Frequently Asked Questions

Does Integrity Roofers follow manufacturer guidelines and proper specs?

Yes. Each element of your roofing system comes with guidelines and specifications from the manufacturer. It is important that installation and maintenance work follows these guidelines and specifications so as to uphold the warranties associated with your roofing system. Integrity Roofers carefully follows all necessary instructions to make sure you are covered by all applicable warranties. By using a contractor who is either unaware or incapable of adhering to manufacturer specifications, you run the risk of voiding your warranty.

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Is Integrity Roofers fully insured and licensed?

Yes. At Integrity Roofers, we stand by our work. We are licensed roofing contractors with liability insurance up to $2,000,000.

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Does Integrity Roofers provide a manufacturer warranty?

Yes. Thanks to our professional training, certifications, and credentials, Integrity Roofers is able to offer a manufacturer warranty on all roofing systems installed by our company.

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How important is attic ventilation?

Not only does proper attic ventilation reduce moisture buildup and extend the life of your roof, but it also maintains the warranty you receive from your roofing manufacturer. If attic ventilation is not installed properly and your roof requires some form of replacement or repair in the future, the manufacturer will not validate your warranty.

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What are ice dams?

Ice dams are a result of heat that escapes from inside your home into the attic, which then warms the roof deck during the winter months. When combined with the sun, this heat can cause the snow on your roof to melt. Once it melts to water, it runs down the roof towards the eaves, which are still cold, thereby causing this water to refreeze. This freezing, thawing and refreezing process is what creates ice dams, which can result in water buildup underneath the shingles of your roof. The excess water can then soak through the roof deck, potentially damaging the attic, ceilings and walls inside your house.

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How do I protect my house against ice dams?

You can protect your home from ice dams in three different ways: attic ventilation, attic insulation and underlayment waterproofing.

Attic Ventilation

A properly vented attic helps to maintain a consistent, cool temperature on the inside of the roof, which works to prevent heat buildup down below. Proper attic ventilation is 1:300 (meaning for every 300 square feet of space, there is 1 square foot of ventilation). It is usually recommended that half of the vents be positioned as close to the eaves as possible and 3 feet higher (vertically) than the draw vents. Look out for rusty nails or rust markings on your attic insulation, which may indicate dripping water.

Attic Insulation

One of the best ways to prevent ice dams is to seal potential warm air leak spots (referred to as bypasses) around exhaust fans, chimneys, vent pipes, attic doors, framing joints, wiring outlets and light fixtures. Use silicone caulking or poly plastic material. Although heat can still pass through insulation, it is a good idea to insulate your attic thoroughly.

Underlayment Waterproofing

You can purchase a waterproof shingle underlayment material to help further protect your house from developing ice dams. This material is used in those areas most prone to ice dam development – in the valleys, around roof penetrations and along the eaves. It is also important to remember that the majority of roofing manufacturers and contractors will not provide a warranty on roof leaks that occur due to ice dams.

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How long should a roof last?

There is a common misconception among homeowners that a roof lasts as long as its warranty, but this is not the case. In fact, a roof can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the quality of its materials. What is most critical is that you consider your roof as a complete roofing system inclusive of a deck, insulation, proper underlayment, attic ventilations and flashing – not just as the shingles you can see from the exterior. When a problem arises, if you only replace your roof’s shingles, chances are the problem will persist and your roof will fail sooner than it should.

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