Roof slope is important because some roofing products are suited for use only on roofs with a slope great enough to provide proper water drainage. In terms of building codes, there are three basic types of roofs based on the amount of slope:

• Flat (Less than 2.5/12)
• Low Slope (2.5-4/12)
• High Slope (greater than 4/12)

Most shingled roofs are high slope roofs.

Shingles are the most common form of roof covering for residential homes. They are easy to transport and install, and are offered in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Shingles can be made of asphalt, fiberglass, wood, cement, or slate. Asphalt strip shingles are widely available and the most popular type of shingle. They are easy to apply and cover a roof fairly quickly. Architectural (laminated) shingles are particularly popular and give roofs a deeply textured appearance. These shingles feature a fiberglass mat construction with an aesthetically pleasing random-cut sawtooth design, and include a manufacturer’s warranty of 30 to 50 years.

Plywood and OSB (Oriented Strand Board) can both be used as roof decking (sheathing).

The purpose of underlayment, which is placed directly on top of the roof decking and underneath the shingles, is to protect the roof from moisture damage. It provides a secondary layer of protection from the elements, including rain, snow, and wind.

Ice and water shield is a waterproof roof underlayment membrane developed to protect vulnerable areas on a roof from ice and water damage. The adhesive back surface of the membrane bonds to the roof deck, which is a superior underlayment for areas where ice dams or severe storms are common.

Ice dams are a serious issue for homeowners in cold climates. Ice dams are formed by the continuous melting and freezing of snow due to heat escaping from the house, or from a backup of frozen slush from the rain gutters. The melted water flows under the snow and freezes as it reaches the unheated soffit area at the eaves, creating an ice dam. When this occurs, water can be forced under the shingles and into the attic, resulting in damage to the home’s interior. Ice and water shield membranes are an effective solution to this problem.

Proper ventilation of the roof is very important. It removes hot air that could damage shingles from the attic. It also removes moisture that could damage the roof sheathing. There are various ventilation methods. One common method is the use of the full-length ventilating ridge. For a ridge vent to be effective, air must be drawn in through the eaves and soffit vents. As this relatively cool air is drawn in, warmer air is exhausted through the ridge vent.

Flashing is a thin metal sheet or strip used to protect a building from water seepage. Flashing prevents water from entering roof joints. It is required wherever the roof covering intersects another surface, such as a wall, chimney, skylight, or vent pipe. Drip edges protect the edges of the roof. Drip edges are designed to prevent leaks by causing water to drip free of the underlying construction. Metal used for flashing must be corrosion resistant.

A common consideration to make while deciding whether to go ahead with a project, or what the scope of a project should be, is whether financing or paying cash is the better option for your situation. Paying cash is fast and easy, but can result in a more limited budget. Financing options can provide better budget flexibility, which can be crucial when it comes to a home improvement project.

Bobson Construction works closely with multiple banks to give potential customers various financing options, including interest free promotional periods and different financing term lengths. If you are interested in financing instead of paying cash, you can be assured that Bobson will be able to help you find a financing program that is comfortable for you! Feel free to call for more information. Credit scores lower than 650 might not qualify for current available programs.

The following are excellent reasons to install vinyl siding on your home:

–Vinyl siding is durable. Vinyl siding is resistant to denting and heat, cold, moisture, and wind. Vinyl siding is colored throughout the thickness of the material, not just on the surface. This means that scratches are not noticeable.

–Vinyl siding is low maintenance. Vinyl siding does not require any painting and can be simply cleaned with a hose. It will not rot and requires little maintenance. Vinyl siding can be installed quickly and, if damaged, it can be easily removed and replaced.

–Vinyl siding is resistant to mold. Nobody likes mold, and vinyl siding prevents the formation of mold by allowing moisture to escape.

–Vinyl siding enhances curb appeal. Because vinyl siding is available in a variety of textures, colors, and grades, you can ensure that your home will always look great!

Bobson Construction has decades of experience installing vinyl siding on many homes throughout the Metro Detroit area. Give us a call if you would like to learn more about vinyl siding options for your home!

There are many important considerations in making this decision. Here are some suggestions that I can provide you with based on my 35 years of personal experience as a home improvement and remodeling contractor.

 

1. In Michigan the general contractor must be licensed. This should preferably be in the form of a residential builder’s license. A maintenance and alteration contractor’s license may also allow for certain types of work such as roofing, siding, etc. It’s very important to verify that the contractor holds such a license and that the license is current.

2. The contractor should maintain general liability insurance and workmen’s compensation insurance. Verify that the contractor has current insurance active. The insurance certificate should be obtained from the contractor’s insurance agent to ensure the certificate is valid.

3. Most types of work will require a building permit with the local municipality. Ask the contractor if he intends to pull a building permit if one is required. If the answer is yes and you decide to hire them then verify that the contractor has in fact obtained a building permit and a copy of the permit should be posted on the jobsite. Also make sure that any required building inspections are obtained.

4. A homeowner should avoid dealing with an unlicensed and / or an uninsured contractor. Also, a contractor that refuses to pull a building permit should be avoided. Finally, avoid a jack-of-all-trades contractor that performs their own plumbing, heating, and electrical work. These types of work require separate licenses and permits.

5. Check Better Business Bureau ratings and Better Business Bureau reviews. These reviews are likely to be representative of how your experience will be. A few negative reviews are expected, almost all contractors have some, but most of the reviews should be positive.

6. Make sure that the price quoted seems reasonable. If the price seems very high, or likewise, if the price is very cheap then it may be best to look further.

7. Ask if the contractor offers financing and accepts credit cards. Even if you are paying cash the ability of the contractor to offer financing and accept credit cards means that their work is probably to a higher standard than a contractor that offers no financing and doesn’t take credit cards.

8. Avoid high pressure sales tactics. If a contractor tries to pressure you to buy TODAY then it’s probably best to wait at least a day or two. The deal won’t be gone tomorrow.

9. It’s best if the contractor has a track record, at least 10 years in business is preferable. Many contractors come and go so it’s best to have some peace of mind that they won’t be out of business in the event of a problem. Also, the contractor should maintain a commercial office location. A contractor that strictly works out of their home could close up shop easily if things go bad. Google should show the contractor’s address. It’s easy to determine if this address is a residential home.

10. There should be good communication between the contractor and the homeowner right from the start. The contractor should come across as responsible and trustworthy and should make a good appearance. After all, you are entrusting this person with your most important investment, your home.

11. The contract should clearly spell out the scope of work, the job specifications, the price of the job, the payment terms, and what materials are being installed. A deposit is usually expected but a very large deposit should not be required.

 

Check back for further thoughts on this, and I would be happy to answer any individual questions by email: richard@bobsonconstruction.com

R. Miller