| WHAT IS A SQUARE OF ROOF? |
While determining how many square = (sq) on a roof, it is multiplied length X width. Then you must add 10% to 15% to allow for; starter, ridge, and trim waste. In a sq of 3-Tab shingles there are 3 bundles per sq, each bundle is 1/3 of a sq. On Arch. Shingles, most are also 3 bundles per sq, however some unusual designs or brands, or weights, will have 4 or even 5 bundles per sq. For Cedar shakes, the measurement for a sq. bundles, surface is the same, but there are always 5 Then the ridge cap has to be ordered separately in addition for shakes. This is figured in linear ft. for ridge. Usually there is 25' to 35' per bundle of ridge. |
| NAILOVER/LAYOVER |
| This term describes to nailover existing roof with an additional layer. |
| TEAROFF OR R&R: |
| To tear off existing roofing material, and replace with new products of same or different type roofing products. |
| FIBERGLASS SHINGLES: |
| All shingles on the market today are basically fiberglass. Anything different would have to be special order. |
| 3-TAB OR COMPOSITION: |
| These shingles have 3-Tab's of shingle to make a whole. These are all a basic 20yr or 25yr warranty. |
| ARCHITECT SHINGLES: |
| Architect is the name for a simulated shake shingle. These are the names for simulated shake weights. 30yr, 35/40yr, and 40/50yr. They are heavier per sq. and heavier on the pocketbook, They offer a different look per weight and sometimes different colors on the different weights, may sound strange but true. These "ARCH" shingles give another finish option or presentation to the appearance of your home, similar to shakes without the expense. |
| FELT: |
| Felt paper is asphalt coated/based layer between wood decking and shingles. Felt paper is a vapor barrier,and will protect from rain, but only for very short term and no guarantee to stop water. Felt comes in different weights and thickness. Basically 15# and 30# either will work, but can leave more wrinkles in 30# before being covered by shingles. In a roll of felt there is 4sq in 15# and 2sq in 30# both rolls cost the same, just that the 15# gives double coverage. There are felts but they apply to built up roofs. |
| TAR AND GRAVEL: |
| Tar and Gravel is a "built-up" roof covered with gravel. The gravel is to protect from direct sun and hail. Built-up roof is a roof that is "built' by multiple layers. For example; Starting with bare wood decking, a base sheet is applied by being tacked on or mopped on with hot asphalt, usually a 33# or 43# base. On rubber roofs, a rubber base or rubber membrane is applied first. Then each layer is applied, such as, 15# perforated felt or fiberglass felt, is applied by mopping hot asphalt (hot tar), under each layer of roofing material, such as one layer, then 1/3 lap to each run of roofing paper to allow for a 3ply roof, or 1/2 lap per run to allow for two ply roof and so on. After completion the roof may be left as is, or may be "glaze" mopped to have a tar finish coat. Or after "glaze" coat, then apply gravel, for "Tar and Gravel" roof. If you have a built up roof already, and are having problems, there are different options. If you have an ordinary roof (no gravel) you can and need to maintain your roof by mopping hot tar over roof surface to re-seal and "re-rejuvenate" roof. Like painting your home, if you don't, it will crack and peel. So will your roof. It is recommended to mop glaze your roof every 2-5 yrs, to maintain optimum roof life. |
| HOT ROOFS/FLAT ROOFS: |
| You have the basic "flatroof" or semiflat. Most all are too flat for conventional material. In the past the standard for this type "flat roof," (90# wt per sq or roll) or "Tar and Gravel". The 90# has long out lived it's effectiveness and we at Hot Springs Roofing, Inc. do not recommend this product. It will only last 2-5 years and is too risky to trust to protect your roof. We instead recommend rubber roof. |
| YOUR POTIONS: |
| WHAT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A "TAR AND GRAVEL" ROOF? |
| 1. Remove gravel, by sweeping with stiff special broom or motorized sweeper, spud bar or motorized spud machine. OR 2. Remove gravel, apply insulation board over roof, then apply built up roof or rubber. Different Roofs have different options, some are limited on options, others aren't limited. Only your roofing contractor or builder can safely determine what is safe and/or recommend. |
| CEDAR SHAKES: |
| JUNIOR: Junior's are mostly used for the starter coarse on shakes with the heavier shake covering over. Or Junior's are used for a decorative siding, on the sides of walls, dormers etc. MEDIUM: Medium's are the most common. They are thicker than Junior, usually 1/2" to 5/8" thickness at butt. JUMBO or HEAVY Jumbo or heavy are the thickest, usually 3/4" to 1" thickness at butt. Each "thickness," has different prices, Jumbo's naturally being most expensive. |
| TURBINE/WHIRLY BIRD: |
| This is a heat and moisture exhaust from heat build up in the attic. Yes, also moisture. Heat naturally has moisture and many times you will see them covered with trash bags in winter, to hold in the heat. Believe it or not, this is bad for the roof. It builds up moisture in the attic, causing the decking to mildew and moisture, most always not a leak, but could cause a leak. (Do not cover Turbines it is bad for your roof.) |
| STAPLES,NAILS, OR GUNS??? |
| On shingle roofs (not shakes) staples are not recommended or good for your roof. They don't hold roofing well. It holds in wood, but not roofing. Nails vs. Nail Gun We recommend the use of hand tacks/nails driven in by roofing hatchet/hammers as opposed to coil nailer. Hand tacks go in tighter and leave roof secure, However in some instances coil nails are necessary. Such as: A-Frames, Steep roofs, store mansards (store-fronts), because safety in this area is critical and we don't have three hands. On steep roofs to properly align shingle takes two hands and no other way than to use nail guns to assist on this type roof. |
| HOW TO DETERMINE ROOF PITCH?? |


| WE NOW ACCEPT VISA, MASTER CARD, & DISCOVER-CREDIT CARDS. |
| Q & A's |
OUR ROOFING EXPERIENCE GIVES YOU THAT OLD FASHIONED RELIABILITY. WE DO NOT USE STAPLES, WE USE NAILS. WE NAIL FOR QUALITY. |
| Roof pitch is determined by 1" of drop in every 12". Any 5/12 pitch or less is walkable. Any 6/12 & 7/12 pitch is semi steep. And any 8/12 pitch or steeper is considered steep and definitely has an additional charge. |