Tag Archives: warranty

Three-Tab or Architectural Shingles: What Should You Choose?

Roofing, , , , ,

You’ve picked the roofer, you’ve selected the color, and now you have to choose what type of shingle you want for your new roof for your home. For many years, homebuilders in Carrollton and Plano opted to put three-tab shingles on homes, but in recent years, there has been a switch by builders to using architectural shingles. Many homeowners are also choosing to upgrade to the architectural shingle when given the opportunity when replacing their roof. Learning the difference between the three-tab and the architectural shingle can help you decide choice to make when the time comes.

What is a three-tab shingle?

Three-tab shingles are one-piece asphalt shingles with cutouts along their lower edge to make it look like it is three separate pieces.

What are architectural shingles?

Architectural shingles are one-piece asphalt shingles with no cutouts but feature an extra laminate asphalt layer along their lower edge.

Should I choose the architectural shingle?

While three-tab shingles and architectural shingles seem very similar, some marked differences may interest you:

Improved Appearance. This additional asphalt layer helps to create a multi-dimensional look that can give your roof a better aesthetic, and can even resemble other high-end roofs – without the high price tag of high-end roofing materials.

Long Lasting. Architectural shingles are thicker than three-tab shingles, which gives them increased durability to withstand damage from the sun and other elements. Many brands of architectural shingles can withstand winds up to 80 to 120 miles per hour, while three-tab shingles can only withstand wind speeds of 60 miles per hour.

Longer Warranties. Most three-tab shingles are warrantied for 25 years, while coverage for architectural shingles is between 40 to 50 years on average.

Cost Concerns. Architectural shingles are more expensive than three-tab shingles, but cheaper is not always better. You may find that the durability of the architectural shingles means a long-lasting roof and cost you less over the life of your roof compared to three-tab shingles.

Do you have questions about what type of shingle would work best for you? Contact a DFW roofing expert today.

Five Questions to Ask Your Roofer – Before You Hire Them

Roofing, , , ,

Hiring the right roofer to replace the roof on your Plano home means a high level of customer satisfaction and a job well done. Hiring the wrong roofer to replace your roof, and you may end up with loose shingles, leaks, and no recourse.

Here are five questions to ask when researching roofers:

1. Are you local?

As a resident of Plano or North Texas, you know that when big storms hit, the number of roofers in the DFW area grows exponentially. Many of these roofers come from other states looking for repair work. They also quickly leave when the well of work runs dry. Using an out of area roofing company means that you are going to be out of luck if you have to track them down regarding a problem or repair. Tip: Select a roofer you can trust with an established local office you can visit, versus someone who works out of their truck.

2. Are you licensed?

Only 21 states require roofing contractors to be licensed, and Texas is not one of them. Obtaining a roofing license in Texas is voluntary, but many municipalities require roofers to become licensed to work in their particular city. Scott Exteriors has gone the extra mile to become licensed in Plano, Dallas, and many other North Texas cities that require licensing for roofers. Tip: Check with your city’s Code Enforcement department for their roofing company licensing requirements.

3. Do you have insurance?

Many people assume that the company they hire to replace or repair their roof is insured, only to find out they are not actually insured after a problem arises. Using a roofer that is insured protects your property from costly damage that may occur during your roofing project. Tip: Ask potential roofing providers for their insurance certificate and call the insurer to verify coverage.

4. Do you provide a roofing warranty?

Warranties provide you with coverage for repairs or replacement if there is a defect in materials or installation. Many shingle manufacturers offer warranties to cover their product, and many professional roofing companies provide warranties on their workmanship. Scott Exteriors provides a minimum of a five-year warranty on residential roofing projects and longer terms for commercial roofing projects. Tip: Ask for the roofing company’s warranty and read it for the details regarding replacements, fees, and transferability.

5. Do you provide references?

A professional, established roofing company should have a list of references ready to had potential clients. If the company you are researching does not have an available list of references, it’s a sign to steer clear. Tip: You should not only ask for references, but you should also contact those references to make sure they are legitimate.

Looking for a professional, insured, and local roof? Look no further. Contact Scott Exteriors today for all of your roofing needs.

 

The 411 on Transferring a Roof Warranty

Roofing, , , ,

If you’re looking at buying a pre-owned home in Dallas, you may likely be concerned about how the warranties on things like appliances, HVAC, and other major components of your potential purchase will transfer to you from the original homeowner. The ability to transfer warranties is important to many homebuyers, as many people do not want to have to make costly repairs after just making a major purchase.

In many cases, if the roof of the property you are purchasing has a current and valid warranty, the warrant is transferable. That being said, it is critical that you read the fine print of the warranty paperwork to find out exactly what is covered and exactly what coverage transfers to you as the new owner.

Shingle manufacturers almost always offer a warranty on their product, and in many cases, professional roofing companies like Scott Exteriors also offer warranties on their roof installation. Scott Exteriors can help you find out the specifications and limits of the roof warranty on the home you are interested in purchasing regarding both shingles and installation.

There are three points to look for when you’re reading the fine print of your roofing warranty:

Transferability. In most cases, the warranty on shingles can be transferred only once. This means that if you are purchasing the house as a third or greater owner, the warranty will not transfer to you.

Fees. In some instances, transferring a roofing warranty requires an administrative fee paid to the company to process the transfer. If the fee is not paid, the warranty does not transfer, and you may be left with a costly repair that you thought was covered.

Notice. Many warranties also require a written notice of the transfer of ownership, usually within a particular timeframe after the property purchase is complete.

Do you have more questions about how roofing warranties work? Contact Scott Exteriors today with all your roofing warrant questions.