Frequently Asked Questions

This is a tough one as it varies depending on the customer’s situation. If the current shingles are past their prime, decaying, or the original roofing contractor installed the roof system improperly, then there is a good chance that you’re going to need a roof replacement. Perfectly good roofing shingles can be repaired if the damage hasn’t affected their integrity. In some cases, due to the unpredictability of the New England weather, storms may blow off shingles or cause damage to a roof system in which one of our repair technicians can come out and assess the roof.

We strive to make your home improvement project as affordable as possible while still offering the quality you deserve when choosing a new roof. We offer financing options, as well as senior/military and promotional discounts.

All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic inspections often can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles, loose seams & deteriorated flashings, excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts, and other visible signs that a roof may need to be replaced. The project managers at Northeast Home & Energy are highly educated & experienced in this field and are here to help you with any questions or concerns you might have. Some telltale signs of a roof that needs to be replaced are: leaks, blistering/peeling, stains/discoloration, mold, cracks/curls in shingles, missing/loose shingles

Depending on size and ease/difficulty of the roof, our roof installs typically take between 1-2 days to complete.

This is without a doubt our most frequently asked question, and with good reason. Although quality roofing companies may not always be the cheapest option, a roof is not something that you want done unprofessionally. 3 important factors to consider when determining the cost of a roof are: size, difficulty, and material. Larger roofs and particularly steep roofs will yield higher costs due to surface area and ease of mobility. Different materials provide different benefits including visual appeal, functionality, warranties, & overall purpose and are chosen based on roof complexity, cost, local climate, & house style. Here at Northeast Home & Energy, you can trust that we will cater our recommendations and solutions to your particular home.

This is a question where aesthetics and finances come into play. Having installed roofs for over 10,000 homeowners since 1980, we can recommend without hesitation GAF and CertainTeed asphalt shingles. Both manufacturers offer multiple grades and colors to suit all homeowners’ needs.

Make sure that the roofer has proof of licensing, worker’s compensation, and liability insurance. Look for a reputable local company that has been in business for several years and has a proven track record. Check to see if the company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, because the roofing industry is known to receive the most complaints. Lastly, ask for references of past customers in your neighborhood or nearby.

If you’re taking bids for your roofing project, don’t immediately accept the lowest bid. A low bid may be an indicator of poor quality materials or sub-standard work. Make sure that you fully understand each estimate. Don’t be subjected to low bid contractors who have “unexpected” add-ons while the work is being completed.

Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, is generally irreversible and is a result of improper installation, poor material choice, or inappropriate roof system for the specific home or building.

You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system or re-cover the existing roof system. In many instances, building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete replacement is necessary. It is highly recommended that you tear-off the existing roof so that any undetected damage to the decking can be replaced.

There are no specific temperature guidelines regarding when it is too cold to install asphalt shingles, however, asphalt shingles do become brittle in cold temperatures. Breakage can be minimized or eliminated if the shingles are stored in a warm area and loaded onto the roof a few bundles at a time.

The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests the amount of attic ventilation be balanced between the eaves and ridge. The intent of a balanced ventilation system is to provide nearly equivalent amounts of ventilation area at the eave/soffit and at or near the ridge. For a balanced ventilation system to function properly, approximately one-half of the ventilation area must be at or near the ridge.

In order to properly ventilate your roof, air will need to flow from your intake (soffit vents) to your exhaust (ridge vent). The insulation must not prevent air flow by blocking the soffit vent. For exhaust ventilation, ridge vents are commonly used due to the product’s performance and aesthetic advantages. The attic ventilation system must also be balanced between the intake and exhaust vents (2 to 1 ratio, as there are two soffit vents and only one ridge vent).

Make sure to clear your driveway and any items directly surrounding your home. The materials and dumpster will be delivered the day before or the day of the job, so designate a place in your driveway with your project manager. Remove all loose items from walls and shelves, as hammering during replacements may cause enough vibration to shake those items down. Also, please see that electrical power is provided to the outside of your home. If exterior plugs are not available, please run an extension cord through a window or door.

Depending on the size of your roof, most installations take between 1 and 2 days.

Many roofers will have a dumpster delivered to the job site. Make sure that the price of disposal is included in your estimate. Some contractors are very fastidious and will clean up the site as they go. Others may wait until the end of the job which can leave your property looking unkempt and can also create a hazard.

All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic inspections can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles, loose seams & deteriorated flashings, excessive surface granules in the gutters or downspouts, and other visible signs of roof system problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.