faq | contact us
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)What should I watch for on my roof? What are the warning signs of a possible problem, or needed maintenance? Why should I have regular maintenance inspections done? Regular roof inspections, about every 18 months to 2 years, help keep track of normal wear and tear on your roof, as well as alert you to special issues. Items like sealants and coatings can wear out over time and need to be reapplied. Stress from roof traffic or storms can cause lifted shingles or broken tiles. Regular inspections keep you informed and aware of what’s going on with your roof, so it can be addressed early instead of after a leak. Why should I maintain my roof? Roof maintenance is essential! By taking care of little things like coatings and flashings as part of normal maintenance, bigger problems like rotten wood and damage from leaks can often be avoided. Just as you replace your car’s oil to protect its parts, your roof needs regular care to protect your long-term investment. Why should you have a warranty? What does a warranty typically cover? Why does K&M hand nail shingles instead of using a stapler? K&M uses nails instead of staples because we have found through experience that staples don’t hold in the heavy AZ winds. How does K&M work around air conditioning? The method K&M uses to work around air conditioning equipment varies depending on the equipment and the stand that supports it. Most of the time A/C units can be simply jacked up, the area underneath roofed, and the units lowered back down. Occasionally the units will have to be moved and put back after the completion of that area. Why won’t K&M put shingles on a flat roof, for instance a patio? Because water runs downhill, and so do shingles! Shingles are designed to overlap. Water runs down, and is prevented from getting under the top of one shingle by the bottom of the previous row. If shingles were installed on a flat area, water would be able to back up under that bottom edge and leak into your home. Not only would this be bad for your wallet, but our license as well: local and state authorities have codes forbidding this type of installation. Will installing white shingles instead of dark cool my house down? No. This is a common misconception. Many people think that since white is normally reflects heat, i.e. white clothing, that white shingles will reflect heat from their roof and keep the house and attic cooler. In actuality, all colors of shingles insulate the same amount – relatively little. The major factor in cooling your attic is really ventilation. (Dark shingles are sometimes less expensive because of this mistaken belief.) What is the reference to “bad wood” on my proposal? Or, why does my invoice show a charge for bad wood? “Bad wood” is wood decking, the foundation of your roof, that has broken down or rotted to the point that it is unsafe. We are required to replace any wood found to be in this condition, as a licensing requirement. What weight felt do you use for a vapor barrier? We initially quote a 15 lb. felt. However, if you would like a heavier weight, please let us know. We are happy to quote to meet your needs. Why is ventilation important? Ventilation allows heat to escape from underneath your roof, keeping your home and roofing system cooler. Not only does this save you money on A/C costs, it also prolongs the life of some types of roofing, like shingles. Visual of common problems – use GAF’s if possible? Or else just make a link to GAF’s, depending on permission and availability. |
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