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Items to Compare |
Metroplex Standards |
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Shakes – What is the shake length? Shakes come in two commons lengths, 18 inches and 24 inches, and a variety of
thicknesses. In this area, 24 inches is the most common, applied with a 10 inch weather
exposure. This means that 14 inches of shake are covered by the layer of shakes above.
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24 inches with a 10 inch weather exposure as recommended by the
ICBO. |
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Shakes – What is the shake thickness? Shakes are tapered and have a tick end and a thin end. The thick end, the part
exposed to the weather, is the part that determines the shakes useful life. Two common sizes
are seen here. A ½” nominal thickness is referred to as a medium shake, and a ¾” nominal
thickness is referred to as a medium heavy shake. The thicker the shake, the longer it will
last. |
½” for the 30 year Imperial Shake. ¾” heavy for the 50 year Imperial Shake. |
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Shakes - What is the shake grain? If all trees were perfect, shakes would have all of the grain oriented directly down
the shake, the direction in which you want water to flow. Standard shakes have an average of
80% Edge Grain and 20% Flat Grain. Premium shakes use only 100% Edge Grain. |
Only Premium 100% Edge Grain |
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Shakes – What is the shake grade? It is rare to find a shake that does not meet #1 Grade standards as specified by the
ICBO, the International Conference of Building Officials. This is the new umbrella organization
that develops the International Building Code, the Uniform Building Code, and a host of others.
Although there are many quality agencies, all shakes to be used on roofs should be designated as
#1 Blue Label and meet 15-3 standards. |
#1 Grade Blue Label |
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Shakes - What is the treatment applied? Prior to application, cedar shakes can be treated with a variety of processes to
prevent decay, fungus, and insects. Optional treatments are with fire retardant, but generally,
this cannot be applied with the antifungal treatments. In the Pacific Northwest, CCA (Chromated
Copper Arsenate) is considered the preferred treatment. |
CCA treated for both the 30 and 50 year Imperial Shake. |
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Shingles – What is the exact product name?
What are the shingle specifications? There are many fine
manufacturers of quality asphalt composition shingles, and most want to try to differentiate
themselves in some way. Be sure that you are comparing the exact same product if you are given
a brand name. For example, there is a very large difference between the CertainTeed
Presidential Shake and the CertainTeed Presidential Shake TL. If you are comparing different
brands, try to compare the specifications side by side. Note: If you live in a neighborhood
with homeowner covenants, be sure to check with your homeowner’s association to see what type of
roofing materials are permitted in your neighborhood. |
We are proud to be able to install quality shingles from a variety
of quality manufacturers including: Elk
CertainTeed
GAF
Owens Corning
Malarkey
PABCO
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What ridge cap will be used? Some roofers will try to
get by with a less expensive ridge cap than is specified for the product being installed.
This is a potential weak point in a new roof and is cosmetically unappealing. |
Specific ridge cap products as recommended by the manufacturer for
the product being installed. |
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What is the manufacturer’s warranty? The principal warranty on your new roof is provided by the manufacturer of the
roofing material. Typical warranties last from 20 to 50 years with a very small number of
products offering a Lifetime Limited Warranty. Sometimes these warranties are only available
when the product is installed using supporting materials (such as starter shingles) from the
same manufacturer. |
Clearly stated depending on the product selected. |
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What is the installation warranty? This is the
warranty provided by the roofing contractor that the product has been applied according to
building codes and manufacturers recommendations. Is one supplied in writing? Very
long warranties may be a sign that a company has no intention of honoring the terms. The
sad fact is that most roofing companies will not be around in ten years. Most experts
agree that a two year warranty is sufficient to understand if a roof has been applied properly. |
Two year written Limited Warranty. |
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Paper (felt). What weight of felt or shake liner is
used? An essential part of your new roof is the coated felt paper
that is used underneath the shingles or between the layers of shakes. Common felt paper ranges
in weight from 15 to 30 pounds, with heavier being better. The ASTM is the American Society for
Testing and Materials. Unscrupulous contractors may try to use, cheaper, non-certified papers. |
Only 30 pound ASTM felt and shake liners used. |
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Sheathing. What is the type and grade of sheathing being
installed? Sheathing is the part of your roof beneath the felt paper
to which the shingles or shakes are attached. If you are replacing a shake roof with a
composition roof, the shake (skip) sheathing must be covered with solid sheathing. Some
companies use pressed board or fiber board, a cheap alternative to plywood. ½” CDX plywood is
used in quality roofs and is manufactured with exterior grade glue. |
Only ½” CDX grade plywood is used for new composition roofs. |
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Fasteners. What type and size of fasteners are being
used? Different products are best applied with different types of
fasteners. Cedar shakes can be applied with either nails or staples, while composition should
only be applied with nails. The nails or staples should be at least galvanized. Hot-dipped
galvanized is best for nails, and stainless is the top of the line for staples. Some
manufacturer’s warranties require that a minimum number of nails be used in a shingle. |
Shakes: Premium quality stainless steel. Will not rust or react
with shake treatment. Composition: Hot dipped galvanized
nails, at least 6 to the shingle applied in a wind resistance pattern. |
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Flashing. Flashing is the
metal that is used in problem areas on a roof or when the roof meets a wall or another roof.
Flashing should be applied at all roof edges. Flashing is expensive and an easy way for
unscrupulous roofers to skimp on your job. Some attempt to reuse old flashing while others
will not place flashing on roof edges. Plastic flashing around plumbing pipes is
inexpensive but does not last as long as lead. |
New 26 gauge steel at all roof junctions and edges. Lead
vent pipe flashings. |
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Ventilation. Your roof requires proper ventilation to
remove excess moisture that can cause rot and significantly shorten its life. Roof vents
are inexpensive while ridge vents cost considerably more but are superior in performance and
appearance. Be sure that the proper number are being installed. |
Ridge vents are used where possible, augmented by roof vents as
required. |
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Permits. Some cities require
building permits to re-roof a house while others do not. If no mention is made of building
permits, make sure you have a clear understanding of who pays for this if it should be required. |
We call these out as a separate line item in our bids when they
are required. |
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Waste Disposal. When a new
roof is applied, there is usually a substantial amount of waste generated from the removal of
the old roof. Make sure you understand who is responsible for the disposal fees which typically
run from $300 to $600. |
We include all of these costs in our bids. |
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