FAQs

Licensing and insurance requirements can vary by state and by city or county, so verify them before work begins. Confirm liability and workers compensation insurance, ask for manufacturer certifications, and require a written contract. Southern Precision Homes provides all of these before work begins.

Yes. Credentials vary widely from one crew to the next, so ask for proof of insurance, any required local business license, and manufacturer certifications before anyone climbs your ladder.

Three-tab asphalt shingles typically last about 20 years, architectural shingles about 30, and metal roofing 40 to 80 years. Georgia summer heat, humidity, and seasonal storms push most roofs toward the lower end of those ranges without regular care.

Metal handles hail, wind, and ice storms better and lasts two to three times longer, though it costs more up front. Architectural or Class 4 impact-rated shingles give most homeowners a strong, affordable balance of durability and curb appeal.

Class 4 is the top rating under the UL 2218 test, where a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet must not crack the shingle. Many insurers discount premiums for Class 4 roofs, so ask your agent before choosing materials.

Summer heat, humidity, heavy rain, and seasonal storms all wear on roofs here. Impact rated shingles, 6 nail fastening, sealed starter courses, and properly lapped flashing matter more than most homeowners expect.

The 2018 International Residential Code calls for 1 square foot of net free vent area per 150 square feet of attic floor, or 1 per 300 with balanced intake and exhaust. Poor airflow overheats shingles from below and shortens their life.

Lighter shingles and reflective metal finishes absorb less solar heat, which lowers attic temperatures during Georgia summers. Darker colors hold more warmth in winter but tend to age faster on sunny, south-facing slopes.

A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the shingles or membrane, while a workmanship warranty covers installation errors such as poor nailing. At Southern Precision Homes, our certifications open extended manufacturer coverage on roofs across Georgia, and we back our own installation separately.

Many manufacturer warranties transfer once to a new owner when the transfer is registered within a set window, often 60 days after closing. Workmanship coverage varies by contractor, so keep installation paperwork handy, since buyers and home inspectors routinely request it.

Permit rules vary by city and county, and some jurisdictions require one for replacement while others do not. We confirm the local requirements before work begins and handle the paperwork when a permit is needed.

Self adhering membrane in valleys and around penetrations is inexpensive added protection against wind driven rain, even where local codes do not require it.

Building codes generally allow a recover over only one existing layer, so two layers is the maximum. A full tear-off is usually the better choice, because an overlay hides rotten decking, adds weight to the framing, and can void the shingle warranty.

Pitch is the rise in inches over every 12 inches of run. Asphalt shingles need at least a 2:12 slope, and slopes between 2:12 and 4:12 require double underlayment. Flatter roofs call for TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen membranes instead.

Those streaks are usually algae called Gloeocapsa magma, which spreads by airborne spores and thrives on shaded, humid slopes. It rarely harms shingles structurally, but it ages a home's appearance. Algae-resistant shingles with copper-infused granules help keep new roofs clean.

Watch for wavy shingle lines, exposed nail heads, missing drip edge, flashing sealed with caulk instead of lapped metal, reused old vents, and debris left in gutters. Reputable crews also photograph the decking and underlayment before any shingles are installed.

A written contract should spell out the scope, materials, price, warranty terms, and your cancellation rights. Read it fully before signing, and ask questions about anything that is unclear.

Many states forbid contractors from advertising, promising, or rebating any portion of an insurance deductible. A roofer offering to cover yours is putting your claim at risk, which is reason enough to question everything else in that estimate.

Schedule an inspection each spring and fall, clean gutters twice a year, trim branches at least 6 feet back, replace cracked pipe boots promptly, and keep attic vents clear. Catching one lifted shingle early costs far less than replacing rotted decking.