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A Leak-proof Roof Begins with an Airtight Roofing Estimate

Writer's picture: Michael "AJ" Sammler Michael "AJ" Sammler

Updated: Jan 17

Getting the right roof over your home or business begins with understanding what’s baked into the roofing contractor’s estimate. 


Save money by understanding your roofing estimate

If you're planning to re-roof your home, office or apartment building, I thought I’d offer a few thoughts from this side of the contractor/client relationship. Having worked as a roofer and owned a roofing company in Reno, NV for 30-plus years, I think I could offer some valuable input at this stage of your research, particularly before committing to a contractor.

Give the following a read. It might help you better understand what the contractor is planning and what surprises you should be aware of. Ultimately, you should be confident that you know precisely what you’re paying for when all is said and done.


  • Class-A Shingle Blah Blah
    • Virtually every composite shingle is a Class-A shingle. Some contractors talk this up like it’s a big deal. The fact is, Class A doesn’t say much about the shingle quality. Every manufacturer has their own “Class A” recipe. What’s important is knowing who makes the shingle.

    • Our estimates, for example, specify either CertainTeed, GAF, or Malarkey Class-A composite shingles. We use those brands exclusively because of their high tar content, low filler volume, reliable seal-down strips, and demonstrated ability to stay in place for the roof's life. (Note: we won’t use shingles by manufacturers whose names end in “O.”)

    • Ask your contractor why they specify a particular shingle and if a warranty accompanies the installation. (See the warranty bullet below.)


  • Flashy New Flashing - 
    • Your estimate should specify that ALL the flashing around chimneys, vents, waste pipes, skylights, and solar tubes will be removed and replaced with new metal. Flashing, like any component, wears out. This is the opportune time to update it and prevent leaks and future headaches. 


  • Ridge-peak Venting Technology - 
    • Roofing technology has evolved over the past 15-20 years, especially with attic ventilation and heat dissipation. Today, ridge-peak venting has eclipsed the traditional galvanized can vents found on most older roofs. The newer roofing technology incorporates venting into a raised, weathertight shingle that caps the ridge (where two roof sections meet to form the ridge peak). The elevated shingle allows attic heat to escape along the entire length of the roof ridge during the summer. Can vents only release heat at the site of the roof opening, which is typically not the highest point on the roof. Ridge-peak venting shingles are inconspicuous and don’t require punching a hole in the roof to discharge heat. I recommend the more aesthetic, functional ridge vents unless your budget doesn't allow it. If you stay with can vents, ask your contractor to color-match all the venting on your roof, including waste pipes. 

      Make sure your roofing contractor provides a quality warranty on their roofing work.

  • Ask for the Warranty -
    • Warranties, like roofing companies, vary widely. Some organizations and handyperson outfits don’t offer one, while others offer limited 2-year coverage or a variation on the theme. I back up Sammler Roofing’s work with a 5-year written labor warranty on installing a new roof (I believe it’s the most comprehensive warranty in the Truckee Meadows/Lake Tahoe area). Ask to see the warranty beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable with the terms and to avoid misaligned expectations.

    • Call or email me if you’d like to review the Sammler Roofing warranty as a basis for comparison with other contractors. 775.354.1130 and

      Michael@SammlerRoofing.com


  • Contractors License Number -
    • Per Nevada law, all documentation, including the estimate, must prominently display a contractor’s license number. If you hire someone without a license, you're wading into precarious waters and will have little recourse if the roof fails. The Nevada State Contractor’s Board will be unable to help. You can search for a contractor’s license number here to learn of any disciplinary actions, too.


  • Stated Monetary Limit -
    • The estimate must list a roofer’s monetary limit. This figure represents the largest single job the company can undertake based on its financial standings and time in business. Newer businesses won’t have high limits. I caution against testing your luck on a company with a posted monetary limit lower than the cost of your job.


A Few Closing Thoughts 

First, I recommend securing three estimates so you can compare how each company would approach your re-roof. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll learn about roofing while gaining a solid sense of the expense and expertise each would bring to your job.


Get three roofing estimates

Second, scrutinize the estimate and ask the contractor specific questions about materials, warranty, timing, and anything else you may want to know. The contractor should openly entertain your inquiries. I personally appreciate when a homeowner gets into the nitty gritty about their roof. Questions often reveal hopes and expectations and can uncover intricacies about the home that are important to learn. If your queries get pushback, that may be your signal to look elsewhere.


Finally, follow your intuition. I realize this is obvious. But if you don’t see the detail and specifications in the estimate, or your gut is nagging you, heed that inner voice. Your roof is too important to disregard red or even light-red flags.


I hope this helps your research. If you have additional questions or would like me to explain something about this post in greater detail, please call or email.

 


Michael Sammler, owner of Sammler Roofing in Reno, Nevada
Michael Sammler, Sammler Roofing

Sammler Roofing has protected homes, apartments, and businesses in the Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe regions with beautiful, long-lasting roofs for 30 years.

If you’re evaluating roofing contractors and looking for information about re-roofing your home, apartment, or business, email me or call me at 775.354.1130. I’ll gladly take a look, discuss your options, and provide an estimate.



 

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