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1. How to Choose Your Roofing Material

One of the first steps in replacing your current roof is deciding which type and quality of roofing material you will replace it with. In the Portland, Beaverton, and Tigard areas the majority of new roofs installed are some type of composition asphalt roofing shingles. There are other options of roofs available, such as tile and cedar shake, but generally for reroofing purposes these products are seldom used due to weight or fire rating. Metal is also an option, but once again, it is not found much in the Portland market.

If color is important you will be happy to know that composition shingles offer the largest selection of colors available among roofing materials. They also offer the most options for quality and thus life expectancy. As you are making your decision, select a roofing material that will match your needs, whether it be 15 years down the road or 40 years. Keep in mind that most roofing products life expectancy’s are over-rated. Expect a 30 year roof to last 20 years in the Portland Metro area, a 40 year roof to last 30 years and so on. Remember, make sure you get enough roof that will allow you to easily sell your home with at the very least 5 years of life expectancy remaining. Don’t save a few bucks now only to spend thousands later because your roof needs replacement before the house can be sold and financed.

2. Should You Recover or Tear-off?

In the past, many new roofs were installed over the top of the old roofing material. This can save you money in the short term by reducing the installation cost, but reduce longevity and the loss of the manufacture’s warranty can make it a risky deal. By weight, you can have up to 3 layers of roofing material in the Portland area while some areas only allow 2 layers. But remember, this is only a measure of weight not necessarily performance.

The analogy often referred to is “would you remove only part of the cancer if it would same you some time and money?” Rot can have about the same consequences on your house if you don’t remove the existing layers of old roofing to examine, discover and replace rotted wood. Fastening new roofing material to any area of decking that is rotted / delaminated / or poorly secured is sure to cause problems down the road if not sooner.

3. It’s Going to be a Mess?

There is no way around it. When you remove 5 tons of roofing material from the top of your house it can get messy. But there is a way to minimize the impact to you and your neighbors. Cascade Roofing starts by covering windows and doors with plywood in those areas that will be affected by the material fall zone. Then we protect your plants, decks, and other important area with tarps. When all the debris is safely deposited in the dump truck we will then run magnetic brooms over the entire yard to pick-up any loose metal or nails.

4. Get it in Writing!

A new roof is a big investment, in fact it may be the largest investment you make while owning your house. Because there are so many variables and options available, it is important that all details are clear and in writing. Before signing a contract, make sure that all your questions have been answered. Remember, selecting a contractor is not to be taken lightly. Don’t sign anything on your first meeting. Don’t give any money on your first meeting. Take your time and do your due diligence. Good contractors like Cascade Roofing are educators so that you can make an informed decision.

5. Choose A Professional!

Very few roofing companies actually have supervisors at their jobsites. Many roof installations are actually farmed out to sub-contractors who are motivated and paid based on speed and not quality. And most roofing companies have been in business less than 10 years but offer lifetime warranties.

Cascade Roofing has been in business for over 60 years. Cascade Roofing has  professional roofing supervisors on every jobsite, everyday. Everyone who works at Cascade Roofing is an employee of the company; many of them for 25 years or more! That’s is where you find professional installers: Cascade Roofing.