Key Questions to Ask a Potential Roofer, Part 1

When it comes to roof replacement, choosing the right roofer is just as important as choosing the right type of roofing system for your home — and your budget. We’ve put together a list of 20 questions you can ask a potential roofer to see if they’re the right fit for your project. In this two-part series, we’ll dive into each question with helpful information and tips. That said, we’re also providing the list of questions as a downloadable PDF so you have it handy when meeting with a roofer. Let’s get started with the questions! 1. DO YOU PROVIDE AN ACCURATE, DETAILED ESTIMATE FOR THE PROJECT? To begin, you should always receive an estimate in writing that includes a detailed, accurate description of the work being done — as well as the products and supplies being used. This is important for many reasons, including having an accurate price for the project, as well as understanding exactly what you’re getting. For instance, just because your roofer is installing GAF shingles doesn’t necessarily mean they are

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How Long Does an Asphalt Roof Last?

The short answer to this question is, it depends … There are a lot of factors that go into just how long an asphalt roof can last, so in addition to providing some longevity ranges based on asphalt roofing type, let’s also take a look at some of the major factors you’ll want to be aware of before you make any decisions on a new roofing system. THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN Looking at the category broadly, asphalt roofing can last anywhere between 15 to 50 years depending on many factors, which we’ll cover shortly. That said, here is an overview of three different types of asphalt roofing, and how long each is expected to last. We’re using GAF asphalt roofing lifespans in our examples here, as they are a very popular choice in Dane County, as well as throughout the country  … Note: Click on a shingle to enlarge. GAF THREE-TAB SHINGLES GAF’s entry-level Royal Sovereign line of shingles are the most affordable type of asphalt shingle in the GAF lineup. Although they’re considered to be

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Impressive Insulated Vinyl Siding, Part 3: Mastic Structure Home Insulation System

In today’s installment of our insulated vinyl siding series, we’re diving into the Mastic Structure Home Insulation System, which is available in 19 colors. So far in the series, we’ve covered: Part 1: Norandex Polar Wall Plus Insulatedd Vinyl Siding Part 2: CertainTeed Cedarboards Insulated Vinyl Siding Mastic is a top name in vinyl siding, with good reason. From their dedication to innovation, to crafting proprietary vinyl siding formulations that are designed to last a lifetime, Mastic is a long-time favorite of Dane County homeowners. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of the Structure Home Insulation System, as well as panel options, some insulation details, colors, and warranty info. BENEFITS OF THE MASTIC STRUCTURE HOME INSULATION SYSTEM Cozy comes to mind when we think of this insulated siding. Whether it’s the middle of the winter, or the middle of July, this siding keeps your home protected from the elements with a blanket of insulation that’s up to 1-¼” thick — resulting in lower energy bills. BENEFITS INCLUDE: Outstanding insulation: shrinking your carbon

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Impressive Insulated Vinyl Siding, Part 2: CertainTeed Cedarboards

Welcome back to our series on impressive insulated vinyl siding, where we’re diving into a handful of the very best insulated vinyl siding products on the market. In case you missed it, in Part 1 of the series we covered Norandex Polar Wall Plus! insulated siding, the difference between insulated and traditional (non-insulated) siding — as well as what to look for in an insulated vinyl siding solution. In today’s installment of the series, we’re taking a look at the CertainTeed line of insulated vinyl siding, which includes two options: Cedarboards Insulated Siding Cedarboards Board & Batten Insulated Siding CEDARBOARDS INSULATED VINYL SIDING Durable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly, this siding had the aesthetic of real cedar without any of the need for maintenance. TOP BENEFITS A high-quality, dependable interlocking system — coupled with high-performance insulation — delivers excellent durability, stability, and thermal efficiency Provides protection against harsh weather conditions, rot, decay and insects Innovative foam insulation minimizes outside noise, which is especially beneficial on high-traffic blocks; it also enhances interior acoustics Available in a wide range

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Impressive Insulated Vinyl Siding, Part 1: Norandex Polar Wall Plus

In this series, we’re diving into a handful of the top-quality insulated vinyl siding products we install. The goal of the series is to help Madison homeowners be in-the-know regarding these products so they can make educated decisions when choosing new siding for their home. Before we jump into the Norandex Polar Wall Plus! insulated vinyl siding line, let’s quickly define the difference between insulated and traditional vinyl siding, as well as what to look for in an insulated vinyl siding solution. INSULATED VINYL SIDING … … is made with a layer of rigid foam backing that’s attached to the siding. This foam backing acts as a layer of insulation, keeping your home’s temperature better regulated in both hot and cold months. That said, not all siding insulation is the same, as each type has what’s called an R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. All of the brands we’re highlighting in our series have excellent R-values, and no matter what insulated vinyl siding brand you ultimately choose, we recommend you seek out

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