Roofing Services

At Rich Home Exteriors, we never, ever install a new roof over an existing roof or rotted wood.  In our professional opinion, it is like putting a new band aid over an old band aid.  You are not addressing the core of the problem.

Installing a new roof over an existing roof greatly increases the weight load on your rafters.  The additional weight in combination with snow and ice can have your roof go from being an integral part of protecting your loved one and possessions to actually becoming a danger to your loved ones and possessions.

When we give you an estimate on a roof, we need to find out your problem areas.  In many cases you may think you need a new roof when a simple repair will solve the problem.

One of the most important concerns about your roof is proper air flow.  It is imperative to have proper air flow in your attic.  Too little air flow promotes too much heat which causes premature aging of your roof shingles, of your roof deck itself and you will use more energy to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Improper air flow can also cause mold growth, which can cause health issues and cut down on the lifetime of your roof deck. Insurance companies will not as a rule cover mold issues.

	In cold weather, warm air generated by laundry, showers, dish washing and cooking can linger in the house and cause moisture build-up. Which can lead to Ice damming and leaks!
	In the summer, heat build-up encourages premature aging and cracking of wood and roofing materials. Unwanted heat can also transfer back down into living areas, reducing energy efficiency.

The only way to combat these problems is with a balanced ventilation system. In a balanced system, wind blowing over the ridge creates a negative pressure that draws the warmer air out of the attic. Replacement air enters through the undereave or soffit vents, bathes the underside of the roof, and exits at the ridge cap through ridge vents, roof vents or gable vents. Even with no wind, the natural convection action of rising warm air maintains a continuous airflow along the underside of the roof. It's a system that works year 'round with no moving parts or energy consumption.

It is our policy to completely strip the roof area to be roofed.  This holds true for shingles, rubber or metal.

Once the roof is stripped, the roof deck is inspected for rotted wood, (soft spots), nails pops or missing nails and swept clean in preparation for roof installation.

Our definition of stripping a roof is all shingles, metal or rubber, snow slides, ice & water shield, paper, drip edge and vent a ridge are removed and disposed of, (Our prices ALWAYS include construction debris removal at no additional charge to the customer).

Once your roof deck is stripped, this is the time to check on your existing skylights.  Chances are that your skylight was installed at the same time your roof was shingled.  Now is the perfect time to get a new energy efficient skylight. 

Heavy duty drip edge is installed on all roof edges and is manufactured by Caliber. 

Drip edge is installed on the eaves BEFORE the ice and water shield is installed and on the rakes AFTER the ice and water shield is installed.

This drip edge is heavy enough that when a ladder is placed against it, it will not dent.

At Rich Home Exteriors we use Stormguard Ice & Water Shield on all our roofs.  This is a premier membrane composed of two waterproofing materials-an aggressive rubberized asphalt adhesive backed by a layer of high density laminated polyethylene.

Ice and water shield is applied in all critical areas of your roof.  Critical areas are chimneys, sky lights, in all valleys, up the walls where a porch roof would go into a house wall, eaves and along all ridge caps.

The ice and water shield needs to be three feet up on the heated areas of your home.  This means that if your overhang is 3 feet, you will need 6 feet of ice & water shield on the perimeter of your roof.

Stormguard Ice & Water Shield helps prevent wind driven rain from entering your roof.  It also helps prevent leakage due to ice dams because of its ability to seal around fasteners.

On the balance of your roof, we install GAF Shingle-Mate roof deck protection.  This is a fiberglass reinforced product.  The Shingle-Mate roof deck protection lays flatter then regular felt paper.  This avoids the issue of bubbled felt.  Regular felt paper can tear under roofer's boots in hot weather.  Shingle-Mate Roof Deck Protection does not. GAF Shingle Mate meets or exceeds the performance criteria of ASTM D4869 and ASTM D226.

The first row of shingles is the starter row.  Most contractors use 25 yr. three tabs cut in half.   However, Pre-Cut starter strip shingles are available with the GAF roofing system products.

There are many shingles available on the market today.  They range from 25 year three tabs, 30 year architectural, 40 year architectural, 50 year architectural and LIFE TIME Shingles! 

GAF Roofing shingles also come in a variety of colors and styles. This allows you to really give your home curb appeal! 

Roofing shingles also have wind ratings.  If your home is in a high wind area, make sure you check the wind rating on your shingles.  A heavier shingle is advisable in a high wind situation.

We like to point out to our customers that our labor is the same no matter what shingle we install.  Take your time to research the products being used on your home.  Putting a heavier shingle on your home, for example Timberline®, Specialty or Designer shingles, gives you piece of mind and increase the resale value of your home with the non-prorated 50 year warranty backed by GAF the nations largest shingle manufacturer.  We would also like to point out that the cost of building products usually increases over time, rarely decrease.  Consequently, it is more economical, to install the best shingle you can afford now rather then later. 

There is a correct way to install shingles.  It is very important that your roofing shingles are installed according to manufacturer's instructions!  If your roof is not installed per manufacturer's instructions, the manufacturer's warranty is null & void. (A FYI for you homeowners, the instructions for installing the shingles is printed on each package.)   

On the ridge of your roof we install GAF Cobra Snow Country Ridge vent. We cut open the ridge to be vented and the Snow Country is installed over the opening.  Cap shingles are then installed over the ridge vent for a watertight seal.

At Rich Home Exteriors we take great pride in the products we recommend to our customers. 

We encourage our customers to take time to research products available so you get the best products for your home.

Remember, you roof protects your family and all your valuables.