FAQs

FAQs

Weather-Tite Exteriors

Have a Residential Roofing Question?

Have a residential or commercial roofing-related question? Weather-Tite Exteriors has the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!

  • What makes a GAF Elite Master Contractor so good, and how are they different from a standard roofer or even a certified roofer?

    Only 3% of the roofers in the nation are considered GAF Elite Master Contractors. This is because it’s a very difficult certification to achieve. GAF verifies a list of qualifications prior to granting a company the Elite Master status. They include: 


    • Clean banking record (no overdrafts, negative info)
    • Clean distributor reference (means we pay our bills)
    • No liens, or judgments unresolved on record
    • Great workmanship record
    • Minimum 7 years in business – 1 year in their Certified program
    • 99% customer satisfaction based on independent surveys from GAF
    • $1 million general liability coverage + proper and valid workers compensation
    • Satisfactory rating with BBB (We have an A+)
    • GOOD or better credit rating

    Click here to learn more.

  • I think I may have hail or wind damage. Do you inspect for these types of damage?

    Yes. Our staff is very experienced in hail and wind damage. Many companies offer to work with your insurance company, and in the next breathe offer to pay your deductible. Paying deductibles as a contractor is illegal. Our team will advocate on your behalf at the meeting with the Insurance adjuster. Remember the adjuster works for the insurance company, and we work for you. We will ensure that everything that should be covered is covered. Our goal is to get your property back to or better than pre-storm condition.

  • What is a complete roof system and what makes it different from an average roof?

    The Complete Roof System that we install consists of all GAF products. We do this for a couple of reasons.


    Number one, the product line is made up of quality products. By installing this System you can be sure that we are not asking our supplier for the cheapest Ice and Water, the cheapest 15# felt, or any other part of your roof. If your contractor isn't showing you the exact products that are going on your roof, you can bet you're getting the cheapest products the supplier has to offer and you're probably paying as much as you would for a quality System from Weather-Tite Exteriors and GAF.


    The second reason we use all GAF products is the warranty. On a single-family residential home, we can offer a 50-year Non-Prorated Full System Replacement (transferable once within 20 years). This warranty includes all GAF products installed. So naturally we are going to have every part covered. This warranty will cover your Ice and Water Barrier and Shingle-Mate Underlayment (We offer 15# Felt with every bid to provide you the option, however, this will not be a GAF product and as a result will not be covered by the warranty), Starter Strip, Shingles, Ventilation, and Hip and Ridge Shingles (Cap). By using this CompleteSystem we also avoid the possibility of a cheaper quality underlayment, ventilation product, etc.. from another company prematurely aging your roof and possibly voiding your warranty.

  • I think I may have CertainTeed organic shingles and they are failing early. How do I make a claim?

    At Weather-Tite Exteriors, we’ve helped many homeowners file a claim that results in a return from CertainTeed. If you believe you have these shingles, please contact us. We’ll visit to complete an inspection and determine whether or not your shingles are covered. If they are, we’ll help you start the claim process. For additional information, visit www.certainteedshinglesettlement.com.

  • Do I need to replace my gutters when I replace my roof?

    The technical answer is No. Replacing your gutters is a decision based on a many different variables. Take into consideration the remaining effectiveness when compared to your new roof. If your gutters will need to be replaced sooner than later, then it is a good idea to replace them now to ensure the proper trim can be installed. This is especially important if you have spike style fasteners (large nails through the face). These spikes tend to work there way out with the thaw and freeze cycles, allowing water into the fascia board and rotting it out. The new gutters will be hung using hidden hangers and screws. The limited longevity and increased liability of your gutters may make the cost of new gutters easily palatable. Also, most homeowners would agree that the increased ascetics compliment your new roof resulting in a very finished look. This is a good improvement especially when selling one's home.

  • Steel vs Asphalt

    If you're debating the age old question of weather to have a steel roof or asphalt roof installed, you are not alone. Both roofs have their advantages and disadvantages. Lets start with steel. The life span of steel has been proven to stand the test of time. Weather your thinking about standing seam (vertical) steel or granulated steel shingles, you can bet the roof you install will outlast the conventional asphalt roof. Coated galvanized steel can be coated to extend its life even more. The granulated steel shingles are made of galvanized steel coated with a thick G20 galvanized coating. The granules are set in a thick layer of acrylic adhesive which has a surprisingly strong bond. The bottom line, steel is the real deal. It does have what most folks see as a disadvantage, and that is cost. The upfront higher costs can be justified in a couple of different ways. If you plan to be in the home for a while, you may avoid paying for another asphalt roof during the time you own the house. Also, the likelihood of leaks from a steel roof is less simply because of the nature of installation. And finally, the cost of steel may surprise you, in a good way. Often times depending on the material used, we can do steel for just a bit more than asphalt. Call us to get an estimate and then you can make an informed decision.


    Asphalt shingles are a great choice for a couple of reasons. The modern asphalt/fiberglass shingle is the result of testing using modern technology. With innovations in design and composition, the GAF shingles that we install are the best to date. Choosing asphalt will put you among the major majority of homeowners buying roofs today. With the combination of cost and warranty, the asphalt shingle is a great choice. Aesthetically pleasing with a variety of colors and designs make the asphalt shingle a centerpiece for many homes.

     

    For more information on steel and asphalt roofing give us a call or contact us today.

  • How important is attic ventilation?

    More important than many people think. Poor attic ventilation can ruin your insulation, destroy your shingles, and raise your energy bills. Proper attic ventilation systems allow a continual flow of outside air through the attic, protecting the efficiency of the insulation and helping to lower temperatures in the living space. It consists of a balance between air intake (at your eaves or soffits) and air exhaust (at or near your roof ridge, or peak).


    It is estimated that 9 out of 10 homes in North America do not have proper attic ventilation. Why? Because most people are unaware that attic ventilation can impact the longevity of their entire home! For example, in the summer, improper ventilation can cause attic heat to build in excess of 160°F. This super-heated air eventually penetrates the ceiling insulation into the living area below. A properly ventilated attic can help reduce the load on your air conditioner by moving the super-heated air out of your attic before it builds up and causes damage.


    In the winter, various household appliances, bathtubs, showers, and cooking vapors can contribute to excess moisture build-up. Improperly ventilated attics will allow this moisture to collect and cling to the underside of the roof. The moisture will condense and fall, soaking the attic insulation and reducing its efficiency.


    Finally, attics should be properly ventilated to help prevent ice dams in cold northern climates like ours. During the winter, ice and snow on a roof will melt and run down the deck to the cooler eaves. This run-off can re-freeze, creating an ice dam that may force water back up under the shingles and leak into your home — causing hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage to your ceilings and walls.


    In the most recent era of home building attic ventilation has become a priority. With products from house wrap under siding and synthetic underlayments on roofs to higher R-Value insulation and windows and doors that actually seal, we have effectively stopped the house from ventilating itself. These houses are generally designed with large overhangs at the soffit area to accommodate air flow from soffit to peak. This applies to many homes built prior to this era as well. As these homes are being renovated and updated with new windows, siding, doors etc.., they are being sealed up. This is something that we will take into consideration when giving you an estimate on your roof. There are some great products on the market to help us get the air moving in your attic.

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