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Residential & Steep Slope
Roofing
Roofing Specialties - Residential Roofing, with slopes
from 2" in 12" and steeper, is called "Steep
and Sloped Roofing" by the Professional Roofing Contractor
Trades.
Many different materials are used for steep and sloped
roofing.
Photo Courtesy of
Ridgeworth
Roofing Co., Inc |
Shingles
Wood or Asphalt Composition
shingles are the most common roofing material
used in residential and other "Steep and
Sloped Applications" worldwide.
Shingles
are made of carrier sheets of organic or fiberglass,
coated with asphalt and granulated in
a wide array of colors. Asphalt shingles are made
to look like wood shingles. Many shingle manufacturers
have tested to the new City of Chicago Code requirements
for reflectivity. Some have not tested to these
new standards yet. Check with your professional
Roofing Contractor for specifics information about
City, County and National Code Requirements for
Roofing.
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Photo Courtesy of
National Park Service,
John Ingle Photo |
Wood Shingles
Wood Shingles are typically
made of cedar, and are used mainly on higher slopes
from 4" in 12" upward. They are very aesthetically
pleasing with a rich look. Also, if applied properly,
Wood Shingles have a long life expectancy. |
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Photo Courtesy of
All American Roofing, Inc. |
Wood Shakes
Split wood shakes are aesthetically
pleasing and long lasting. Shakes, due to their
rough look, are desired in certain architecture
concepts. They are also more difficult to install
than typical shingle applications. |
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Photo Courtesy of
CertainTeed Corp |
Slate & Tile
Slate roofs have been used
in many applications, worldwide. Slate ages very
well on roofing applications. However, slate application
is very specialized, with few contractors specializing
in this type of material installation. |
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Photo Courtesy of
Tuscher Roofing Co. |
Flat Roofing Systems
In many cases, there are
flat roofs on residential structures. Please refer
to the Low Slope Commercial, Industrial and Institutional
page for further information about roofing systems
and contractors.
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How to Select a Roofing and
Waterproofing/Dampproofing Contractor
The Characteristics that are important in any service
industry selection also hold true with a waterproofing
and dampproofing contractor. Important things to consider
are:
- Is Roofing and Waterproofing/Dampproofing the contractors’
primary business? Does the firm have experience installing
the particular materials on the project?
- Does the Contractor have an educated workforce?
- Is the Contractor Licensed and Bonded?
- Does the Contractor belong to the local (CRCA),
regional (MRCA) and national (NRCA) trade associations?
These associations provide educational opportunities
for employees and workers in many topics.
- Insurance protection is important to you, the purchaser.
Does the Contractor have adequate Workers Compensation,
Finished Products and General Liability Insurance
as required by local ordinances? Ask for the certificates
of insurance and review the coverage and effective
dates.
- Have you seen a reference project listing of similar
projects?
- Have you called the local Better Business Bureau?
- Did the contractor provide a written proposal?
- Have you verified the contractors address, Tax
I.D. number, phone and fax numbers?
- What kind of Quality and Safety Programs does the
firm have in place to protect you and their employees?
Do they have any certifications? Is their safety record
better than the national average consistently? (click
here for information about Safety)
- Who will supervise the work?
The questions above for evaluation of a contractor
are not exhaustive. Be sure to review bids for work
carefully, focusing not just on price, but also on quality
and qualifications to perform the scope of work on the
particular Roofing, Waterproofing or Dampproofing project.
Links:
• How to
Select a Contractor?
• How to
Find a Contractor?
• Why a
CRCA Member Contractor?
• Browse the CRCA Member List
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