Roof Components

• When roofing shingles require new installation, the underlayment (tar or heavy felt paper) is also replaced with new materials. The roof decking, sometimes called the sheath, may also need to be replaced. The shingles and paper are attached to the deck and the plywood panels secured to the rafters, but these may have been damaged if the roof experienced significant water, termite or dry rot damage. The dormers, roof truss and rafters provide the basic support for the entire roof. These rarely require repair or replacement, except in cases where roof repairs have been long neglected. Understanding the basic roof components will establish a common vocabulary when talking with the contractor and installers. Ask detailed questions to understand the exact nature of the repairs or replacements.
  
  

Material Selection

• Collect information to make an informed decision based on material factors. Many roofing manufacturers offer free consumer information on the Internet. Paper brochures may also be requested from many companies by mail or on the toll-free information numbers listed on the websites. GAF/ELK, CertainTeed and TAMKO (links are listed below) all provide comprehensive information packages. GAF/ELK also offers a DVD describing the roofing process titled "Consumer's Guide to Avoiding Roofing Disasters." This information itemizes options such as color, durability, required care and composition of the roofing materials.
  
  After reviewing literature from the various companies, make two lists. One list should include the individual roofing requirements and the other should list the wishes of the homeowners. As the owners research roofing, the lists can be expanded or items eliminated due to cost or details that are discovered through the research. Specific wishes may include the shape or style of the shingle. Requirements might include a set price limit or particular color material that matches the exterior on the home. Each company has unique offerings. If a particular style or color is not available from one company, be sure to check other manufacturers.
  
  

Warranties

• Roofing is grouped according to lifetime expectation. Warranties typically list lifetime, 40-, 35-, 25- and 20-year levels. The National Roofing Contractors Association provides an excellent summary article warning homeowners about the limitations of warranties and guarantees (see link in Resources section below).
  
  Climate is another factor that must be taken into consideration. In areas with extreme weather conditions such as icing, wind and excessive heat, materials must be able to withstand the additional wear and tear. Examine warranties and labeling for weather guarantees. If these are not listed specifically in writing, do not assume the roofing will hold up to extreme weather conditions. Verbal warranties from roofing companies should not be taken as product warranties.
  
  

Quality Work

• The most important consideration when replacing a roof is to select a qualified professional roofing company to do the work. Roofing professional associations such as the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, along with individual manufacturing companies, provide specialized training for contractors installing roofing manufactured by the company. Ask potential contractors to provide copies of their certifications that match the specific roofing product used on the home. This provides a reassurance that quality work will be done and that the product will be installed according to certain specifications. Guarantees may include free replacement product should the roofing be installed incorrectly.