Roofing FAQ

Here are some warning signs that indicate it might be time for a new roof:

• Your Roof is Older Than 20-30 Years
• Missing, Damaged, or Curled Asphalt Shingles
• Leaks and Water Stains
• Sagging Roof
• Excessive Moss or Algae Growth
• Energy Efficiency Problems

To learn more read our blog on 7 Signs your Roof May Need to be Replaced or Repaired 

We can replace a roof in 1-3 days. The entire process generally takes 2-3 weeks from initial contact to completed roof.

A properly ventilated roof prevents moisture accumulation, reducing the risk of water damage to sheathing and shingles.

Most of the time no. Leaks may be caused by various problems, sometimes as straightforward as faulty flashing. A roof inspection with Master Roof will identify all leak sources and suggest the best repair approach.

Roof lifespan depends on multiple factors. Asphalt shingles typically last 30-50 years per the American Society of Home Inspectors. Additionally, roofing warranties vary; scrutinize them to understand the manufacturer's liability for premature product failure.

Roofing warranties can be transferred once to new homeowners upon sale. Inform the new owners to transfer the warranty into their name to keep it valid and effective.

You will save money in the long run. Attic insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by 15-50%, blocking heat loss in winter and solar gain in summer. It also lowers your carbon footprint, with blown-in cellulose being eco-friendly. Proper insulation protects your roof by maintaining lower deck temperatures, extending shingle life and reducing ice dams. Additionally, good ventilation prevents moisture buildup, preserving insulation efficacy and structural integrity while avoiding mold and mildew.

Master Roof will pull any required permits for your roofing project.

Master Roof thorough inspection process will guide the answer. We will identify all problems, big or small and we will work together to develop a plan that fits yourneeds and budget

Underlayment is only one of the materials which helps prevent leaks.  Read our article on A Comprehensive Guide to Roofing Materials in Massachusetts to learn about the materials need to build a good quality roof. 

Yes. You need to remove all old layers before installing the new system. Here are links for a better understanding the roofing system or a more general article on roofing materials. 

The NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) recommends checking your roof twice a year. 

Call Master Roof for an inspection or assessment of your roof. We can help homeowners prevent mold by keeping their roofs healthy and dry. Read our article on How Roofing Companies Can Shield Your Home From Mold.

Yes, we are. We are a fully certified company, ready to provide proof of licensing and insurance to safeguard your property, your family, and our team's well-being, along with our equipment and vehicles. 

They can be! Icicles are a sign of ice dams that can cause water to run back under the shingles and damage your home. Our quality inspection will catch this and offer options for remediation.

Yes. We will help you navigate the often complex discussions with insurance companies after a claim to ensure all are treated fairly.

Yes, there are a variety of solutions to help you control the amount of light and heat your skylight offers throughout the day. Contact us today and we will be happy to discuss options.

Call us promptly and we can discuss options. A roof can be a dangerous place when wet. Let Master Roof expert roofers guide you through the options to keep you and your home safe!

It is recommended you have your roof inspected for damage prior to filing a claim with your insurance. Our inspection will help guide you through the process.

There are several excellent brands of shingles, but we recommend GAF and Owens Corning products.

GAF’s warranty, available through a GAF certified installer, like Master Roof. It covers 100% of material defects for 50 years, 20 years on 3-Tab shingles.

It covers 100% of installation labor costs for the lifetime of the roof, 3-Tab shingles covered 25-30 years for labor costs.

GAF roofing shingles and accessories automatically come with the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty, providing excellent coverage against manufacturing defects without any additional action required from you.

Any conditions resulting from anything other than an inherent manufacturing defect in the GAF Products. This includes, but is not limited to, failure to install adequate ventilation. Please be sure to discuss ventilation with your roofing contractor prior to the installation of your new roof.

A deductible is the part of a bill that your insurance does not cover.  So if your deductible is $500, you must pay the first $500 for the repair and your insurrance will cover the rest.

Having your contractor present during the adjuster's visit is wise, as they can help the adjuster accurately identify all damages, given adjusters might not be roofing experts.

In Massachusetts, roofing laws and regulations are primarily governed by the Massachusetts State Building Code, specifically under 780 CMR (the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations), which includes detailed provisions for roofing:

Permits: A permit is required for any roofing work, including replacements or major repairs. This ensures that all work adheres to state and local codes.

Underlayment: 

For slopes of 4:12 or greater, one layer of underlayment is mandated. 

For slopes between 2.5:12 and 4:12, at least two layers are required, with specific installation methods to prevent water infiltration.

For lower slopes or in areas prone to ice damming, self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen underlayment or multiple layers of underlayment might be required as an ice barrier, extending at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line.

Roofing Materials: The code specifies minimum standards for materials that can be used, ensuring they meet certain fire resistance and durability criteria. Asphalt shingles, for example, must comply with ASTM standards.

Ventilation: Adequate roof ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or structural issues. 

Insulation: While not directly a roofing law, proper insulation under the roof is often linked with roofing regulations to ensure energy efficiency, which indirectly affects roofing performance and longevity.

Contractor Licensing: While not explicitly a "roofing law", contractors in Massachusetts must be registered Home Improvement Contractors (HIC) for any home improvement work, which includes roofing. This ensures that they meet certain business practices and consumer protection standards.

Local Regulations: In addition to statewide laws, municipalities might have additional or more stringent regulations, especially in historical districts or cities like Boston, where older building stock might require specific preservation measures.

Insurance Considerations: While not law, insurance companies might have additional requirements or influence practices through coverage stipulations, like requiring a certain type of roof or age limit for coverage against wind damage, as seen in user posts regarding Citizens Insurance in Florida, though Massachusetts might not have identical laws, the principle of insurance considerations affecting roofing decisions applies broadly.

Historical or Specific Building Codes: For historical buildings or structures in certain areas, there might be unique regulations concerning roofing materials or methods to preserve the architectural heritage, though this would be more case-specific.

A roof inspection is a thorough assessment of a roof's condition, materials, and components, while a roof assessment can include a five-year forecast and recommendations for maintenance.

Sometimes condensation can form on your skylight and if it is not properly installed, it can allow moist, warm air to leak through. Adding felt and insulation between the frame and rough opening should prevent any further leaking. 

A roof assessment can include a five-year forecast of each building, and actionable recommendations to reduce rooftop risk. It can also include a customized maintenance or corrective maintenance program. 

A professional roofing inspector assesses the roof's overall health, looking for issues and potential problems such as cracks, splits, curling, and missing granules on shingles. They also look for signs of water damage, moss or algae buildup, and pay special attention to roof valleys, which are potential weak spots for leaks. Roof inspections can cost between $75 and $600. They can be useful when buying or selling a home, or when considering whether or not to make major home repairs and updates.

Typically, replacing a roof can cost between $10,000 and $36,000 in Massachusetts using mid-grade materials like asphalt shingles. For instance, a 2,000 sq. ft. roof could cost between $10,000 to $20,000 for mid-grade materials.

Here are the most important steps to take after storm damage: carefully inspect your roof from the ground. Look for signs of visible damage, such as missing or damaged shingles or other roofing materials, dents, or fallen branches. If available, use binoculars to get a closer look. As soon as possible, contact Master Roof or another contractor for a professional inspection of the entire roof. Click here for a comprehensive list of action items. 

Your Roofing Contractor should: 

•  be licensed and insured
•  be local
•  have good reviews
•  have good communication
•  should provide a thorough inspection
•  should give you a detailed estimate
•  should charge a fair price

Asphalt shingles are the best blend between aesthetic, durability, and cost. Compared to slate shingles, asphalt shingle roofs have a shorter life expectancy. With that, they are substantially less expensive.

According to section R905 of the Massachusetts State Building Code 780R, homeowners are allowed no more than two layers of asphalt shingles on their roof. Additional layers add too much weight to the structure, making it prone to roof collapse.

No matter when you decide to get one, a new roof is a large investment. However, winter is usually the cheapest time of year to replace your roof.

Labor and installation are crucial components of the overall cost of a new roof. Professional installation ensures the durability and effectiveness of your roof, but several factors influence these costs: Labor Complexity: The complexity of your roof's design significantly affects labor costs.

Are there specific roof colors that increase home value? Neutral colors like black, gray, and brown generally appeal to a wider range of buyers, potentially increasing home value. Earth tones and well-chosen bold colors can also enhance curb appeal and value.

Is it cheaper to put a metal roof or shingles? Shingle roofs are significantly cheaper upfront, but you'll have to repair your shingle roof more often, and it won't last as long. If you're in it for the long haul, a metal roof could be the better investment. Just keep in mind when weighing the shingles

It's common for contractors to request an upfront payment when you're dealing with a roofing project. These upfront payments are usually between 30% and 50% of the total cost, and reputable companies typically stick to this range and avoid asking for more.

A good roofing proposal should have

The Basics. ...

A Complete Work Description. ...

Materials Used. ...

Costs and Payment Schedules. ...

Manufacturer and Workmanship Warranties. ...

Insurance and Licenses. ...

Questions to Ask Roofing Contractors. ...

Get a Free Roof Replacement Estimate from Quality Roofing.

Fall

Fall. Fall is the universal go-to season for roof replacement. With spring's mild temperatures and early summer's weather consistency, fall is commonly referred to as the best time of year to replace your roof.

Metal roofs are prone to expansion and contraction with temperature fluctuations. This natural movement can lead to problems such as roof leaks, loosening of fasteners, and warping of metal panels over time. Proper installation with expansion joints and fasteners designed to accommodate thermal movement is crucial.

It's likely that damage to a roof with two layers won't be covered by insurance due to manufacturer policies. When there are two levels of roofing, it can be difficult to determine which one was damaged in the event of a leak. Because of these factors, it's probable that the damage reimbursement won't be paid.

The larger your building's roof, the larger the difference between 30-year and 3-tab or 20-year shingles will be. This means you don't have to compromise quality for prices, as 30-year shingles cost an average of ten cents more than 20-year shingles.