For a list of common roofing terms, click here.

Q: Is removing my old roof required?

A: Not always, but it is usually best. Primarily, it aids in assessing the condition of the roof's substructure. It is not uncommon for us to find unknown dry rot and pest infestation at the time of tear off. With the roof removed, these problems can be addressed right at the source. Please note that any irregularities in the existing roof will more than likely show through new roofing. With some types of roofing, local building codes limit the number of layers allowed, also.

Q: Can I have my roof done in the winter or during bad weather?

A: River Roofing does roofing all year round. It usually only takes 3-6 hours to actually tear off the existing roof and apply water tight felt paper. Start to finish, a roof is usually completed in 2-3 days. The new roof itself can often be installed during inclement weather.

Q: Are your estimates free and how long are they valid?

A: Estimates are free and they are good for 15-30 days. Past 30 days it is best to call us and ask if a re-estimate is needed. Often an estimate will be good beyond 30 days but this depends on material costs. You are welcome to call for an appointment for an estimate or complete our convenient on-line estimate request form.

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Q: My roof is pretty flat, what are my options?

A: We consider a "flat" roof to be a pitch of 3/12 or less. There are methods available to apply standard roofing to lower pitches. Special waterproofing underlayments may be applied or maybe a type of metal roofing would suit your needs. At some point it is best to go with a roofing system designed for completely flat surfaces. After assessing your situation we would be more than happy to advise you on the best options.

Q: I have always had a moss problem. What can I do to treat or solve this problem?

A: Moss is an all too common problem in this area. To remove existing moss you have a couple of options: sweeping the moss off directly or using a "moss killing agent." The latter method usually involves sprinkling a powder over the problem areas which dries out the moss. It is best to keep on top of this problem with annual cleanings. If you prefer, there are professional companies listed in the yellow pages under Moss Control. To aid in keeping the moss from returning, a strip of zinc metal can be applied to the ridgelines of the roof. This type of product is rain activated and can be applied to existing roofs as well as part of a re-roof.

There are special composition shingles available for installation made with "algae inhibitors" impregnated into the material to retard the growth of moss for up to 15 years.

Q. What sort of warranty do you carry?

A: River Roofing's labor warranty is for two (2) years minimum. However, we now offer 5 and 10 years unlimited workmanship warranties on certain qualifying roofs..

A roofing materials warranty is only as good as its manufacturer. Some manufacturers have an up front warranty for the first through the fifth year. They will pay for labor and materials to replace any defective shingles. The roof must be installed to a manufactures' specifications to qualify for the warranty. Please note that most warranties are NOT transferable to new owners. Our River Roofing 5 and 10 Year Workmanship Warranties are transferable to new property owners with a simple transfer fee.

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Q: I am planning to have my home re-roofed soon but am very concerned about my landscaping being damaged. What assurances do you have for these concerns?

A: River Roofing has developed techniques for eliminating 99.9% of the roofing debris from reaching the ground. We understand your concerns and we take great pride in leaving the property and landscaping in pristine condition.

Q: Is it still possible to get #1 Heavy Shakes?

A: Absolutely. We buy directly hand-split, re-sawn and edge trimmed shakes from one of the last quality shake mills in Oregon. The grain is tight and straight. Roof life expectancy is 25-30 years.

Q: What is the difference between a fiberglass laminate and 3-tab shingles?

A: A laminate is composed of two shingle strips glued together in a way that creates a random appearance. They are rated for 25, 30, 40 and 50 years depending on the quality and thickness. The weight per square is much greater than a 3-tab type. The 3-tab shingle is a one layer, flat shingle. It has vertical keyways (slots) across it to create its pattern. It is available in 25 and 30-year ratings.

Q: My roof seems to be leaking and it is NOT raining. Why?

A: Condensation is most likely your problem. Vaulted ceilings are prone to this problem and may need to be vented, if possible, at the ridge and eaves. A moist crawl space can produce 20 gallons of water vapor per 1000 square feet and should be covered with 6-mil visqueen. Also, plants, bath fans, and other humidity all contribute to condensation problems. Another possibility could be plumbing leaks from toilets or sinks and the piping that connects to them.

Q: I would like to pressure wash my shake roof. Any advice?

A: The end result depends on the age, workmanship and quality of cedar used and the power and skill of the washer. We often see shake roofs that have been improperly pressure washed causing unnecessary damage resulting in leak problems the following rainy season. If a roof is older, it should be carefully assessed to see if pressure washing or replacement would be most cost effective.

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Q: I would like to pressure wash my Tile roof. Any advice?

A: We would be happy to give you an estimate for pressure washing and treating your tile roof. If the moss problem is severe, an application of a "moss killing agent" should be applied a few months before roof cleaning so that the agent has time to work and kill most of the moss. This makes it easier to remove and less likely any moss root structure remains after cleaning. If desired, a second application of treatment could be applied after cleaning to retard moss recurrence. If the moss is not extreme, or if other algae/lichens are present, cleaning the roof with other cleaning agents and then rinsing or pressure washing may be effective.

Q: I have an existing shake/composition roof and would like to go with tile now, will my structure support it?

A: Many existing roof substructures will support a new tile roof. Engineering specialists are consulted to ensure proper framing is present or could be added.

For a list of common roofing terms, click here.

And, once in a while, someone asks, "Why is the sky blue?" While not really a roofing question, we like to be helpful and enjoy passing on little bits of knowledge.....

Common Terms

Deck/sheathing:The flat, substructure surface, usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), to which roofing materials are applied.

Dormer: A small structure projecting from a sloped roof, usually with a window.

Drip edge:An L-shaped strip (usually metal) installed along roof edges to allow water run off to drip clear of the deck, eaves and siding.

Eave:The horizontal under edge of a sloped roof.

Fascia:A flat board, band or face located at a cornice's outer edge.

Felt/underlayment:A sheet of asphalt-saturated material (often called tar paper) used as a secondary layer of protection for the roof deck.

Fire rating: System for classifying the fire resistance of various materials. Roofing materials are rated Class A, B or C, with Class A materials having the highest resistance to fire originating outside the structure.

Flashing: Pieces of metal used to prevent the seepage of water around any intersection or projection in a roof system, such as vent pipes, chimneys, valleys and joints at vertical walls.

Louvers:Slatted devices installed in a gable or soffit (the underside of eaves) to ventilate the space below a roof deck and equalize
air temperature and moisture.

Oriented strand board (OSB):Roof deck panels (4 by 8 feet) made of narrow bits of wood, installed lengthwise and crosswise in layers, and held together with a resin glue. OSB often is used as a substitute for plywood sheets.

Penetrations:Vents, pipes, stacks, chimneys-anything that penetrates a roof deck.

Rafters: The supporting framing to which a roof deck is attached.

Rake: The inclined edge of a roof over a wall.

Ridge:The top edge of two intersecting sloping roof surfaces.

Sheathing:The boards or sheet materials that are fastened to rafters to cover a house or building.

Slope:Measured by rise in inches for each 12 inches of horizontal run: A roof with a 4-in-12 slope rises 4 inches for every foot of
horizontal distance.

Square:The common measurement for roof area. One square is 100 square feet (10 by 10 feet).

Truss:Engineered components that supplement rafters in many newer homes and buildings. Trusses are designed for specific applications and cannot be cut or altered.

Valley: The angle formed at the intersection of two sloping roof surfaces.

Vapor retarder:A material designed to restrict the passage of water vapor through a roof system or wall.