Roofing

Roofing Archives for the Interstate Roofing blog, we serve the Portland & Vancouver areas. We do residential, commercial, new and repair: call 503 684-5611

Know Your Roofing Facts: The Anatomy of a Roof

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The roof of your house acts as the home’s protective barrier. It shields your home from harsh environmental conditions, such as heavy rains and strong winds. But most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their roof or how to protect it. If that applies to you, don’t worry. Interstate Roofing has you covered. We’ll go over the anatomy of a roof, so you’ll learn everything you need to know to extend the life of your home’s protective barrier.

You may not think you need to be knowledgeable about a roof’s layout, but understanding how a roof is constructed will help you better care for and maintain it. It will also help you more easily understand and communicate with a roofing contractor should you need repair or replacement work. So let’s get into the basics of how a roof is constructed and what you need to know about the major components.

Decking

The anatomy of a roof begins with its decking. This is essentially the first layer of the roof, which acts as its foundation. Everything else will be layered on top of this base layer. The decking is laid on top of the roof’s structural components, such as the trusses and joists, and can be made from a variety of materials—most commonly oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood.

In order to protect your decking from moisture absorption, you’ll want to make sure you keep your attic properly ventilated. If the decking absorbs too much moisture, it will cause the wood to swell and shrink. This can cause the roof’s shingles to buckle. We’ll discuss shingles in just a minute.

Underlayment

Once the decking is installed, the wood panels should immediately be covered by the underlayment. The underlayment is a sheet of “paper,” usually made of felt or synthetic materials, that is rolled on top of the decking before shingles are installed. A roof’s underlayment provides extra protection against environmental elements if a roof’s shingles become loose, displaced, or damaged.

Flashing

Flashing refers to metal pieces that collect the water that gathers on a roof and divert it away and ultimately into gutters. It’s usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel and can be found anywhere along the roof where water is likely to collect. For instance, flashing is often found along the base of the chimney, plumbing vent stack, fan vent, or any other place that protrudes from the roof.

Since moisture buildup can erode a roof and greatly diminish its lifespan, flashing is an incredibly important component to maintaining the roof’s overall health. That’s why you’ll want to make sure it’s properly installed. One of the most common causes of roof leaks is faulty flashing, so you’ll also want to make sure it’s well-maintained and functioning properly.

If you notice leaks around the chimney or corners of your roof, it’s likely a flashing issue. To spot problems before they arise, make sure you inspect your flashing on a regular basis. If you notice holes, signs of corrosion, or that the flashing has loosened, these are all signs your flashing will need to be repaired.

Shingles

Shingles are likely a term you’re familiar with since they are the visible component of the roof that forms the outermost layer. Like flashing, shingles protect your roof from the elements, such as heavy rains, wind, snow, and other environmental factors that can wreak havoc and spell trouble for your home. Fortunately, it’s often easy to spot shingles that are in disrepair.

When inspecting the roof of your home, check for any loose or missing shingles. You should especially inspect a roof’s shingles after a heavy storm, as strong winds can often blow the shingles loose. In addition to looking for displaced shingles, you’ll also want to check if any shingles are lifting or curling up. If so, it could be an indicator that it’s time for a replacement.

You should also examine the shingles to see if there is any moss or mold buildup, cracks, or missing granules. All of these are signs that shingles will need to be inspected by a professional. When caught early enough, you may be able to avoid an entire roof replacement and simply replace the few affected shingles.

Other Common Terms to Know

The above components provide a good overview of the anatomy of a roof, but there are other terms you should know.

  • Downspout—The downspout is the tube that runs from your gutter to the ground and directs the flow of water away from your home’s foundation.
  • Fascia—The fascia refers to the board that runs along the roof’s overhang. It also supports the gutters and prevents water from damaging the interior of the home.
  • Soffit—The soffits run underneath the fascia boards and often provides ventilation for the attic.
  • Ridge—The ridge is the highest point of a roof.
  • Ridge vent—A ridge vent runs along the peak of the roof and also helps keep the attic ventilated.
  • Valley—A valley refers to a V-shaped area connecting two areas of sloped roof. Valleys help to discard runoff water.
  • Eaves—The eaves are the lower part of the roof that extends beyond the house.
  • Pitch—The pitch is the measurement of a roof’s steepness.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of everything you need to know when it comes to the anatomy of a roof. But it’s a good place to start. It’s an excellent idea to continue reading about and researching how a roof is constructed. The more knowledgeable you become, the better equipped you’ll be to care for your roof.

Since your roof is vital to the overall function of your home, it’s important to spot potential problems before they evolve into more serious issues. When a roof is well-maintained, it’s less likely you’ll need to call a roofing contractor for major repair work. So keep a roof over your head by following these basic tips. That way, you’ll only have to call in the pros at Interstate Roofing when you need a little reinforcement.

Tips for Finding Quality Residential Roofing in Vancouver

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So you’ve decided to have a new roof installed on your home. The biggest challenge you’ll face isn’t deciding what type of material will look best, or even what color tiles you want on your home. The most challenging obstacle you’ll face during the process is selecting which residential roofing contractor is best for your Vancouver home.

After all, your roof is one of the largest, most expensive home improvement projects you’ll ever take on. When done the right way, it can last for decades. You’ll be just as happy with your selection years from now as you are today. But if you trust a contractor who doesn’t provide top quality service, you might be facing problems soon after they drive away.

How do you know who to trust?

Finding residential roofing in Vancouver doesn’t have to be an impossible task. There are easy ways you can weed out the good guys from the bad. When you find a reputable contractor who delivers all that’s promised, you’ll know you got a great deal in the process.

What do you look for to ensure you’re getting what you paid for?

Start with Experience

This isn’t the time to trust a handyman who “knows a little about everything” and promises you he’ll figure it out as he goes. Your roof is as important as your foundation. If your roofing material isn’t installed correctly, you run the risk of putting your home and family in jeopardy. Experience is everything.

How do you determine how much experience your contractor has? Start with their website and learn a little about the company. Then look the contractor up on the State of Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board or Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Also, check the manufacturer’s website to see if they have been certified by the manufacturer. Experience only comes with time. The more roofs a contractor has installed, the greater the chance its employees will understand all the nuances that come with the installation.

Estimates

Pay attention to how a residential roofing contractor offers estimates. Most reputable companies will provide you with free estimates, but it’s good to ask or check the website before they come out and give a quote. Remember, an estimate is a chance for you to get to know the residential roofing contractor a little better before it works on your Vancouver home.

A roofing bid should include:

  • Full details on the project, including who is responsible for what and how payment terms will be handled
  • The full cost of the project, including who is responsible for obtaining permits
  • The cost of cleanup and removal of old roofing material and construction debris
  • Full description on all parts and materials used, including underlayment, flashing, shingles, and ventilation
  • Labor and material warranties
  • Proof of licensing, bonding, and liability insurance

Manufacturers Designations

A residential roofing contractor doesn’t create roofing materials from scratch. Instead, they install products from residential roofing manufacturers.

It takes a lot of work to be able to carry and install certain roofing products on your home. The contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be certified and able to install the product. GAF, for example, offers a Master Elite Contractor certification to only certain contractors within a geographical location. When you see a contractor has this rating, such as Interstate Roofing does, you can rest assured they have ample experience and knowledge to handle the job.

Of course, every manufacturer has its own list of requirements. If you decide on a particular product, you may wish to do a little investigation yourself. Roofing product websites will provide you with a lot of information about both their product lines and what it takes to be certified to use their products. If you have any questions, a residential roofing contractor should also be happy to explain the process. When in doubt, ask questions. It’s the best way to determine how reputable your potential contractor really is.

Ask About Safety

One of the most difficult home improvement projects is installing a new roof. The contractor you select will be working outside in the elements and will often be two or three stories off the ground. A contractor without proper training or safety procedures in place is an accident waiting to happen.

Roofing manufacturers know this and offer a variety of in-house training programs to ensure the contractors they work with stay well trained and have the best safety skills to keep everyone on the job secure. At Interstate Roofing, CertainTeed is just one of the roofing materials we use. They offer a full training and learning center to not only keep contractors up-to-date on how to use their products, but to also help educate consumers on what to know about installing a roof.

If you have a question about anything, ask the contractor before you sign on the dotted line to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible.

Don’t Give in to Pressure

When you’re ready to install residential roofing on your Vancouver home, we know that as ready as you are to make the decision, it still takes time to be assured you’re making the right choice. Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a quick decision. Roofing is something that, if done right, will last for decades. It will set the stage for curb appeal for years to come. Be sure you fully understand the process and are comfortable with your selection before you sign a contract.

A contractor who pressures you into quick decisions often has something to hide. They probably aren’t looking out for your best interests. They are often fly-by-night contractors looking to make a quick buck after a storm. Or they don’t have proper certification and aren’t being totally truthful about the work performance they offer.

Knowledge is power. Be sure you select the right materials for your home and that you’re happy with the color and style of shingle you’ll install on your home, but also that the contractor you choose to do the job will do it well. Not only will it impact the ambiance, but it will impact resale value too. Ask questions and make sure you can live with your decision for many years to come.

4 Must-Ask Questions for Your Roofing Experts

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When it comes time to repair or replace your roof—and if you own a home or building long enough, that time will eventually come—there are key questions you’ll want to ask your roofing experts before you sign on the dotted line.

You can already imagine that the top question anyone would have about this service is, “How much will it cost?” It’s a great question and one you should definitely discuss. Comparing quotes is an important part of the hiring process. Hire a company with a low-ball offer and you’re going to get what you pay for. Hire at the top range and you’ll feel like you’re getting ripped off.

But since you already know to ask about cost, let’s skip this and provide you with four other must-ask questions we know our customers don’t always remember.

1.Will You Need to Remove My Roof & What is the Cost?

Any reputable company will likely not be able to answer if your roof needs to be replaced or if it can just be repaired from a phone call alone. If you are having an issue, you should want your roofing expert to request a home visit to assess the problem before answering this question. This assessment should be free of charge and take place before you agree to any work or pay any funds.

Once your roof has been properly inspected, a keen roofing expert should be able to tell you whether or not your roof needs to be removed and replaced with a completely new roof. If this is the case, make sure this is a service the company provides and ask if it’s an added charge.

If you’ve selected one of the best roofing companies in town, the price should already be included in the cost of the new roof, and the workers should be able to take on the project from start to finish.

2. Do You Perform the Work or Hire Subcontractors?

When you select a company to perform a service, you expect that company to complete every aspect of the agreed-to project. However, when it comes to home improvement and maintenance projects, that’s not always how companies operate.

On occasion, companies will complete a sale and then pass along the project to someone else to do the actual work, each taking a cut of the profits. Sometimes it’s a legitimate and amiable business partnership. But other times the company doing the hiring knows little to nothing about the quality of service by the company completing the work. Roofing service is one of the industries where you’ll find this practice.

In order to protect yourself and ensure you’re receiving the customer service you deserve and the quality of work you think you’re agreeing to, ask the roofing experts you’re about to hire if they work with subcontractors.

If the answer is yes, ask for more details. This should be a red flag but not necessarily a deal breaker.

3. Do You Work with Specific Manufacturers? Who?

In all home improvement projects—and many other industries—there is a manufacturer (the actual creator of the product) and a distributor (retail store, roofing company, etc.). This partnership often benefits everyone.

On the business end, the creator can do what it does best, while the distributor can focus on what it does best. And, as the consumer, you can get the projects and services you want, and when and where you want them.

In the roofing industry, it’s very similar. A manufacturer, CertainTeed for example, allows specific, trained, certified contractors to sell its products. Now, CertainTeed prides itself on being one of the top shingle roofing manufacturers in the country, so they aren’t going to let just anyone sell their offerings. Instead, they handpick companies across the states that they know value quality and customer service as much as they do. In the Portland area, Interstate Roofing is one of its distributors and a top contractor in that region.

It’s actually a great thing if the roofing experts you’re speaking with work with high-quality manufacturers. The products they offer can show a lot about the quality of work you should expect.

4. Are You Licensed, Bonded, & Insured?

Certainly, you’ve heard to ask this question before, but when it comes down to it, do you actually ask all home maintenance workers if their company is licensed, bonded, and insured? If so, that’s awesome! Keep up the great work.

But, for many of us, if everything else seems to align, we often just assume that since the company seems reputable, it must have everything in order. While that’s likely the case, this assumption could be a costly mistake.

If anything should go wrong and you did not specifically confirm that the company you hired had the right paperwork needed to perform the work, you could be on the hook. Since roofing work is inherently dangerous given the heights of the projects, this isn’t unforeseeable. That means if a worker is injured on your property, you could be responsible for the medical bills.

Roofing projects are commonly expensive undertakings. The work is arduous and requires the right skills, the product needs to be high quality, and the project is time-consuming. It’s expensive for a reason. But don’t make it even more costly by forgetting to ask if a company is licensed, bonded, and insured. All three should be required by you before you agree to anything, and definitely before you sign anything.

Don’t fret that a company will be annoyed by this question. The best ones welcome it, as they are glad to show they are the right ones to choose for your roofing project.

Hiring a roofing expert can take some time, but the finished product and quality customer service you receive will be well worth the wait.

5 Reasons Interstate is the Best Portland Roofing Company

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Roofing repair and replacement is serious work. After all, your roof is literally your shelter from the storm. It’s what protects you from inclement weather and environmental elements. Not only should you never perform roofing work yourself, but you should also never hire an inexperienced roofing contractor. Doing so could wind up costing you thousands of dollars more in repair work.

Why not get it right the first time? That’s why we’re going to show you why you should hire Interstate for your roofing repair and replacement needs. Here are our top five reasons we’re the best Portland roofing company around.

Experience

One of the most important things you can look for in a roofing company is experience. Interstate Roofing has more than three decades of experience in the industry. We’re a multimillion dollar corporation, but it wasn’t always that way. We started from humble beginnings as a one-man show and have worked our way up to the top. Our success stems from our quality work and exceptional customer service. We’re certain those are the primary reasons we’ve been in business for so long.

Experience matters because the more experienced the more likely a company is to understand and adhere to safety standards. Not only do you want to hire a company that is skilled in performing your roof repair services, but you also want to hire a company that’s going to take safety seriously-both their employees’ and your own.

Roof repair and replacement can be dangerous work, so it’s important to place your trust in people who know what they’re doing. You should also make sure that whoever you hire is licensed, bonded, and insured.

Some companies try to cut corners and save costs. But Interstate is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. We make safety a priority by creating pre-job safety plans of action. This is important not only for our workers but also for you. When roofing work is performed on your home or business, your property is essentially turned into a construction site. Don’t you want a company that will put safety first? When you hire Interstate Roofing, you can be confident that proper precautions will be followed to a tee.

Reputation

Roofing contractors can make all the promises in the world when they’re trying to convince you to hire them for the job, so it’s important to do your research. One of the main reasons Interstate Roofing is the best Portland roofing company is that we can back up our word with our client reviews and testimonials.

Not only have we received rave online reviews, but we also have handwritten letters from customers thanking us for the quality service we provided.

In addition to testimonials, our clients also complete report cards. This allows you to see how our clients rate us on a variety of factors, such as professionalism and quality of work. We truly believe the mark of a good company is what its customers have to say about it. And we’re delighted to share that customers have glowing reviews for us.

Versatility

If you’re a business owner in addition to a homeowner then it’s likely that at some point you’re going to need to hire a roofing contractor to perform commercial work as well. Why not find a contractor that’s skilled in both areas? We offer a full-service company that specializes in both residential and commercial roofing. Instead of looking for two contractors, save yourself time by hiring a company that is experienced in both residential and commercial repair work.

Even if you’re not a business owner, you could still benefit from our versatile skill set. We not only work on roofs, but we also perform the dry rot repair and gutter work that often comes along with a roofing job. You can also save on heating and cooling costs with our attic insulation services. Add it to your roof project for special pricing.

Environmentally-Friendly

Interstate Roofing is eco-friendly. In fact, we’re a GAF certified green roofing contractor. We’ll help you go green by providing green roofing and home improvement products. We understand that there are a lot of options on the market, so we’ve developed a green solutions guide to help you find the best eco-friendly options for you. We offer a range of energy solutions to fit every budget, including Energy Star-rated shingles, skylights, solar tubes, and more.

Not only is going green good for the environment, but it’s also good for your wallet by saving you some green. We’ll help you determine which upgrades will help you qualify for rebates, for instance. Many of our green home improvement products will also help you save on your energy and water bills. That means you can get money back upfront and also save money in the long run.

Charitable

Charitable may not necessarily be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a roofing company, but that’s exactly what we are. After all, our community has put us in the position we are today. Our customers support us and, in turn, we want to support them. That’s why we make it a priority to contribute to charitable organizations on a regular basis.

We have a long-standing relationship with Habitat for Humanity and have recently begun an active involvement with other charities, such as ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington. Giving back is an important part of what we do. Interstate Roofing believes in adopting a generous spirit and we’re happy to do our part to keep the community thriving.

We could continue explaining why we’re the best Portland roofing company, but we’d rather show you. Give us a call for a free estimate or just fill out our online form here. We can answer your questions, address any concerns you may have, and give you the opportunity to meet with us personally. We know that we’re the best Portland roofing company. Now it’s your turn to find out why.

Interstate Roofing Offers CertainTeed in Portland, OR

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Are you looking to make renovations to your home by upgrading with CertainTeed in Portland, OR? Look no further than Interstate Roofing. CertainTeed is one of the most trusted companies in the home improvement business. If you’ve done your research and are looking for an environmentally friendly shingle option, you can’t go wrong.

Select a Company With Exceptional Values

CertainTeed was founded in 1904 and quickly became a leader in shaping the industry as a whole. One of its goals is to provide responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products and does so with tools that help determine how environmentally friendly a product is, from extraction to transportation, to manufacturing, to installation, to recycling, and even final disposal. If it doesn’t meet specific standards in each of these areas, it’s not included.

This impacts your final roof selection in many ways. For example, CertainTeed produces steep slope roofing products specifically with energy efficiency in mind. CertainTeed Solar Reflective Shingles use advanced technology to reflect solar energy and radiate heat far better than most traditional roofing materials. That means a cooler roof temperature in the summer months will provide you with year-round comfort and savings.

Or try the Landmark Series, which is Energy Star-rated and meets both solar reflectance and thermal emissivity requirements. Even if you select one of CertainTeed’s metal roofing products, the Tri-Pigment Reflective Technology will help turn any normal metal roof you may have on your property into one that can reflect up to 70 percent of the heat. That means total energy cost savings for you, plus a reduced carbon footprint for the environment.

Choose a SELECT ShingleMaster

Replacing your roof is an expensive home improvement project. It’s not a decision most take lightly. For many homeowners, the price tag can be a little overwhelming. Are there ways to cut back? Of course.

Yet consider the importance of your roof. Your roof protects your investment–your home. It keeps you warm, safe, and dry. If you choose an inferior product, it provides less than stellar results. If you choose a less than professional installer, anything can go wrong. And because roofing can last for years, decades even, why not do it right the first time?

CertainTeed offers a program to ensure installers are well-trained for the job. It takes time and dedication to receive the CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster certification. For you, selecting someone with the proper credentials means you’ll hire the right person for the job. This includes the following:

Expert Installation: To receive SELECT ShingleMaster certification, contractors have to comply with stringent requirements. That means they prove their expertise before receiving the certification and continue to be trained to stay up to date on the latest roofing technologies.

Quality Products: Working with a company who holds a SELECT ShingleMaster certification ensures your project will be completed using products directly from CertainTeed. From top to bottom, every part of your project meets the CertainTeed guidelines. We won’t skimp in certain areas, trying to cut costs with inferior products. We’re happy to walk you through the entire process so that you’ll know every need is met, from performance to the final look.

Top Warranties: There are two parts to every warranty – the labor and the product. Having a SELECT ShingleMaster install your roof means you’ll receive both and be fully covered for years. The extended warranty covers materials and labor for up to 50 years and workmanship for up to 25 years. That means that by using CertainTeed in Portland, OR, you can rest easy that your home will be safe from the elements for a long time to come.

What Kind of Roof Do You Have?

The good news is CertainTeed offers both residential and commercial applications to ensure you are fully covered everywhere you go.

Nothing is as important to you as your home. Home is where the heart is; your family lives there. A faulty roofing project can bring on many different problems, a leaky roof being only part of it. In many cases, water damage doesn’t show up for months, sometimes even years. And small trickles of water are always a problem.

Mildew, mold, and other biological growth can build slowly and become dangerous, even deadly. That’s why it’s important to select an exceptional product and top-of-the-line installation.

Your commercial property is important, too. On average, people often spend more time every week under the roofs of their offices or workplaces then they do in their homes. You can’t have employees or tenants unhappy because of a leaky roof. Or worse, sick building syndrome, with air quality toxic enough to leave people feeling ill.

If you’re looking to install a new roof using CertainTeed in Portland, OR, look no further. We will give you exactly what you’re looking for.

Residential

Is it time to replace your residential roof? Look for three things.

    1. High-quality products
    2. Beautiful colors you’ll love for years
    3. Peace of mind knowing your investment is protected

CertainTeed offers all of that and more. The landmark asphalt shingles offer the heaviest weight and widest array of colors. That can appease the side of you that cares about safety, as well as the decorator in you who wants to create a beautiful home with ambiance and curb appeal.

The dual-layered construction provides extra protection from the environment and with class A fire-resistance rating and a ten-year algae-resistance warranty, it’s a great product to have on your home as protection here in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking for CertainTeed in Portland, OR, you’ll be happy with the results.

Commercial

Of course, products aren’t limited to a residential application. If you own commercial property, CertainTeed has you covered as well.

Give our CertainTeed Flintlastic SA Roofing membrane a try. It’s the perfect choice for low slope commercial roofs. Consider this one of the highest technology-driven products in its class, which makes it a perfect addition to your commercial project.

Are You Ready To Upgrade?

You don’t just get the CertainTeed guarantee when you hire Interstate Roofing for the job. You get our personal guarantee as well. We’ve been in the roofing business since 1988 and we’re dedicated to helping you keep your home beautiful and weather tight.

Five Questions to Ask Portland Roofing Contractors Before Choosing a Company

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As a homeowner, it’s inevitable that at some point you’ll need to get in touch with Portland roofing contractors to determine who should fix or maybe even replace your roof. It’s also in our nature to not have a company front of mind when your roof starts to leak seemingly out of nowhere. But, even in a roofing emergency, it’s important to question at least a handful of local companies to determine who you should hire.

While it can be stressful to find a last minute roofer, if you ask the right questions, you will certainly find a company who is qualified to handle the task at hand.

To get you started, here are five questions you should ask Portland roofing contractors before making a final hiring decision:

Do you offer a warranty on the work performed and the roofing materials?

Most professional roofers will provide some version of a warranty, but it’s important to get the details of your coverage beforehand. For example, while one roofer may provide a workmanship warranty, this company may not be able to offer a manufacturer’s warranty.

At Interstate Roofing, we work closely with the top manufacturers in the industry and can provide product warranties on behalf of each. We also provide various workmanship warranties that include tear-off costs and flashing replacements.

While you hope to never have to use a warranty, if you select a company that does not offer at least the industry standard, then you are putting yourself at risk for shelling out large sums of money just a few short years after investing in your roof replacement.

Also, make sure to get the warranty in writing before committing to a company. That way you can closely compare the offerings and have proof of purchase if something does go awry.

Can I see pictures of work that you’ve completed that is similar to my project?

If you call a random Portland roofing contractor and hire the first person you speak with it’s 50-50 whether the work will be to your liking. For this reason, it’s important to know if the company you’re interested in has completed roofing projects similar to the one you’re requesting.

If your house has gables or a steep pitch, will your contractor know how to properly and safely navigate that type of roofline? Or, maybe you are looking for Portland roofing contractors who are experts in flat, commercial roofs. Either way, ask to see proof of past work.

While this may sound like you can’t trust the person you’re speaking with when he or she says the company has ample experience, you still must ask. In fact, contractors expect these types of questions and will not mind one bit. And, if someone does seem perturbed by your queries, then it’s not the company for you.

Are your past customers happy with your work? Can you direct me to reviews?

If you are calling Portland roofing contractors to perform work on your roof, you’re going to want to hire someone who other people would also recommend. Great resources beyond a company’s website where you can read reviews include Facebook, Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, and more, and that’s likely where a company will direct you, but it’s still important to ask.

Again, it may seem strange to ask, but great companies are proud to boast about their rave reviews and the excellent work they’ve completed. They want to show off their latest projects and share how they surpassed customers’ expectations both in workmanship and professionalism.

This question allows the company representative to share the many reasons why you should select that company over another and may even be the tipping point on whether it’s the one you ultimately choose.

Do you offer roof maintenance services?

While this may seem strange to be among our top five questions as you’re focused on the immediate problem at hand and not whether or not you want a roof cleaning each year, it is definitely an important one to ask.

It may feel trivial at this moment, but long term you will want to select Portland roofing contractors who you can contact any time something comes up, not just once every ten to twenty years when you need a roof replacement.

You can easily find a one and done company, but if you want to ensure you’re placing a quality product on your home with a top-notch local company, then you’ll want to know they’re going to be around to call when something comes up.

How do you maintain a safe working environment?

Again, this may not seem relevant, but it speaks volumes about a company culture. You don’t just want to hire a company that throws people up on roofs with abandon and considers their employees as replaceable. You want a company that puts the safety and health of their employees among their top priorities.

Working on a roof is inherently dangerous, so you’ll learn a lot when you ask this question. At Interstate Roofing, we’ll tell you we provide:

  • Thorough safety orientation training for all new employees.
  • Pre-job safety plans on all projects
  • Frequent on-site safety inspections
  • Formal accident investigations
  • Certified CPR and First Aid training
  • Generous safety incentives
  • And more

At Interstate Roofing, we value our employees—some of whom have been with us since our founding in 1988—so we put in place high standards to ensure each individual stays and remains safe on each project site.

This list of five questions is by no means comprehensive. Other questions you should certainly ask include pricing, company history, environmental considerations, proper insurance and licensing, and any specifics related to your project at hand.

All top Portland roofing contractors who take pride in their work and their company will be glad to address these and any other questions you have so that you—the consumer—can make an informed decision.

At Interstate Roofing, we looking forward to working with you and can’t want to answer the many questions you might have for us. Reach out today!

5 Reasons Composition Shingles Are Your Top Roofing Option

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When it comes to choosing a roof for your home, it can be easy for you to get confused or feel overwhelmed about which type to pick. You’ll want to choose a roofing option that is the best fit for the structure and that also offers plenty of benefits.

One notable option is composition shingles. These are a type of shingles that have a fiberglass reinforcing mat at the center, which is then coated with mineral fillers, as well as with asphalt. This asphalt coating is what makes the shingles waterproof. The top surface of the shingle is then embedded with a layer of ceramic granules.

So, you may be wondering, what is it about these particular shingles that sets them apart from the rest? Composition shingles are one of the most popular options in modern roofing. In fact, they make up about 85% of home roofing systems. And, when you look at what kind of benefits they provide, you’ll understand why that is.

1. First of all, composition shingles are a very affordable option.

The low upfront cost of these shingles is a major reason why they have become so popular. The cost per square foot is lower than other roofing options, and the framework to hold these shingles is also typically less expensive. This means that you can get high quality and aesthetically pleasing shingles that will not cost you a fortune. Because composition shingles are also typically quite easy to replace, this will further help by cut costs if repairs are ever required.

2. The fact that these shingles are relatively easy to install, repair, and replace is another great benefit.

Contractors have found that it takes less time to install and replace composition shingles than it does for some other roofing options. Once installed, if you lose a shingle, they are easy to repair on a one-on-one basis. Overall, they are also relatively low maintenance.

Since composition shingles are so popular, they are also more readily available. Some less popular roofing options aren’t available in every area, meaning you would have to search to find them or to find a contractor. Fortunately, nearly every roofing contractor will know how to install and repair composition shingles.

3. Composition shingles are also highly durable.

These shingles are known for having a longer lifespan than some other types, often lasting for several decades.

When you choose composition shingles, you can have peace of mind knowing you can count on them for years to come. And over the years, composition shingles will also be able to flex and adapt to a roof’s movements due to expansion and contraction.

The durability of these shingles also means they are great protection against the elements and do not allow for moisture buildup. This is especially great in the Pacific Northwest region, where roofs can take quite a beating from harsh UV rays, lots of rainy days, high winds, and hail.

Composition shingles are also highly flame resistant, which can protect your home from fire damage. These shingles can also help to prevent mold, algae, or fungus from growing.

4. Composition shingles can also be a very eco-friendly choice.

These days, contractors understand that more and more people are looking to do whatever they can to live in an environmentally conscious way. And the materials used to build a home are a major factor in this intention.

When you decide to go with Interstate Roofing for your contractor needs, you’ll find that we offer sustainable roof shingles. This includes shingles that are Energy Star rated. Interstate Roofing is a GAF Certified Green Roofing Contractor and offers many green roofing and home improvement products. Aside from sustainable roof shingles, additional green products the company offers include skylights, solar tubes, and solar-powered vents.

Composition shingles are a greener choice because they help to shield your home from harmful UV rays, which can also decrease your energy costs. CertainTeed, one of the manufacturers Interstate Roofing works with, has sustainable roof shingles that reflect solar energy far better than traditional roofing shingles. The composition shingles themselves can also be recycled.

Interstate Roofing is very committed to going green beyond offering sustainable roof shingles. Unlike other contractors, Interstate Roofing employees will recycle the construction debris, so it doesn’t just end up in a landfill. You can find more information about this commitment to going green and the sustainable roof shingles here.

5. When you choose composition shingles, you get to pick from a variety of options.

A roof, of course, isn’t just for protection against weather and the elements. It is also a key component of a home’s overall aesthetic. Some roofing options only offer one kind of look. However, with composition shingles, you can choose from a wide range of different colors and styles to complement the architecture and landscape of the home as a whole.

Manufacturers are also offering roof shingles that come in “cool colors”, which help to make the roof shingles more sustainable. This is because the lighter colors will better reflect the sun’s rays.

Offering both composition shingles and single ply membranes, Interstate Roofing has been one of the largest roofing contractors in the Pacific Northwest region for over two decades now.

No longer do homeowners just throw up any old roof onto their homes. You are selective and particular, as you should be. You want a product that is durable, long-lasting, green, and looks good, too. At Interstate Roofing, we will help you determine the best composition shingle for your home and you’ll be delighted with the results for years to come.

The Best Portland Roofing Contractors Will Recommend Roof Maintenance to Ensure its Longevity

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A home should be your shelter from the storm, both literally and figuratively. Your roof is one of your best line of defenses, so it’s important to maintain it properly. Roof repairs can be costly and a major inconvenience. That’s why the best Portland roofing contractors will recommend roof maintenance on a regular basis.

Interstate Roofing has three decades of experience in the roofing industry. Not only do we provide quality roof installations, we also help our clients maintain them so that they’re long-lasting and durable over time. We’ll show you some important ways you can care for your roof to ensure that it holds up well, saving you the expense of costly repairs.

The first thing to remember is to be proactive.

At Interstate Roofing, we help our clients do that by offering maintenance agreements. Not only do our maintenance agreements include regular inspections, they also come with the added benefit of priority service. After all, it’s best to avoid waiting until you have a leaky rook to call for help. By that time, your home could be severely damaged and require extensive repair. Instead, make regular service appointments with a trusted Portland roofing contractor who will help you identify the potential for damage and address it before it becomes a major issue.

What should these appointments include and how often should they be performed?

If possible, you should have a quality roofing professional perform roof maintenance twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. There are also some occasions throughout the year when you’ll want to schedule additional appointments, as needed. For example, it’s best to have your roof inspected following a major storm event, such as an earthquake or hailstorm. If any issues are detected, you’ll want to take care of them immediately to prevent further damage from arising.

During your preventative maintenance appointment, you’ll want to have your roof professionally cleaned.

Our roof cleaning services include removing any debris or build-up that may have formed on your roof, including algae, moss, mold, and mildew. Not only will this keep your roof looking good, it will also ensure that it stays well maintained. Allowing debris to accumulate can reduce your roof’s lifespan. Therefore, it’s important to have your Portland roofing contractor thoroughly wash your roof in accordance with industry standards.

In addition to cleaning your roof, your roofing contractor should also perform a thorough inspection.

This includes checking the roof surface for any damage or signs of weathering. Your inspector should also check the roof for any cracks, tears, or scratches in the surface.

Additionally, loose, damaged, or missing panels or shingles should be identified and replaced immediately. If you’ve had any prior roof repairs, those should be inspected as well to confirm they were performed correctly and that the issue has been adequately addressed. It’s a good idea to have a list of these ready for your roofing contractor, particularly if another company performed the repairs previously.

It’s also important that you perform a self-inspection of your roof to identify any potential issues or damage in-between visits.

Early detection of problem areas can help you avoid a huge expense later on, and while a professional contractor should perform regular inspections of your roof, there are still things you should be on the lookout for yourself.

For instance, inspect your roof for any signs of mold, moss, algae, or any other growth that may need to be removed. If you have a metal roof, examine it for rust or any other visible signs of wear and tear. Also, look for any loose or missing shingles, as well as any cracked mortar or caulking in the joint and chimney areas.

A common issue with roofs is the potential for leaks, so you should also be on the lookout for signs indicating leakage is present. This may include dark spots on the ceiling, or the presence of mold and dampness in the attic. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to contact your Portland roofing contractor immediately. Simple maintenance to address the issue can quickly remedy the problem and save you from a costly future repair.

While professional and self-inspections of your roof should be performed in the spring and fall, there are also certain maintenance tasks to be performed during the summer and winter as well. For instance, the weight of heavy snow accumulation poses a serious threat to the stability of your roof. By simply removing the snow from your roof with a snow rake, which can be purchased at most home improvement stores, you could be saving your roof from the threat of collapse.

Likewise, it’s important during the warmer months that you promptly remove any debris that has collected on your roof. The presence of sticks and leaves can cause unwanted growth, like algae, to form over time. Trimming back any branches that hang over your roof will help prevent the accumulation of sticks, leaves, and other debris. Be particularly mindful of this after heavy winds, storms, and other extreme weather conditions.

This may seem like a lot of work and we understand you lead a busy life. Scheduling roof maintenance may not always be at the forefront of your mind. That’s why our maintenance agreements will do most of the work for you. We’ll let you know when it’s time for us to come out to inspect your roof.

Having professional inspections conducted on a regular basis will help mitigate your risk for major repairs, as well as extend your roof’s lifespan. So contact your preferred Portland roofing contractor to schedule biannual maintenance appointments. After all, we don’t want this worry to be hanging over your head. Instead, the only thing that should be hanging over your head is a solid roof.

Three Big Mistakes People Make When Buying a New Roof

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Buying a new roof is a major investment. Find out what you can do to avoid making pricey mistakes along the way.

Between choosing the right materials, finding reliable contractors and keeping your budget in check, buying a new roof is a big deal. With so much on your plate, it’s easy to miss a few things. While many can be fixed along the way, some seemingly small oversights can turn into enormous problems, putting the brakes on your roofing project and blowing your end budget out of the water.

You might think that buying quality materials is the single most significant thing in ensuring that your new roof replacement goes smoothly, but a solid installation is just as – if not more – important. In fact, some of the worst roofing disasters, like leaks, abnormally high energy costs and roof collapse, happen because of bad contractors or missed checks. Making sure you don’t make the three common mistakes below can help you avoid the same fate.

1. Underestimating the Importance of Thoroughly Screening Contractors

You probably already know that you should be hiring a professional company with up-to-date licensing, but that’s not the only requirement for protecting yourself against fraud or sub-par work. To dig a little deeper, ask potential contractors for references from previous clients, get a feel for their experience level and talk contract terms. Getting a second bid on a project can also be extremely helpful, even if it is higher than the original, you at least have an idea of the market. –

2. Skipping the Inspection

You can get a price quote over the phone, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be accurate. Without a full inspection of your home, contractors can only give you a general idea of how much you can expect to spend based on the size of your roof and attic, the kind of features you want to install and the materials you want to use. If you’re on a tight budget, scheduling an at-home consultation is the best way to avoid unexpected expenses down the road.

3. Assuming Your Contractor Has Good Insurance

Because so much can go wrong during a roofing project, from moisture damage to personal injuries, hiring a company with a stellar insurance plan can make all the difference in case of a serious emergency. Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors invest in high-level coverage. For example, roofing insurance is typically more expensive and extensive than general policies that cover roofing under an umbrella of other services.

Are you in the market for a new roof in Portland? Contact us at Interstate Roofing to learn how we can help you get the job done right.

Elements of Green Roofing

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Creating an environmentally friendly roof for your home

Green roofing can take many forms. Some homes and businesses take the term literally and use roof space to grow plants. If you can’t manage the time and maintenance involved in that particular brand of “green,” try one of these simpler choices to make the roof of your Portland home more sustainable.

Recycled Materials

Building construction, demolition and upgrades generate millions of tons of debris each year, and most of it winds up in landfills. Much of this material could be recovered and recycled, and more companies are lowering their ecological footprints by doing just that. Take the environmentally friendly route by investing in roofing materials that are both recycled and recyclable.

Green Production

Another thing to look at when upgrading your roof is the manufacturing practices of the company providing the roofing materials. It’s no good to opt for something that seems green only to discover that harmful chemicals were used, and resources were wasted during manufacturing. Doing some research beforehand to find companies that use the most responsible production methods can not only help the environment, but can send the right message to manufacturers. Additionally it is important to verify that there are no harmful compounds on the shingles you buy that may leach off in the rain or contaminate the environment around your home.

Energy Smart

Choose roof shingles in light colors to reflect the heat of the sun and keep your home cool during the hottest months of the year. Adding overhangs around the edge of the roof provides extra shade that further reduces heat gains. By choosing “cool” roofing materials, you cut down on the amount of time that you need to run a fan or the air conditioner to moderate the indoor temperature.

Solar Power

If your budget allows, consider adding solar panels to your green roof. This helps to offset energy use within your home, which in turn cuts down on the resources you consume every day. Rather than relying on the main grid for your power, you have your own renewable energy source right above your head. It is possible to install enough solar paneling to have self-sufficient energy production right in your own home!

Longevity

The longer your roof lasts, the less waste is generated from repairs and upgrades. Look for durable materials with extended warranties to find the best options for a roof that stands the test of time.

At Interstate Roofing, we’re committed to being as green as possible. Contact us to find out more about our environmentally friendly options including Energy Star rated shingles, solar tubes and solar powered vents. When we replace your roof with a sustainable one, we won’t just haul the old roof away. We’ll take the materials to a recycling center where they can be re-purposed and used again for other roofing jobs, a practice that helps to sustain the environment by cutting down on waste.