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The WHAM Home Repair Newsletter April 2009 Issue
 How to Hire a Roofer
Whether you're considering slate with copper flashing or something a little more modest, a new roof is a major investment that typically runs into the thousands, even for the ordinary three-tab asphalt shingles that cover most houses. The materials themselves represent a relatively small portion of the bill. The bulk of what you'll spend goes for the skilled labor involved. And that makes choosing an experienced pro the best way to protect your investment and ensure a leak proof job. Simple, right? Unfortunately, roofing is an easy-entry business that requires little more than a pickup, a ladder and some basic tools to get started.
FINDING AND QUALIFYING Check the yellow pages under "Roofing" only if you can't get a recommendation from a neighbor, a friend or someone at your local lumberyard or home builder's association. Gather at least two prospects. Make sure each has been in business at least five years -- roofers who do shoddy work usually don't last that long.
Start your prospect check with availability. There's no reason to waste time if he's booked until next year. Get names and addresses of references, and drop any contractor who balks at providing them.
Then do a drive-by inspection of a few recent jobs. Check that the spaces between individual shingle tabs, known as water gaps, line up laser-straight as they alternate shingle rows. Make sure that shingles are trimmed in a clean line along the valleys where they overlap the valley flashing. On roof ends, shingles should also be neatly trimmed so they align with the roof edge. Ragged lines mean slipshod work. Also look for neat, tar-free flashing at roof valleys and eaves.
If the roofs stand up to scrutiny, call references directly and ask them the following questions:
 When a roofer comes by to look over your job and work up a price, note his appearance. Pride extends beyond the job site. If he isn't clean enough to sit at your breakfast table, do you really want him working on your house? Then detail the full range of your expectations. Find out who will do the work and the foreman's name. And get everything in writing. MAKING THE DEAL
If you like what you see, it's time to verify that the roofer carries workers' compensation coverage and at least $1 million of liability insurance. Get his agent's name and proof-of-insurance certificates. Then get an estimate, which should be free. Because roofing is a short-term job, break up the total due into two payments: one-third up front for materials, and the remainder when the roofing and cleanup are done to your satisfaction. Also insist on a warranty that covers leaks, flashing failure and other labor-related defects. A one-year warranty is the minimum, though two or three years is preferable. These same stipulations should go into the contract, which should also include what type of shingles will be used. Request the highest-rated, longest-lasting shingles you can afford.
Shingle manufacturers generally back their products for 20 to 30 years. Some warranties are void if shingles are put on over existing shingles, so tearing off the existing layer could be required, at an additional cost. Asphalt roofs last 13 years on average, so a 20-year warranty should be fine. Just be sure you get the paperwork and proof of purchase needed to pursue any problems down the road.
GETTING A QUALITY JOB Several other quality checks will also help you ensure a leak proof job for decades.
Finally, trust your intuition. If a roofer rubs you wrong, even at the contract stage, don't be afraid to back out before signing and resume your search. Unless water is pouring in overhead, it pays to take your time on this major investment. One last point, take the roofer up into your attic just before the job is scheduled to begin and say to him or her "see there are no cracked or damaged rafters or framing members at this time". Metal Metal roofing materials are a great alternative because not only are they light weight they are also very energy efficient. Unlike asphalt roofs, which require re-roofing between every 12 to 20 years, metal roofs will not decompose. These roofs can also withstand every weather condition Mother Nature has to offer.
Over time, these roofs save one a lot of money because there is no second investment in roof replacement. Metal roofs are practically maintenance free. All that is required is an occasional hosing down. Most metal roofs usually come with a 30 to 50 year warranty. Some insurance companies in certain states even offer discounts of up to 35 percent to homeowners with metal roofs.
Of course, owners expect to hear the soothing sound of bouncing rain drops on the roof when it rains.
Duraloc Metal Panel This roof option is coated with a granular texture to make it look like traditional asphalt shingles so they're gray in color. This product comes with a 50-year warrantee. It is fire resistant and can withstand winds up to 120 MPH.
Owners should expect to spend $10,000 and $12,000 for complete roof replacement (includes materials and labor). Estimate is based on 25 squares of roofing (a unit of measure of roofing which is a 10 foot by 10 foot area).
Vertical Metal Panel This roof option is available in many light colors that reflect heat. These panels will reduce the temperature in an attic by up to 50 degrees. The panels can also resist winds of up to 120 MPH.
Owners should expect to spend $6,000 to $8,000 for complete roof replacement (includes materials and labor). Estimate is based on 25 squares of roofing (a unit of measure of roofing which is a 10 foot by 10 foot area).Thanks to our friend Danny Lipford for this great article!
Jim Salmon
Q: What is stone coated steel? A: Stone coated steel is a combination of aluminum and steel molded to give the appearance of a traditional roof. Stone coated steel roofing options include shingles, tiles, shakes and even slate. The benefits of stone coated steel versus traditional asphalt shingles include durability, longevity and energy efficiency. The average life span of a stone coated steel roof is 2-3 times that of a traditional asphalt roof. This material is the perfect solution for the extreme weather variability we experience in the Rochester, NY area. Links: Roofing Information & Articles on JimSalmon.com Better Homes & Gardens Roofing Calculator Roofing Articles & Roofing Forums for the Do-It-Yourselfer  Our Goal is to inform, promote and inspire the earth friendly technology of organic greenroof architecture through the interchange of ideas, projects, news, video, travel, research, organization and government updates, marketing opportunities and exclusive features via our website. We recognize that each reader, project, and perspective is unique.  Frequently Asked Questions about Roofing  Automated Irrigation SystemBecause our growing season is short, watering our vegetable gardens, flower gardens and grass can take up most of our time instead of enjoying the season. Why not install an automated irrigation system or as some may call a sprinkler system? These systems are fully automated, you never have to drag a hose around your yard hoping it will reach the next destination and that you won't experience a dreaded kink! Not to mention coming home from vacation to find most everything dead. Your watering can be accomplished while you are on vacation or even while you sleep! Also, rain gauges will avoid watering when Mother Nature is doing it for you. What do you have to do? Enjoy the weather, watch things grow from Spring to Fall by calling the irrigation expert, John Welch Enterprise. You will enjoy a knowledgeable, courteous staff ready to help with your specific needs. 
 Stay tuned to JimSalmon.com for the conclusion of John's Patio Paver Project! More pictures to come. John's Patio Before
 Ten Uses for Aluminum Foil 1. Get rid of rust Crumple a piece of foil, and use it to rub rust spots off car bumpers and?shower-curtain rods. 2. Make a funnel Curl a section of foil into a cone shape, secure it with tape, and start pouring. 3. Fix a loose connection Fold a 1-square-inch piece of foil several times and insert it between a battery and a loose spring to hold it in place and complete the circuit.  4. Glue down loose vinyl tilePlace a sheet of foil over a loose self-stick vinyl tile, and press a hot iron over the foil until the adhesive backing melts and sticks to the subfloor. 5. Sharpen scissors Fold a sheet of foil several times and cut through it with a pair of dull scissors to sharpen the blades. 6. Radiate heat Wrap a piece of plywood in foil and tuck it behind a radiator to reflect heat into the room.  7. Guard against drips. Wrap door handles, knobs, and drawer pulls with foil for quick paint-job protection. 8. Decrust your grill Ball up a square of foil, and use it to scrub off black bits. 9. Save your steel wool Set your scrubber on a piece of foil to keep rust away. 10. Make silver shine Line a glass pan?with foil, add several spoonfuls of baking soda, fill the pan with boiling water, and drop in tarnished silverware for a quick cleaning. Oldies but Goodies! Always a Favorite on JimSalmon.com - The Appliance Wattage Guide Jim visited with some great companies at the recent BCB Home Fair Expo Show. The show was a huge success and everyone who came out enjoyed meeting the representatives, while gathering the information that was pertinent to their specific home projects. Didn't have enough time at the show to speak with everyone? There are numbers below with each company if you need them. You can also find out more about all of the companies below by clicking on our find a contractor icon on the home page of JimSalmon.com! And, as always you are welcome to call our office at 585-589-5650 with any questions! We would love to hear from you! You can view the pictures below along with a short comment for each by Jim.
Big Ash Stove Sales 585-638-0300
Comfort Windows & Doors 585-235-7839
Crossfield Heating & Air Conditioning 585-872-4420
Deep Blue Pool & Spa 585-343-POOL
Home Power Systems 585-421-0203
Invisible Fence of Rochester 585-621-0860
Jag Construction 585-621-7040
LaFrance Architects 585-442-8137
Matco Remodeling Associates 585-266-5880
MIG 585-385-3030
Mr. Rooter 585.235.6000
Pro Nailer 585-703-4982
Re•Bath 585-381-1320
ReHouse 585-288-3080
Sunny Days Painting & Home Services 585-749-7370
Tracey Door Company 585-328-0400
Vekton 585-248-3240 The Greater Rochester Home Show ~ 2009Jim & John attended the show and judging by the crowd it was a huge success! Helping homeowners save money and make the most of their home environment during a recession was the focus of this year's Greater Rochester Home Show.
In addition to seminars, there were more than 300 vendors on hand to talk to homeowners about their products.
Quote from our very own Michael Jag from Jag Construction(courtesy of Democrat & Chronicle); "This is the time for bargain shopping." Mike Jag, president Jag Construction in Rochester, compares the current scenario to the energy crisis of the 1970s, when homeowners became much more conscious about ways to save energy in their homes. In addition to its home remodeling services, Jag's company offers spray foaming, which helps insulate the home to achieve more maximum energy efficiency. Jag and his crew talked to home owners about spray foaming and other energy saving methods to keep utility costs down. They also shared information on tax credits available for people upgrading with energy-conscious new construction.
"People are still investing in their homes," Jag says.
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