Slope
  • This represents the steepness of your roof.
  • The steepr your roofs slope, the more expensive the labour costs will be.
  • Steep slopes outperform lower slopes.
Layers
  • This represents the number of layers of shingles that are currently on your roof.
  • (MORE LAYERS=GREATER COST). )
  • You are allowed two layers on your house. 
  • If you put a second layer on your roof,  the shingle warrantee is identical to if you did a complete tear-off.
Square
  • This is the unit of measurement for roofs and is used in labour and material costing.
  •   It is based on area. 
  • 1 Square  = 10ft x 10ft = 100ft2.  Or a roof surface measuring 12*12 has a 14.4 square (144 ft2)
Tear-off
  • This means that the company will remove everything on your roof up to the plywood.
  • If you do require new plywood, this should be specified in the estimate.
Ice and Water Shield
  • A durable waterproofing membrane.
  • It is used around chimneys, in valleys and at the eve for added protection during the freezing-thaw periods.
Felt Paper
  • An underlayment that provides added protection to your roof. 
  • The warrantees on all fibreglass shingles strongly suggests that roofs with slopes under 8/12 be felt-papered. 
  • We felt paper every roof, regardless of slope
  • We use "perforated felt", which is significantly thicker and more durable than the "metric" felt.
Vents
  • Ventilation is key to ensuring your roof will have the longest life expectancy possible.
  • The rule of thumb is that 50% of the ventilation be at the eve and 50% be at the ridge. 
  • It is further advised by the manufacturers of the shingles and the building code that 1 vent installed for every 300 sq ft of roof surface.
  • The best ventilation is provided by a product called ridge vent.  It is a continuous line of ventilation that runs along the ridge of the roofline. 
  • Whirly bird vents are not recommended.  They are expensive and let the weather in.
Dripedge
  • This is piece of aluminum that is applied to the edge of the roof line. 
  • It protects the edge of the roof as water is shed during rainy or snowy weather.
Plywood
  • If your quote states that you will require new plywood, make certain that the company you choose is using plywood and not an inferior product such as OSB (made of wood chips, fibres and lots of glue -- very heavy!!). 
  • The thickness of the product should be at least 3/8 inch.
Flanges
  • A covering for the pipes that protrude through the roof.
  • The pipes ventilate the plumbing and the flange helps mask their gurgling sounds. 

Shingles
The ultimate protection for your roof. 


Checklist: 21 Questions to Save You Time, $$ and Frustration
Roofing 101

A Word to the Wise...
THE BITTERNESS OF POOR QUALITY
      far outweighs the sweetness of low price!
         -Benjamin Franklin

           Therefore, if quality and value are what your want, call or email PR1ME Roofing
It can be said that the contractor industry as a whole has a bit of an embarrassing black eye. In fact, it ranks in the top tier of the most complained about industry among consumers.  Please take the time to ask the questions below to ensure your project gets done on time and on budget.
When in the market for a new roof, please get 3-5 estimates.  We recommend you remove the lowest and highest quotes from consideration for the following reasons:

Lowest
  • Failure to carry WSIB (its expensive).
  • Failure to carry Liability Insurance.
  • The lowest quote may have missed somthing that is required on the roof.
  • Failure to certify their employees.

Highest
  • Lack of work.
  • Overcharge of seniors and single women
  • High overhead, such as subcontractor
1. How long have you been in business?

2. Do you have complaints filed against you with the BBB?

3. What documentation do you have that proves you’re qualified?

4. Do you require an advance deposit on all jobs?

5. What experience or proof do you have that you can do (whatever I need)?

6. How many times have you done (whatever I need) before?

7. What guarantee do you have that you will show up on time?

8. Do I get a written quote (for larger projects) and how is it calculated?

10. What is your employee screening process before hiring (or if working with an individual, check his or her background)?

11. Do you have policies for how you or your employees will conduct themselves in my home? If so, what are they?

12. How will I contact my craftsman before and during the job?

13. What steps do you take to communicate with me before, during and after my job?

14. Will you come back at no charge and fix any problems with your work that show up after you leave? For how long?

15. What guarantees do you have in writing?

16. How long will it be before you can start work on my job?

17. Do you have a current business license?

18. Do you have proof of insurance?

20. Do you have letters of reference from past customers that I can contact?

21. Do you have a written safety program and follow safe work practice?

To weed through the lawn of the less-desirable, use this checklist as a guide when interviewing potential contractors. Feel free to email us if you think there are any additional questions that need to be added!
About Getting Estimates
Please click here for the BBB's rating and list of roofing contractors in our area.  Please look at the reports of those companies that you are considering hiring. 

For Example, if the company has an A rating and not an A+ rating, look at the complaints that have been filed against that company!
Do Your Homework
Shingle Warrantees...
All of the Shingle Manufacturer's have changed their warrantees on their 30 and 40 year shingles.  They are all now calling their previously 30 year shingles "Limited Lifetime Warrantee Shingles"  with a 50 year warrantee.  Please see the charts below to see how IKO's and Certainteed's warrantees are set-up

IKO

Certainteed
Know what your dealing with...
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