Hale Roofing Offers Homeowners a Variety of Options

Cindy Hale.

HottyToddy.com’s Steve Vassallo recently spoke to roofer expert, Cindy Hale, involving a discussion of roof types and so much more. The former Rebelette has obtained her expertise from “hands on”, on the job experiences.

Vassallo: Cindy, describe the various roof selections that homeowners can pick from.
Hale: In our area, the types of roofing normally used include asphalt shingles, steel and TPO or PVC, which is used on low slope roofs. We can also install wood shake shingles as well as clay tiles and slate, but we have little demand for those types in our area.
Vassallo: Also, what about commercial buildings? Are there as many possibilities?
Hale: Yes, basically, you can put the same types of material on commercial buildings, however, the majority of commercial buildings in our area are flat, so we use a lot of TPO material. We are even certified installers for Duro-Last, a material many architects specify in new construction, due to the top-notch warranty and proven performance of the roof system.
Vassallo: For this discussion, let’s focus on residential. How do the different roof options vary in cost? Expected life?
Hale: The typical shingle roof runs from about $200/square (100 sq ft) and up, depending on the height and pitch of the roof, while metal roofs cost about twice that amount. Most shingles have a life of 30 years, however, that life can be shortened by weather events and inadequate ventilation. Most metal roofs we install have a life of 40 years.
Vassallo: What is most popular in our region and why?
Hale: In our region, asphalt shingles are most popular, most likely due to the cost. Also, many people don’t care for the look of a metal roof on their home. However, we have metal shingles that are a great option when you want the longevity of metal with the look of shingles.
Vassallo: Many people do not consider color options when selecting a roof. Tell us about these options and the ones most chosen.
Hale: In Oxford, the most popular asphalt shingle color is driftwood. It’s a medium gray color with specks of blue, peach and dark red. It will match pretty much any brick and trim color scheme. The more trendy colors have more contrast and can look very pretty on a monochrome brick. The most popular metal color we install is galvalume. It is the silver vintage-look panel that is popular on the farmhouse style.
Vassallo: Once a homeowner makes the choice of roof, what is the process from that point forward?
Hale: With installing asphalt shingles, once you’ve chosen your color, we tear all the old shingles, underlayment and nails off the roof. We then visually inspect the roof decking for rotten and damaged areas. If we find bad spots, we consult the homeowner regarding the additional cost, if any, make the repairs and continue with the new underlayment, waterproof material in the valleys and lower slope areas, then new shingles, paying close attention to transitional areas which need metal flashing. If we are installing metal, we typically do not tear off the existing shingles unless there is damaged decking. We install underlayment over the existing shingles and fasten the metal panels to the roof if installing standing seam panels. If screw down panels are used, we have to install lad boards perpendicular to the rafters to attach the new panels. Metal roofs also have to have appropriate flashing and trim.
Vassallo: A roof can certainly add to the overall appearance of a home. Why is this so important to the installer?
Hale: The best way to provide a high level of customer service is to be able to describe, accurately, what a project entails from start to finish. In effectively describing what a project entails to the customer, you are ensuring you can manage the expectations of the customer without any surprises. As an installer, we certainly aim to complete a project, meet or exceed expectations of the customer, and leave the home looking better than before we started.
Vassallo: You have mentioned previously that some homeowners within our region are utilizing “roof technology” to sell energy back to the power company?

Hale: Renewable energy sources are being developed by several companies. One current source of capturing energy is solar panels, of course. There are individuals in our area who capture enough solar power with their rooftop solar panels to supply their home’s entire energy demand. The excess electricity captured by the solar panels is sold back to the power providers. There are currently solar shingles being developed that will allow more homeowners this option.
Vassallo: We failed to talk about the various weights that different roofs add to upper structure of the house frame.
Hale: Yes, when looking at projects and trying to meet the requests of the homeowners, it is important to understand how the roof and roofing material chosen may affect the existing structure. Over time, rafters can bow due to the heat in the attic. The bowed rafters can make the roof decking appear wavy and unsightly. When re-roofing a home with bowed rafters, we sometimes remove the existing decking, scab on some new straight rafters, install new decking and shingles, and voila! Problem solved. In other instances, we may be asked to only lay over the existing shingles with new shingles. This is not recommended, due to the sheer weight of shingles. Every 10′ x 10′ area of shingles weighs about 250 pounds. An average size house has about 35 – 40 “squares” which means you are adding an additional nine to ten thousand pounds of weight to the rafters if you “lay over” the existing shingles. Code will not allow more than two layers of shingles. Steel roofing is only a fraction of the weight of asphalt shingles, but just as effective and actually more durable at protecting your home.
Vassallo: Most of us prefer to delay roof replacement as long as possible. When should we know that “the time is now” to bite the bullet?
Hale: This is the most frequently asked question I get. I always laugh a little and say, “well, you can wait until you can see the sunshine through your ceiling, if you want…it’s your call.” But seriously, once you see tabs lying in the yard, worn/torn eave shingles, holes from limbs/rodents, moss/algae growing on your roof, you know your roof is not offering the protection your most valuable asset requires. If your roof is allowed to deteriorate drastically, your exterior trim, structural wood, and interior of your home will sustain further damage, making the cost of replacement even higher. There is also a chance mold will grow in your home, in the walls and attic, which can be extremely unhealthy for the inhabitants.
Vassallo: One thing I never thought about until you brought it to our attention is the effect roof surfaces can have on the insulation and the cost of the energy impact for the home. And also, the color selection can assist in reflecting the sun’s rays rather than absorbing the intense heat.
Hale: An asphalt shingle is actually made up of a piece of mat, HOT asphalt poured on, and colored granules sprinkled into the hot soft asphalt. As the shingle cools, during the manufacturing process, the asphalt takes hold of the granules and all together these substances protect your home from the elements. If your attic has inadequate ventilation, the roof gets “cooked” from the sun on the outside, and from the heat in the attic on the inside. Double whammy! An asphalt shingle is rated for 30+ years. The absence of adequate ventilation will allow the shingles to actually sustain damage from the high temperatures of this area. You will notice curling and granule loss. The high temps in the attic also lead to breaking down of the insulation in the attic. As the attic retains heat in hot temperatures and cold in the cold temperatures, the environment inside the home can need more help in regulating the temperature. This help comes in the form of heating and cooling. The more your HVAC unit runs, the more expensive your utility bill. To help lower your utility bills, you can have proper ventilation installed and go with a lighter color exterior roofing material which will reflect the heat instead of absorbing it.

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.