For many homeowners, the experience of installing a new roof on their home is a once or possibly twice in a lifetime experience. With this site, it is our goal to provide the discerning homeowner with information that both answers questions they may have on the re-roofing process and to prompt a possible new list of questions the homeowner may not have considered asking.

Regardless of which roofing contractor you select for your project, we hope this information helps make your re-roofing experience as pleasant and satisfying as possible.

Frequently Asked Roofing Questions

Do I Need To Be Home To Obtain An Estimate?

No. We will obtain the necessary measurements and inspections from outside the home.
However, meeting with our estimator allows you the opportunity to discuss your specific goals in obtaining a new roof.
When requesting an estimate, our technicians will be happy to discuss the project with you, just let us know, so we can schedule a mutually satisfactory time. Otherwise, our associates can collect the necessary information without you having to be there.

My Roof Has Only One Layer At This Time.
Can I Layover The Existing Shingles - Or Is It Better To Have Them Removed?

A number of factors come into play in making this decision. Older shingles tend to cup as they dry out and age. The new layer will follow the contour of the existing shingles which may cause your new roof to look bumpy or uneven. Also, the existing rows of shingles must have been run straight when installed. Again, the new layer will follow the old pattern and may lead to a visually unacceptable appearance.

Of greater concern is the inability to inspect the roof deck for heat damage, rot or loose decking. While the wood can be inspected from inside the attic space for broken boards or water damage, loose decking can not be determined without removing the shingles and existing felt paper.

As wood becomes moist from humid air and condensation that collects in the attic space, it may swell slightly. As it dries out, the wood returns to its natural position. Over the course of 20 years, this swelling and relaxing of the wood can lift the decking nails slightly which may prevent the wood from laying flat. This will be the only opportunity for the life of your new roof to address this condition.

Because of these unknown factors, Groover Roofing & Siding only performs complete “tear offs” when roofing your property, we do not do layovers.

What Weight Felt Paper Should Be Used?

Roofing felt paper, sometimes known as "tar" paper, is a shingle underlayment that is installed between the roof deck and roof shingle. Shingle underlayments provide temporary protection from the weather while the roof is under construction and also provide a secondary barrier against leaks should there be a failure in the shingle system. Groover Roofing & Siding applies an ice and water shield on all our shingled roofing projects. In addition, “Ice Guard” is standard for all eaves, valleys, skylight and chimney areas. When snow and ice melt, trapped water can infiltrate to damage the roof deck and interior. Ice Guard is installed under shingled roofing to prevent water damage from ice dams, however, it does not prevent ice from forming.

When are the roofing materials delivered and will they block access to my driveway or garage?

Generally, we schedule the materials to be delivered by our supplier one day before your planned roofing date. Our office will contact you regarding any specifics of the material drop.

Do I need to be home while the work is in progress?

No. In fact many folks prefer not to be home when the hammering starts! We do not need access inside the home providing there is an outside electrical outlet available in case of decking replacement, or if you have chosen the option of a ridge vent system. However, your presence does allow us to answer any questions you may have regarding the job process and to point out any irregularities built into the construction of your home that may affect the appearance of your new roof.

 Will there be any accumulated dust or debris in my attic area?

Yes. In all roofing jobs, some of the finer grit will fall between the cracks of the plywood or plank board decking. In cases where a ridge vent system is installed, sawdust will fall into the attic. We suggest removing or covering any items stored in the attic space if dust or debris accumulation is a concern.

Do I need to protect items inside my house from possible damage?

Yes. On all roofing jobs there is a degree of vibration which comes down through the framework of the home. While it is not necessary to panic, it is recommended you safeguard fragile items such as glass globes on chandeliers, pictures which are not securely mounted to the wall, or the "old family heirloom" on the mantel. Items in the kitchen cabinets should not be affected, nor should there be a need to empty the china cabinet. If in doubt, take a few minutes to protect any non-replaceable items.

Will the sides of my house and landscaping be damaged?

No. Dry tarps are applied to the side of your house for protection. We also cover landscaping next to the structure. This protects your structures windows, siding, yard and landscaping before the tear-off begins.

My Children Play In The Yard. Will Discarded Nails Be A Safety Concern?

What often separates roofing companies is the quality of the site clean up at the end of a job. Professional roofing contractors should remove all roofing debris, clean out the spouting system and do a thorough cleaning of the grounds and landscaping. Included in this is the use of a magnet to pick up any nails that have reached the ground level. The perimeter of the home including lawn, landscaped areas, driveway and support vehicle parking area should be included in the search for nails. When Groover Roofing & Siding completes a project, the site is as clean, and in many cases, cleaner than before the project began.