home maintenance
Oct. 5th, 2006 03:27 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cellioThe roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. No acute problems, but it's about time to start talking to purveyors of replacements. There are books on the third floor, after all. :-)
If you have comments (pro or con) about roofers in the Pittsburgh area, I'd appreciate hearing them.
If you have favorite resources (particularly if they're on the web) that will help us make whatever decisions are involved (materials, what else?), I'd definitely like to hear about them.
If you have comments (pro or con) about roofers in the Pittsburgh area, I'd appreciate hearing them.
If you have favorite resources (particularly if they're on the web) that will help us make whatever decisions are involved (materials, what else?), I'd definitely like to hear about them.
(no subject)
Date: 2006-10-05 05:08 am (UTC)When you choose a contractor, call the state and check his licence number. It's so obvious that most people dont bother.
Our area has a Freecycle-related group called a Neighborhood Network, where we can rate or suggest local contractors. You might have something similar.
I prefer Timerline product, which is an asphalt shingle. It has a good hurricane rating, and it has very good rainflow control for our needs. It also lasts a surprisingly long time.
Factor in whether you prefer a dark roof for lower heating costs, or a light roof for easier cooling ( I prefer light, a dark one is often covered in snow when you need it to do it's thing )
If you are able, get up on your roof yourself, and feel the material.
It is a lot like tortillas: It is supposed to be pliable, but becomes "crisp" as it ages. Sometimes one side ages worse than the other. If the grit is coming off easily, that's also another bad sign.
Be certain you have proper ventilation on and in your roof. We invested in extra venting, and are pleased we did. It allows the roofing material to handle changes in weather more easily, extending its life, as well as making the attic safer by allowing excessive heat buildup to escape.
http://www.reroofingshowroom.com/pricing.html
http://www.gaf.com/General/GafMain.asp?Silo=RES1&WS=GAF ( has a good panel on choices, a little hard to get to. Click on Roof Selector, have fun )
http://www.housingzone.com/probuilder/article/CA6367300.html