Residential Roofers (E01)
Your roof is your home’s first defense against Utah’s harsh weather – choosing materials and contractors wisely prevents thousands in damage.
This BidScope guides you through roofing materials: asphalt shingles (most popular, 20-30 year lifespan, good value), architectural shingles versus 3-tab (architectural offer better appearance and wind resistance), metal roofing (40-70+ year lifespan, excellent for snow shedding, higher upfront cost), tile roofing (concrete or clay, 50+ years, heavy requiring adequate structure), and specialty materials (slate, cedar shakes, synthetic).
Learn roof system components beyond shingles: roof deck/sheathing (OSB or plywood underlayment), ice and water shield in valleys and at eaves (critical in Utah snow country), underlayment felt or synthetic (backup waterproofing layer), drip edge (protects fascia), ridge and hip caps, proper ventilation (soffit intake and ridge exhaust).
Understand pitch requirements: some materials require minimum 4:12 pitch, low-slope applications need different systems.
Master ventilation – inadequate ventilation causes ice dams, premature shingle failure, and attic heat.
Navigate tear-off versus overlay decisions: code limits to two layers, tear-off reveals deck problems.
Learn valley treatments: woven valleys, closed-cut valleys, metal valleys for maximum water handling.
Know flashing requirements at chimneys, skylights, and wall intersections.
Understand warranties: manufacturer material warranty versus contractor workmanship warranty.
Calculate realistic costs: asphalt shingles $350-550 per square installed, metal $700-1,400 per square, tile $1,000-2,500 per square.
Know when repairs make sense versus full replacement.
This tool ensures your roof investment protects your home for decades.
What’s Included:
- Residential roofing material options (asphalt shingles, metal, tile, slate, cedar)
- Asphalt shingle types (architectural/dimensional, 3-tab)
- Architectural shingle benefits (appearance, wind resistance, 25-30 year warranty)
- 3-tab shingles (economical, 20-25 year lifespan)
- Shingle weight and quality (standard vs heavyweight)
- Metal roofing types (standing seam, metal shingles, corrugated)
- Metal roofing benefits (40-70+ years, snow shedding, fire resistance)
- Tile roofing (concrete tile, clay tile)
- Tile roofing benefits (50+ years, fire-proof, heavy)
- Slate roofing (75-100+ years, premium cost, very heavy)
- Cedar shake roofing (natural, maintenance, fire concerns)
- Synthetic roofing materials (composite, rubber)
- Roof pitch requirements by material (minimum slopes)
- Low-slope vs steep-slope systems
- Roof deck/sheathing (OSB, plywood)
- Ice and water shield (valleys, eaves, critical in Utah)
- Underlayment (felt paper, synthetic underlayment)
- Drip edge installation (protects fascia)
- Starter strip at eaves
- Shingle installation patterns and nailing
- Hip and ridge caps
- Valley treatments (woven, closed-cut, metal W-valley, open valley)
- Metal valley best for snow and heavy water
- Flashing (chimney, skylight, wall intersections, plumbing vents)
- Step flashing and counter flashing
- Roof ventilation requirements (intake and exhaust)
- Soffit vents for intake air
- Ridge vent for exhaust (most effective)
- Attic ventilation calculations (1:150 or 1:300 ratios)
- Ventilation prevents ice dams and extends shingle life
- Tear-off vs overlay (code limits 2 layers, tear-off reveals deck issues)
- Roof inspection before quote
- Warranties (manufacturer material, contractor workmanship)
- Wind resistance ratings
- Impact resistance (hail)
- Snow load considerations
- Ice dam prevention
- Cost per square ($350-550 asphalt, $700-1,400 metal, $1,000-2,500 tile)
- Utah licensing for roofers
- Finding qualified roofers
- Insurance claims and documentation
