Pittsburgh Residential Roofing Blog
Benefits of Shingle Roofs
Shingles are the most common type of residential roofing material. Asphalt shingles are less expensive than other options like wood, slate, or metal materials. Shingle roofing needs very little maintenance and therefore a low maintenance cost. They are easy and...
Why Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor?
Many people try to do their own home repairs. It is easy to look at instructions and videos online and try to tackle a repair themselves. When it comes to roof repair and replacement, however, hiring a roofing professional is worth it. A professional roofer has...
Removing Snow from Your Roof
Winters in Pittsburgh mean snow. Sometimes that snow can be very wet and heavy, which is dangerous for your roof. It can be difficult to know if the snow on your roof should be removed. Consider the age of the roof, the home structure, and the condition it is in....
Understanding your Roof Replacement Estimate #8: Warranties
Most roof replacement estimates will mention warranties and guarantees with limitations and for a specific number of years. Manufacturers' warranties usually offer coverage when there is a defect in the roofing material that causes leaks under normal conditions. A...
Understanding your estimate #7: Chimney Cricket
If the home has a chimney, a professional roofing contractor may recommend installing a cricket if there isn't one already. Cricket is a peaked construction at the back of a chimney to help prevent snow and ice build-up and to deflect water around the chimney....
Understanding your estimate #6: Ridge Vent
All roofs need to be vented to allow moisture to escape and prevent damage to the roof and the entire home. There are several types of roof ventilation systems. The most popular are ridge vents. They are installed along the ridge or peak of the roof and allow hot...
Understanding your estimate #5: Valleys
A valley is an angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes to provide water runoff. Because of the amount of water passing through that area of a roof, it is important to consider how the area will be protected when replacing an asphalt shingle roof....
Understanding your estimate #3: Drip Edge
Drip edge is another important and sometimes overlooked part of a roofing or re-roofing job. Even though manufacturers recommend it, and some require it for a valid warranty, some contractors do not include drip edge on their estimates. Drip edge is metal strips...
Understanding your estimate #4: Ice and Water Shield
The purpose of a roof is to protect the home from the elements; wind, rain, ice, etc. In most climates, ice and/or water are a concern you can't ignore. Owens Corning™ Weather Lock G Ice & Water Barrier Ice and water protection should be discussed for almost...
Understanding your estimate #2: Underlayment
One item that should be included on every roof replacement estimate is underlayment. Underlayment is a layer of protective material between the roof deck or plywood and the shingles. Often called felt paper, it is the first layer of waterproofing for your roof. In...