While we do not offer residential services at this time, we can offer some basic advice when it is time to replace the roof on your home:

1. Hire only licensed contractors that specialize in the field of roof replacement and flashing work.
2. Get at least three bids from three separate contractors and compare the scope of work.
3. Check your contractor's license number. In the state of Oregon, the Oregon Construction Contractor's Board is a great resource for accessing contractor information, including licensing information, insurance information, and past claims made against the company. The CCB is a State agency that regulates contracting businesses, and keeps track of contractor information that can be helpful in making an informed decision.
4. Call at least three references from each of your bidders and ask them specific questions about past performance.
5. Make sure that the scope of work outlined by your contractor is very clear. If possible, outline a scope of work for your contractor. Make sure to include all facets of a project, which can include:
   1. Removal and legal disposal of existing roof system(s) that currently cover your residence.
   2. Repair of damaged or defective sheathing or decking (i.e. water damage, insect damage, etc.),
   3. Protection of vegetation, lawns, decks, sidewalks, driveways, and other property during the course of the project.
   4. Proper sheathing (as well as attachment) in the event that your home has spaced sheathing once the original roof is removed.
   5. Proper underlayment, eave, and roof penetration treatment.
   6. Proper attic ventilation.
   7. Adequate insulation, if included or applicable for your project.
   8. Selection of the right roof system, which can include metal, asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, tile, slate, or even low sloped roof systems for "flat" roofs. Make sure you find out how the system will be secured to your home for the best protection against wind damage.
   9. Provide proper metal flashings at rakes, eaves, ridges, penetrations, chimneys, etc. Make sure to choose a metal material that will last the life of your roof system, such as precoated galvanized steel, stainless steel, or copper. Sheet metal materials should be at least 26 gauge.
   10. Make sure new flashings are properly weather-lapped with your home's siding or exterior finish system, and include proper finishing of possibly damaged siding into your scope of work.
   11. Include gutters and downspouts if necessary (this is a good time to replace old ones). Remember to extend the bottom of the downspout at least 4-feet from the foundation of your home.
   12. Make sure that the contractor is responsible for protecting the home from water damage in the event of a sudden rain storm during the performance of the work. Have protective canvas or plastic tarps ready (provided by the contractor).
   13. Clean up all debris generated from the project, including old roofing materials and new material scraps. Include cleaning of gutters and downspouts, and cleaning of all grounds around the house. Using a large rolling magnet is a good idea to help pick up hidden nails in lawns and ground covers.
6. Make sure your contractor references standards that are considered acceptable for the work that will be installed on your residence, including your local governing authority (for Oregon: the 2005 Oregon Residential Specialty Code; for Washington: the 2006 International Residential Code, as adopted and amended by the State of Washington) , the National Roofing Contractors Association, and the roofing material manufacturer's published installation instructions.
7. Remember; there are certain code items and manufacturer requirements that pertain to your residence and the performance of your new roof system, including:
   1. Current code allows no more than 3 roof coverings over a residence or dwelling. There are a number of exceptions to this rule, and they should all be evaluated before making a decision to leave an existing roof in place. For roof replacement projects, we recommend removal of all existing roof layers so that an appropriate inspection of the existing roof deck can be made. Also, some manufacturers will not warrant their materials when installed over an existing roof system, as the performance can be adversely affected.
   2. Install appropriate and adequate ventilation for your attic space or spaces between rafters on vaulted ceiling. Eave to ridge venting usually works best for standard roof systems. Make sure this is worked out by your contractor for the configuration of your residence.
   3. Make sure that your structure can hold the weight of your new roof system. Some of the newer products that are available are rather heavy, along with tile and slate roof systems.
   4. Fire and wind ratings are important for some areas. Check with your local governing authority for requirements with regard to wind and fire, and make sure the products that you choose are rated for the region and location that you are installing them.
8. Get a written contract from your contractor with terms that you understand and agree on. Make sure the scope of work is included on the contract, or made an attachment or amendment to the contract.
9. If the project is going to be billed on a monthly basis, don't let the payments get ahead of the work. Make sure work-completed percentages closely match how much money the contractor is asking for.
10. Hold at least a 10% retainer for the end of the project, and don't make a final payment until you are satisfied with the job.
11. Do not pay your contractor in cash.
12. Keep a job file on your project, including contracts, payment requests, manufacturer's installation instructions, and other product information.
13. Make sure that your contractor pulls a permit for your project and have it posted on the site. Make your contractor responsible for arranging timely inspections with the City, County, or other governing authority responsible for construction inspections.