley (valley labor cost), and it also automatically adds Ice & Water Shield (I&W) to the Underlayment section in the results. For valley length between 1 and 60 feet, we add 1 roll of I&W. For valley longer than 60 feet, additional rollas are added, is steps of 60 feet.

Optional: We are considering adding 3 sq. ft. of roof shingles for every foot of valley – let us know how you feel about it – should it be done as part of the valley calculation, or go into the roof waste factor? Please voice your opinion in the comments section below.

Dormers Calculation:

Now you can set a specific price for EACH dormer, and just enter the number of dormers on the roof.

We figure that dormers do not take extra shingles (maybe 20-30 sq. ft. of shingle more than if a dormer was not there), but take a long time to work around. Between doing roof to wall flashing, and doing a valley at the top of a typical gable or hip dormer, you can spend a few hours on each dormer easily. So just figure out your cost or price for each dormer, and it will be calculated as Labor Cost.

Miscellaneous Costs / Charges:

Although this is already implemented in the Roofing Materials Section, there are charges that cannot be tied to material prices, and pertain to the job as a whole. Examples are Building Permits, Dumpsters / Disposal Fees, Equipment Rental, etc. You can add these MISC costs on the main calculator screen.

Sales Tax:

Is it April 15th again? No – but you still need to pay the “dreaded” taxes on the materials you buy (unless you are doing a tax-exempt job). In the general Roof Settings, you can now enter your state’s sales tax (even with decimal points for states such as MA, where sales tax is 6.25%). Sales tax will be automatically added to the materials cost.

Saving, Modifying and Exporting Calculated Results:

You can now also save your calculation results, email them to yourself for your own records, or send it to your customer as a formal proposal / estimate! This Results Export option is available in PDF and plain text format.

With the addition of GPS Positioning / Location, the address of your roof estimate is auto recorded when you click the “Calculate” button, and is saved with the results. You can always change the address, phone number, add Notes (such as details about the project, materials, customer, etc.).

You can even open an “old” saved report, and go back to modify your calculations without typing in the setting you used. This could be useful if, for example, you did the estimate many months ago, but the materials prices have changed, or the customer wants to use a different type of roofing shingles.

With Modify option, you will not need to remeasure the roof, or type in individual details for each section – all your options are saved and ready for your use!

Company Profile:

In this section, you can enter information about your roofing company, such as Name, Address, Phone #, Website / Email, and Construction License #. This information will appear on the Letterhead of your Exports and Proposal to the client, to make the proposal look official and presentable.

You can also register your copy of Roofing Calculator App – if you do, we will be able to send you updates/news about our app, and about new apps and services that will be useful to you. We pledge not to send you spam, or “regular news letters” or sell your information to a 3rd party. This is only for our records and so we can communicate with you and know who our customers are.

FREE Gift To the First 100 Users Who Register Roofing Calculator App

We are going to send you a thank-you gift for buying our app – a high-quality T-Shirt with a funny Roofing Calculator design on it. We are working on the design now, and will take your suggestions!

The iPhone version is undergoing App Store review process (as of July 12, 2012) and should appear in the App Store within a couple of days.

The Android version will be available within a week, as we are finishing final tests and bug-tracking.

Thank you for purchasing our app!
Sincerely, www.RoofngCalculator.org

The post Roofing Calculator APP Updated to ver. 2.0 – Many New Great Features Added appeared first on Roofing Calculator - Estimate Roofing Prices.

My emphasis is on getting the best deal on roofing. While this includes getting a good / fair price, it also implies quality roof installation. After all, you are putting a roof on your house, so it does not leak.

I will insist that you should look beyond the price, and think what happens after the last shingle is nailed down and you hand the contractor their final payment. Here is where the quality of roof installation comes into play, because as a homeowner there is a great chance that you do not know much about roofing and whether this installation job is good or bad.

Here is a video that demonstrates one of the aspects of roof installation that you may have never considered, and there are MANY:

So, how do you get best deal on roofing – both good quality and good price?

Many homeowners are faced with a tough decision of choosing the roof, or the shingle / color, etc, etc. The first thing many people will do is ask their neighbor for a reference, who recently had their roof replaced. Another common possibility is to get an estimate from local roofing / construction companies, whose trucks you randomly see driving around town.

Although I am a roofer, I also had to do some home improvement work around the house and went through the same process a few times. Here is what I have learned, based on my experience of being a contractor and a homeowner, especially after recently doing my own metal roof and vinyl siding.

How to choose your roofer the RIGHT way?

First of all – when you get a roofing estimate, ask if your estimator is a roofer (preferably company owner of a small to medium size outfit). Find out if they use an in-house installer or if they sub work out. Usually, subcontractors will not do the best quality work. Also, if you speak to the company owner, ask if HE will be present on the job, managing the installation. While this is not critical, having the company owner on the job gives you a much better chance of getting the best roof for your money.

It’s simple – the owner cares the most that your roof is installed correctly, and does not leak, as he/she is responsible for it, while subs or even in-house roofers mainly care about going home at 3pm and getting as many roofing squares installed in a single day, as possible.

Here is an example of a BAD roof installation, that I hope you will avoid:

Do not buy roofing materials yourself!

Many homeowners try to save nickel and dime on their roof and other home improvement projects, and often go as far as buying the roofing shingles themselves, thinking they will save some money. The truth is – you will not save any money and will actually end up paying MORE! Here is why:

1) Roofers can get a much better price on roofing materials than homeowners, because they buy in volume.

2) If you buy the shingles and other roofing accessories, your installer will be careless with them, as they did not pay for it. If they will run out of shingles, you will need to run to the roofing supply to get more, slowing down the process, spending more money, and pissing off the roofers, as they cannot work while waiting for you.

3) When a roofer buys the materials, the owner of the company makes sure there is as little waste as possible. This way they can afford to give you a better overall price.

4) Don’t forget about your own time that you spend on getting materials, and delivery / gas costs associated with it.

Just choose the color and shingle thickness (30 / 40 / 50 years), and let your roofer get the materials of THEIR choice, and install it. I stress out “their choice”, because most shingles cost about the same, and roofers usually choose the ones that they think are better and last longer. There is of course the possibility that a roofer will buy “seconds” or outdated / damaged / discontinued / defective shingles at a discount, but the chance of this happening is very low, and these are usually odd colors / shingle styles.

Price Negotiations

This is a very important part of choosing the contractor for your roof, both for you and the contractor. Here are some things to consider:

I recommend to go with a price quote somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, and choosing a contractor you are most comfortable with. Low-ballers are usually not licensed/insured and will rush through your job like a hurricane. Roofers with VERY high quotes are usually just ripping you off by selling some “vapor benefits”, such as a brand name, 100 years in business, million years warranty, etc. Check out this vinyl siding prices guide which describes how big brands like Sears, overcharge on siding and roofing installation, while hiring subs, which can do the same work for you, for half the price.

Once you choose the roofer, you can negotiate on pricing, since most roofers build in a “discount buffer” into their price. However, this buffer is usually not more than 5-7% and if you get a bigger “discount”, you may expect lower quality of materials and/or labor.

Do your homework!

I recommend that you measure your roof to know exactly the size of installation, and read our roof estimating guide to figure out how much your roof SHOULD cost. Also, run your roof through our calculator to get an approximate price.

If your price quote is inline with your estimation – you can go ahead and start the project with a roofer you are most comfortable with. If it is way off, ask your roofer why it is so much, what is included in the job – both materials and labor, and show them your estimation.

Also ask your roofer how they are pricing your job – by the square or labor and materials (more on roof prices). If by the square – ask if they price based on roof size or number of squares installed (includes waste), as different contractors price their work differently.

Don’t ask or suggest “how much the roofer is making on the job”

Here is the thing – roofers are in the business of making money! If they don’t make money, there will be no one to uphold your warranty. Also, homeowners fail to account for expenses and overhead that roofing companies have – they simply take the total cost and subtract the materials, and think the rest is pure profit for the roofer. This is incorrect. It is also very offensive to the contractor if you start counting their money. If you don’t like the price – choose another company.

Treat your roofers as humans

While this is very important to expect proper installation, most homeowners forget that roofers are people too and not “drinking robots made for nailing down shingles until 3 PM”. Treat your contractors well – give them water or even a cold “Bud” at the end of the day – small favors go a long way! If your roofers like you, they will most likely do a better job, and not cut corners on things that you cannot see or don’t know to check.

Bottom line – installing a roof is an “equal exchange” of services for money, and costs are set by the market conditions. I recommend that you follow some or most of my recommendations, and hope you get the best roofing experience at a reasonable price! Best of luck.

Check out our Roofing Guide for Homeowners for more information.

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How do I choose the best underlayment for my home?

In choosing underlayment, you goal is to get one that will provide you with the most protection against leaks at a price that you can afford. For example, a high quality synthetic underlayment (such as GAF Deck Armor) can extend the life of your roof by an average of 5 to 10 years, at an additional expense of only a few hundred dollars over felt underlayment. If you live in any of the states that get a lot of snow, ice and rain, it is wise to invest more money and install an ice shield in combination with synthetic underlayment. Synthetic underlayment or an ice shield or a combination of both should always be used for metal roofing, clay tile, slate, and other premium (expensive) roofing materials to provide a long lasting secondary layer of roof protection.

Initially spending more money on premium underlayment material will actually help you save a lot of money down the road. You will not need to spend extra to fix your leaking roof, or buy a whole new roof if yours will end up being in a condition beyond repair. If you live in a mild climate with minimal rainfall, your roof should be adequately protected with felt underlayment.

Roofing Underlayment video – overview of underlayment types and installation guidelines:

What exactly is Roofing Underlayment?

Roofing underlayment is a special barrier that is installed between the roof substrate and the surface roofing material (shingles, tile, membrane, etc). It provides added protection to the roof structure and the interior of the home against water leaks caused by rain and ice dams.

What is the proper way to install roofing underlayment?

Underlayment is installed in an overlapping sequence from the bottom of the roof going up. Typically, it comes in rolls and can be self adhered or nailed down to the substrate. If you are installing ice and water underlayment, it needs to be installed first. Second, you install the first course of either synthetic or felt underlayment, overlapping the ice and water underlayment by at least 6 inches. If you are installing felt, consecutive courses should overlap by 50%. If you are installing synthetic underlayment, 6 inch overlap is sufficient. It is advisable to use plastic cap nails to fasten down the underlayment with 12 inches on center spacing at the top and bottom of each course. The vertical overlap should be at least 2 feet or 24 inches. Underlayment should cover the entire roof deck. When transitioning into the valley, underlayment should overlap the ice and water shield(previously installed along the valley) by 6-8 inches. All nails should be placed at least 12 inches away from the center of the valley.

What are the different types of roofing underlayment?

There are three types of underlayment that can be installed on a roof: felt, ice shield, and synthetic.

1. Felt is tar or asphalt saturated paper made with some fiberglass. It is the most widely used and the cheapest roofing underlayment. While felt offers a general level of protection against leaks, it may not be enough if you live in an area that gets heavy snow and/or rain fall. Felt underlayment is not as high quality material as synthetic underlayment, does not last as long, does not offer the same level of protection and is less tear proof. Felt or tar paper underlayment is typically installed with asphalt roof shingles. For premium roofing products, contractors and manufacturers usually recommend using synthetic underlayment (read below for more details).

2. Ice Shield (also known as ice and water shield, or I&W) is a thick asphalt or bitumen based reinforced membrane. This membrane has a sticky surface, that glues to the roof deck, and does not tear after installation. In Northern states and Canada, building codes require the usage of ice shields, because it protects the roofing structure from water penetration caused by wind-driven rain and ice dams. It is essential to use an ice shield in critical areas such as eaves, rakes, ridges, valleys, dormers and skylights. It is best to install the ice shield when air, roof deck and membrane temperatures are at or above 40°F (4.4°C). For best protection, an ice shield should be installed at the bottom 3 ft of the roof. The rest of the roof can be covered by regular underlayment (felt or synthetic)

The down side of an ice shield is that when it is installed over the entire roof deck, it also acts as a vapor barrier, which means that it traps water under the roof. Trapped water can cause the substrate to rot and will also lead to the formation of allergenic mold and mildew. As a result, it is generally recommended to avoid covering the entire roof with an ice shield.

3. Synthetic is an expensive substitute for felt underlayment and has a number of advantages. It lasts longer, is more tear proof, and usually does not deteriorate. This underlayment can be breathable or non-breathable. Non-breathable underlayment acts as a vapor barrier, trapping moisture under the roof. Consequently, it is best to avoid it and not have to deal with the problems of rotting roof substrate and mold that invariably occur when there is too much water trapped under the roof.

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A roofing system consists of several parts that are constructed in a step by step process. Each component of the system is described below, from the rafters that come first to the skylights and chimneys that sit on top of the complete roof.

Roof Construction Video

1. Rafters

A rafter is one member in a series of sloped beams that are designed to support the roof deck and its associated loads. Rafters are typically made of wood and exposed rafters can be a feature of traditional roof styles. In modern construction, there is a preference for trussed rafters, which are made of one or more triangular units constructed with straight members, whose ends are connected at joints. Trussed rafters are manufactured off-site, use less materials, are easier to construct and therefore cost less than traditional rafters.

2. Deck / Substrate

A roof deck is a roofing material layer installed on top of the rafters and right under the insulating layers of underlayment. The primary function of a deck is to act as a unifying structural diaphragm by tying all the components of a roof together. In construction, a roof deck is also known as sheathing or substrate. All three terms refer to the same thing. A deck can be made from plywood, OSB/boards. A high quality roof deck must be rigid, should eliminate excessive positive or negative deflection under load, and needs to have a smooth surface free of any large cracks or gaps. It is critical for the deck to be evenly and securely anchored to the building structure. It must have a proper water drainage system, without which a roof performance will be compromised, if it is exposed to prolonged periods of ponding water.

3. Underlayment

Roofing underlayment is a special barrier that is installed between the deck/substrate and the surface material, such as roofing shingles, tile, etc. Underlayment is installed in an overlapping sequence from the bottom of the roof, going up. It provides added protection to the structure and the interior of the home against leaks, caused by rain and ice dams. There are three types of underlayment: felt, ice shield and synthetic underlayment. Felt underlayment is tar or asphalt saturated paper made with some fiberglass. Its the cheapest underlayment available, but it does not perform as well or last as long as other types of underlayment.

Ice shield underlayment is also known as Ice and Water Shield or I&W. It is a thick asphalt or bitumen based reinforced membrane that has a sticky surface, that adheres to the substrate. This membrane does not tear.In Northern states and Canada, building codes require the usage of I&W. This shield protects the roof from ice dams. For the best performance it should installed at the bottom 3 ft of the roof. The rest of the roof can be covered by regular underlayment (felt or synthetic).

Synthetic underlayment is an expensive substitute for felt. It lasts longer, is more tear proof, usually does not deteriorate, can be breathable or non-breathable. Non-breathable underlayment acts as a vapor barrier, meaning it traps moisture under the roof. This is bad because it makes the substrate rot and also causes the formation of allergenic mold and mildew. Read more about different types and uses of roofing underlayment here.

4.Roofing Material

Roofing material is nailed over the underlayment to the substrate. There are a wide variety of roofing materials available to homeowners that range in durability, longevity, level of protection, aesthetic look and design, as well as price. Materials include asphalt shingles, metal shingles, synthetic slate shingles, cedar shingles, clay and concrete tile, standing seam metal panels, EPDM, TPO and PVC membranes, copper materials, etc.

Asphalt shingles are a cheap material that is widely used in residential roofing, while metal and tile roofs are premium materials that are very costly, but offer superior lifetime protection and energy savings for your home.

5.Dormers

A dormer is a structural element of a building that protrudes from the plane of a sloping roof surface. They can be used in original construction or be added on later. They create extra usable space in the roof by adding headroom as well as allowing the addition of windows. If a dormer is not properly constructed it can lead to leaks and very expensive repairs. There are different types of dormers: shed, gabled, hipped, eyebrow, segmental. The most common types are gabled and hipped. A Gable dormer has a gabled roof, with two sloping planes that meet at a central ridge. A Hipped dormer has a hipped roof with three sloping planes that meet at the top.

6.Valleys

A valley is formed when two portions of a roof meet at an inside angle. These valleys are common to many roofs. Many times, a valley is created where the roof on the main part of the house meets the one on the garage, or when an addition is put on the original roof. A valley is a vulnerable area on the roof, as it can collect leaves, and other debris. In the winter, ice collects in the valley, and as the ice freezes and thaws, the shingles get worn down and often require repair or replacement.

7. Skylights, chimneys and other protrusions

Skylights, chimneys and other protrusions are the top elements of the roof structure. A skylight is a structure that allows light on the roof to travel to the interior of a home. Skylights are useful in spaces that do not receive a lot natural daylight. They offer an environmentally friendly solution to brightening a home. Using natural light rather than electricity as a light source can save energy and reduce electricity bills.

A chimney is a vertical structure for venting combustion gases or smoke from a boiler, stove, furnace or fireplace to the outside atmosphere through the roof.

8. Roof Installation Costs

On most installations, you will not be dealing with framing or substrate, as those are usually associated with new homes. On existing homes, you may encounter framing and substrate repairs / replacement only if your roof suffered severe damages, due to prolonged leaks.

If you are faced with roof replacement, you can use our calculator to estimate roof replacement cost for most items listed above: new underlayment, plywood replacement, chimney and skylight flashing, etc.

The post Roof Construction – Framing, Substrate, Underlayment and Shingles appeared first on Roofing Calculator - Estimate Roofing Prices.

Estimate the prices of new asphalt shingles roof with our Roofing Calculator.

Different Types of Asphalt Shingles

Within the class of asphalt shingles materials there are different options you can choose from, ranging from the most basic 3-tab shingles to upgraded, superior quality laminated shingles. Some of these options are more expensive than others, and you will have to decide whether their extra benefits are worth the extra cost.

Classic 3 Tab Shingles

If you are on a budget and are looking for the most basic yet quality shingle material for your roof, the classic 3 tab shingle is a great option. For decades, this has been and still continues to be the most commonly used shingle on most residential roofs in the US. The 3 tab shingle is about 1-ft. tall x 3-ft. wide, and has the same thickness throughout. From the bottom end, narrow slots are cut about half-way up the shingle to create three tabs. Each one is about 5-in. tall x 12-in. wide. This construction results in a clean, flat look throughout your roof.

The 3 tab shingle offers a number of benefits and safety features. It typically carries a 25-40 year prorated warranty (for details read our section on asphalt shingles longevity and repair, below). It is wind resistant up to 60 miles per hour and carries a 5 year warranty, which should be just fine if your house is located in a region that is not prone to strong winds.

Laminated / Architectural Shingles

It is easy to get confused when shopping around for an upgraded version of an asphalt shingle, since this shingle has a number of different names. Laminated shingles, architectural shingles and three-dimensional shingles all refer to the same thing. The main difference and advantage of these shingles is that they have at least two layers of fiberglass matting that are individually coated in asphalt, and then laminated together. This construction creates extra thickness. Laminated shingles have a warranty that is correlated with their thickness; the thicker the shingle the longer the warranty. For example, triple laminate shingles carry a lifetime warranty. This feature enables laminated shingles to have better tear off resistance; some are rated to resist winds of 120 miles per hour. If you live in a hurricane prone region of the US, investing more money for the added security of your home is a smart financial decision. Another important safety feature of laminated shingles is strong fire resistance. This is especially true of laminated shingles that have a heavy granulated top coat, which provides the highest Class A fire rating.

Premium Style Options with Laminated Shingles

If you would like your roof to have great curb appeal, laminated shingles are the right choice for creating a variety of custom looks that will suite many home styles and different aesthetic tastes. Unlike other asphalt shingles, the laminated ones create visual depth on a roof, which is why they are also called three-dimensional shingles.

Depth is created by a special process of installing thick and thin shingles side-by-side. This is done by taking a flat shingle and trimming it to have tabs that are separated by large gaps. Next, an extra shingle layer is bonded below the tabs.

This added shingle is a large, solid rectangle whose surface is hidden by the overlying tabs, and is therefore visible in the spaces between the tabs. The result is a roof that looks like it is made with thin and thick shingles placed in a natural and random, yet orderly way.

In addition to offering a great look, laminated shingles have a special design feature that helps prevent a common aesthetic problem: black streaks caused by algae. This problem is very typical on shingles in regions with high humidity and frequent rainfall. Laminated shingles are more algae-resistant, because they are coated with copper or zinc granules, which leach over time, inhibiting algae growth.

Longevity, Repair, and Environmental Concerns

How long do asphalt shingles last?

Typical 3-tab or “30-year” architectural shingles will last 15-25 years, and ONLY when properly installed, and with adequate roof ventilation. If your attic is not ventilated, shingles will “cook” from excessive heat, dry up, become brittle, and the roof will begin to loose granules (which protect shingles from UV radiation). Inevitably, leaks will occur, requiring occasional roof repair or a complete replacement.

See a special report video by CBC, on how long asphalt shingles REALLY last, and what your warranty covers (or not):

Environmental Considerations

If you are giving purchasing asphalt shingles serious thought, you should also be aware that this is not the most environmentally friendly material on the market. Since asphalt shingles are made with petroleum, their manufacture contributes to the negative environmental impacts of recovering and processing petroleum. These include water pollution and emission of toxic gases that contribute to global warming.

Another issue is that at the end of their service life, asphalt shingles have to go to our landfills, which are already overflowing. While theoretically they can be recycled, the logistics and costs are usually too high. Contractors must go out of their way to recycle old shingles, which includes separating them from other debris during roof tear-off, and coordinating with a recycling company for storage and pickup of old shingles. Since most roofers do a roof / day, they will not bother with recycling old asphalt shingles. Additionally, there are very few companies that engage in asphalt shingles recycling, and are not present in most states (in part due to tough regulations and costs).

Asphalt shingles are also NOT a “cool roof”. They attract solar heat and store it all day long, transferring the heat into the attic space, which drive up cooling costs. While some asphalt shingles come with “cool roof” coating, they or only marginally cooler than regular asphalt shingles.

Consider Roof Slope When Choosing Asphalt Shingles

NOTE: You should not install any type of asphalt shingles on a roof pitch of less than 3 in 12.

Because asphalt shingles are designed to help rainwater run off a roof, a minimum pitch of 4 to 12 is required to install asphalt shingles correctly, and avoid premature leaks.

To learn more about what roof pitch is, and how to calculate it, click here.

Brands of Asphalt Shingles

There are more than a dozen asphalt shingles manufacturers in the US and Canada, and many of them specialize in manufacturing of other roofing materials, as well as a complete line of accessories that goes along with their asphalt shingles.

These accessories include:

• Roofing underlayment (felt / tar paper, Ice & Water Shield, synthetic underlayment, etc).
• Ridge Vent
• Flashing
• Static or power vents
• Ridge cap shingles
• Drip edge metal
• Step flashing
• Many more roofing accessories.

The most prominent manufacturers include: GAF / Elk, Certainteed, Owens Corning, Tamko, IKO and others. Please note that the order in which these companies are listed does not imply that one is better than the other, or that the first company is better than the last. Judging which one is better is very subjective, and you need to look at MANY aspects, before making your decision as to which brand to use. In our experience, most asphalt shingles are more or less equal in quality, and you should be choosing a contractor first, and a shingles material second.

Alternatives to Asphalt Shingles

One of the best alternatives to asphalt shingles is metal. Metal roofs typically outlast asphalt by 3-4 times (35-50 years) and often last much longer. Metal roofs are cool – they reflect solar heat, instead of storing it and heating your attic. They are not prone to ice dams, which are the leading cause of leaks in the northern states and Canada.

Metal roofs come in a variety of styles and colors – you can get traditional vertical panels (standing seam) look, metal shingles that resemble real slate, cedar shingles or tile, and many other profiles. Check out our metal roofing guide for more info.

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