Frequently Asked Questions
1. Roofing Questions2. Workmanship Questions
3. General Questions
Roofing Questions
Q. How will I know if I need a new roof?
A. While leaks are an obvious clue that your roof needs attention, the condition of the shingles will determine whether a repair or replacement roof is appropriate. When worn out, shingles sometimes curl, warp or lose granules and may have missing or damaged shingle tabs. Pay particular attention to any visible signs inside your home such as discoloration spots on the wall, loose wallpaper, peeling paint on the ceiling and drips.
Q. If a new roof is necessary, do I have any options?
A. Pond Roofing recommends a complete removal of the old roof system for homeowners seeking a replacement roof. While it is possible to re-roof or re-cover existing shingles with a new roof if there is only one layer, possible dry rot underneath the first layer would remain undetected. In addition, placing a new layer of shingles over aging shingles may give the roof an uneven appearance. During the initial “tear-off” of the old roof, we will inspect the existing decking materials for dry rot and advise you on the work required to correct the problem.
Q. What will the estimator look for when inspecting the roof of my home?
A. Pond Roofing estimators inspect the roof covering, the drainage systems, the flashing (around skylights, chimneys, vent pipes), the ventilation systems, and the roof's rafters and trusses (if access to the attic is available). See roof diagram.
Q. How long will a new roof last?
A. The lifetime of a roof depends on several factors including its exposure to natural elements such as sun, rain, humidity, wind, snow and ice. These conditions will eventually age the roofing components.
If you have a few roof shingles that are damaged or missing this can have a cascading effect of weakening adjacent shingles, shortening the lifetime of the roof. Clogged gutters also pose major problems to roofing components. Gutters that do not drain properly will allow rain water to flow back onto the roof underneath good shingles possibly rotting the decking. Overflowing gutters will eventually cause problems along the fascia such as paint peeling, mildew and wood rot. Read about our Gutter Protection System »
Inadequate roof ventilation and insulation can also reduce the lifetime of roofing components. Without sufficient attic ventilation, extreme temperature variations between the attic of the home and the outdoors will cause an expansion and contraction of roofing components which may rub granules off shingles and cause the shingles to curl.
See Attic Ventilation »
Depending on the selection of roofing components, new roofs are given a 25-year to limited-lifetime manufacturer's warranty. EPDM (rubber) roofs have a manufacturer's warranty of 10 years. In general, the validity of a manufacturer's warranty is determined by the manufacturer's specified roofing components which must be installed together, and they include: the eave guard membrane, felt underlayment, shingles and roof ventilation system. You must choose an approved applicator who is certified to install materials according to manufacturer roofing guidelines in order to meet the requirements of their warranty.
Manufacturer Warranties for Asphalt Shingles
CertainTeed Warranties
Owens Corning Warranties
GAF Warranties
TAMKO Warranties
EcoStar Warranties
Q. Are estimates free?
A. Yes. Please call to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced estimators. After our inspection, we will provide you with a written proposal detailing our findings, options and cost.
Q. Do you provide roof inspections for home sellers or buyers?
A. Yes. For a $300 fee, Pond Roofing will inspect the roof and write a letter reporting the current condition of the roof and if any repairs are required. Please note that there is no warranty with this letter of inspection.
Q. Can a new roof lower my energy bills?
A. A properly insulated attic and a well-ventilated roof will help you reduce heat loss and moisture condensation in the winter and heat retention in the summer enabling you to conserve energy. Adequate ventilation and insulation in your attic will also help reduce the possibility of ice dams from occurring caused by uneven roof temperatures and melting snow.
Q. How can I receive Federal Energy Tax Credits for a new roof, windows and doors?
A. The guidelines for the Federal Energy Tax Credits contain specific timelines and product performance ratings determined according to regional zones. For updates and details about Federal Energy Tax Credits in Virginia, please consult the Energy Star website: Tax Credits and How To Read the Energy Star Label.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credits: Consumers who install solar energy systems (including solar water heating and solar electric systems), small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell and microturbine systems can receive a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service before December 31, 2016; the previous tax credit cap no longer applies."
Source: www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm
Q. Do you install skylights and sun tunnels?
A. Yes, Velux and Starlight are the brand that we most frequently use. Specialty skylights and sun tunnels can be custom fabricated to accommodate your home lighting needs. We also do complete interior finished light wells (framing, insulation and drywall).
Q. Do you recommend a gutter protection system?
A. After years of researching different products such as gutter screens, gutter covers and gutter guards, we are pleased to have been awarded an exclusive dealership in Northern Virginia to install Gutter ProTech®, a virtually self-cleaning gutter protection system. Reviewed and tested, ask about Gutter ProTech®.
Q. Do you do chimney work?
A. Yes, flashing and new Portland cement rain caps. Any major chimney repairs must be referred to a mason.
Q. What is an ice dam?
A. Melting snow often refreezes on the roof's overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. Ice dams block proper drainage into the gutter and can cause water to backup underneath roofing components triggering wood rot of decking and rafters. During heavy snow periods, an accumulation of snow, ice and water may clog downspouts and gutters, damaging them beyond repair or tearing them off the house.
While there is no guarantee against ice dams forming, the following preventive measures will reduce your risk:
- Make sure your attic has adequate insulation and check that insulation does not cover your soffit vents. If you don't have soffit vents, consider adding them.
- Install sufficient ventilation to expel heat and moisture. Ridge vents combined with soffit vents will improve attic air flow and validate most manufacturer's shingle warranty requirements for ventilation.
Workmanship Questions
Q. What happens when the roofing materials are delivered to my home?
A. Approximately 2 days before your job is to begin, the roofing material will be delivered to your home and loaded on the roof. If there are power lines, tree branches or other obstacles blocking delivery, the roofing material will be unloaded in your driveway. We do request that you keep the driveway clear on the day the roofing material is to be delivered. (Please note that if you currently have a shake roof, the new roofing material cannot be loaded on to your roof and will have to be unloaded in your driveway.)
Q. What preparation do I need to make inside my home before the work begins?
A. Please make sure that any valuable items are covered in your attic because a certain amount of saw dust and debris will unavoidably fall. If we are removing skylights, please make sure a drop cloth is placed under the opening to catch any falling debris.
There will be vibrations during a roofing job so it is recommended that ceiling fixtures are protected and that all pictures and other items of value are removed from the walls. If you need assistance, please be sure to ask us before the project begins.
Q. Will you protect the garden and shrubs around my home?
A. Pond Roofing takes every precaution to ensure that the home and surrounding areas are protected during the roof installation process. Please mark any underground sprinkler heads and make sure outdoor furniture is protected and barbecue equipment is covered. We would be happy to assist in moving any items that you would like protected.
Q. Do I have to be home during the roofing project?
A. Not unless you want to. Roofing is a noisy, messy project, but when we are through, you should not be able to tell we were there. If you have children, please make sure they remain inside during the installation. If you have pets, please keep them indoors. After the completion of the job, your property will be raked and a nail magnet will be used to pick up any debris. After the first rain, you will probably see shingle granules that wash out through the gutters which is a natural process. Nails may also wash out through the gutters so it is a good idea to check your yard for debris that may not have been visible to the roofers at the time the job was completed.
General Questions
Q. Are you licensed and insured?A. Yes. We hold a Virginia State Contractor's License Class A 2701032098, as well as all local business licenses. We are fully insured with liability and worker's compensation insurance and will gladly provide copies of both our license and insurance certificate. You may also download Pond Roofing's credentials and certifications from our site. See About Us »
