Factors to keep in mind while selecting or specifying a roof system

A quality roof depends on two essential elements: excellent materials and superior workmanship. Most of the manufacturers have the contractor programs to help assure customers that you will get the best possible workmanship when choose the materials from that manufacturer and they also offer an extended warranties which cover workmanship and labor costs for a certain time period. They choose the roofing contractors who have met the strictest criteria relating to financial credibility, workmanship history and sound practices, including proper licenses and appropriate insurance.

Keep the following factors in mind when selecting or specifying a roof system.

1. Choose the highest possible quality materials from an established manufacturer with an excellent reputation for integrity.

2. Compare similar products. Evaluate the technical data provided by the manufacturer. Compare the weights, thickness and ASTM test results. Quality does make difference.

3. Remember the value of the life cycle costs. The money saved today on a low cost roofing system can be more than offset by the need to re-roof sooner as the result of poor performance leading to leakage or premature failure. If you are roofing over an existing roof now, a tear off will be necessary next time around, greatly increasing the cost.

4. Consider the manufacturer's warranty. The length of the warranty term(in years) helps gauge the superiority of the system selected. Generally, the longer the warranty, the better the system. Is a guarantee which covers not only the material but also the contractor's workmanship available for the roof system selected? Whether or not the owner specifier opts for this coverage, it is also an indication of the quality of the roof system selected.

5. Proper value. Think about the future. Is the manufacturer's warranty transferable to a new building owner?

6. How committed is the roofing materials manufacturer willing to be? Does the manufacturer, as an option to the owner, have an approved contractor program in place? If an enhanced warranty which includes workmanship is selected, will the manufacturer inspect the roof project? Remember that in any roof system, proper installation is the most important factor.

7. Consider energy costs. Keep in mind that white mineral surfaced cap sheets, light colored gravel surfacing or roofs coated with reflective roof coating will help reduce interior cooling costs.

8. Choose a System manufacturer. Consider manufacturers like CertainTeed which provides the key elements of the roof system -insulation, adhesives and coatings, membranes and fasteners.

9. Consider building code requirements. Keep in mind many local and state governments have specific guidelines for specifying roof systems.

CertainTeed is a leading manufacturer of commercial and residential roofing products with great warranties on selected roofing contractors. We are proud to announce that Rocket Roofing Corp Company is the one of the credentialed roofing contractor of CertainTeed.