We've made up our minds. We'd gotten the names of several roofing contractors at the BIA (Building Industry Association) Home Show last month. We settled on three choices and Art gave them a call.
A couple of years ago we tried getting bids from two other contractors that were recommended to us. They came out, looked at the roof, did all the measurements and never gave us a bid, even after Art called to ask. I guess our roof was too small a job.
Contractors came out again last month, took measurements and gave us a lot of information to consider. I wanted white GACO silicon coating for the slanted roof over the family room where mom spends a lot of time because it gets HOT there in the summer. GACO or another silicon roofing called Tropical Silicon are supposed to be excellent in reflecting the sun's rays.
The sales representatives however, wanted us to consider aluminum shingles, metal roofing, and Solaris reflective shingles. Aluminum and metal roofing are extremely expensive.
We finally settled on Cool Roof Hawaii. Their representative, Brenden was honest about advising us what to do.
I asked him what he'd choose if it were his roof.
He said the GACO silicon coating was not the best solution for our overly slanted roof and the slant would probably void the warranty. He said we should go with the new Solaris shingles that is supposed to also reflect the sun. We could have GACO applied to the rest of the flat area. This made the cost more manageable.
We also asked for a solar roof fan. That cost $1,200 installed. Hopefully it will really help to keep the house cooler, especially when the family all comes to Hawaii this summer to celebrate Art's birthday.
And you know what the best part in all this was? All three roofing contractors emailed their bids to us promptly and answered any questions we had.
Now for the new security screen doors!
A couple of years ago we tried getting bids from two other contractors that were recommended to us. They came out, looked at the roof, did all the measurements and never gave us a bid, even after Art called to ask. I guess our roof was too small a job.
Contractors came out again last month, took measurements and gave us a lot of information to consider. I wanted white GACO silicon coating for the slanted roof over the family room where mom spends a lot of time because it gets HOT there in the summer. GACO or another silicon roofing called Tropical Silicon are supposed to be excellent in reflecting the sun's rays.
We finally settled on Cool Roof Hawaii. Their representative, Brenden was honest about advising us what to do.
I asked him what he'd choose if it were his roof.
He said the GACO silicon coating was not the best solution for our overly slanted roof and the slant would probably void the warranty. He said we should go with the new Solaris shingles that is supposed to also reflect the sun. We could have GACO applied to the rest of the flat area. This made the cost more manageable.
We also asked for a solar roof fan. That cost $1,200 installed. Hopefully it will really help to keep the house cooler, especially when the family all comes to Hawaii this summer to celebrate Art's birthday.
And you know what the best part in all this was? All three roofing contractors emailed their bids to us promptly and answered any questions we had.
Now for the new security screen doors!
I enjoy doing renos! We've put a new roof on our last few houses.
ReplyDeleteYes, a lot of money, but what else do you need to worry about, the roof keeps you cozy!
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
Sounds like you got through the maze of options. I loved houses that have a huge fan placed in the attic to pull cool air through open windows and out of the house. The horizontal fanbox is usually placed in the ceiling of a hallway. They can really cool down a place, like a tiny tornado!
ReplyDeleteWill you have to find a place to stay or hangout when the roofers are pounding away? With wooden shake shingles replacements, the squirrel-like walking, scratching, and pounding of nails usually makes homeowners go elsewhere for awhile. there's always ear plugs and cotton balls.
DrumMajor
No, we won't be moving out for this. Most of the work is over mom's side of the house. She can just move over to another part. We'll be putting up an attic fan. I don't know how much good it will do because Art says our roof is insulated. He made sure of that, but I hope it works this summer because it gets darn hot in my office.
DeleteTough decision. I hope you are pleased with the choices. Metal roofing is very noisy when there is rain. After growing up in Florida, I find that the roofing isn't too different in the northeast--asphalt shingles on very steep roofing. Our 30 year old roof will need a new layer of shingles next year. They have a long lifetime.
ReplyDeletealways busy you are...
ReplyDeleteWe too are getting our roof replaced. Spent a couple of weeks in February calling contractors and getting bids. We are actually going with the lowest bid not just because of the price, but I really liked the fellow who came out to do the estimate. He is the owner, as was one other contractor whom I also really liked, but, like you, I was impressed that this fellow emailed the contract and accepted a scanned PDF as the signed contract. He will start later in March as Terry had to get the money for this out of one of his retirement accounts. We desperately need to replace our 40-year old wood shake roof as it has begun to leak, and that last deluge we had caused some staining on our bedroom ceiling.
ReplyDeleteWe had the same thing. The contract was done by email. Wow! We're getting our roofs done together. Art is happy he won't have to keep replacing shingles on the roof anymore when there's a strong wind.
DeleteThink of it as the last roof you'll ever put on. All the painfully expensive necessaries.
ReplyDeleteAs a matter of fact, some roofers were touting a 50 year roof and we were saying I don't think we'll be here in 50 years.
DeleteIt always feels good to have the decision process behind you. Now let the work proceed!
ReplyDeleteGlad you have made a decision, sounds like you have done your homework and made good choices.
ReplyDeleteWaiting eagerly to see the finished product..because all your works come out to be a 'wow'..:)
ReplyDeleteI sure hope this one will be too. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
DeleteRoofing is a seriuos challenge I know it because I have a summer house in the mountains and I did roofing last year. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteOh my! A summer house in the mountains sounds wonderful!
DeleteSo you can visit me but it isn't close probably about 15 000 km . You can check it I am not sure.
DeleteEstimates come to me via the Internet. Ain't it great? Dianne
ReplyDeleteWell... After the estimators came to the house and did all the measurements and assessments, they did send us proposals by e-mail. The contract was also signed via email which was convenient.
DeleteRoofing is such a hard choice and you certainly had options I wasn't aware of. Metal roofs became the rage in Florida around 2004 when they were almost the only roofs still intact after 3 back to back hurricanes. I was delighted to find a house in Ar. with the metal roof. Will be interested to see if you like the Solaris shingles which are new to me.
ReplyDeleteRoofing looks simple but it quickly gets very complicated. You done your homework and found knowledgeable contractors.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who works in the home improvement industry, my best advice to people is to never trust a contractor. My mother got her roof re-done maybe a year ago and she went through a lot of headaches. A lot of lies from the roofers, shortcuts, and took forever for someone to come back to fix their mistakes.
ReplyDeleteWe also had a guy remodel our bathroom and kitchen, never had much of a issue out of him except the paint on the ceiling where the shower is. Met him through work by mere chance many years later and found out that he was a bit more crooked than what he appeared to be.
We did check references and the BBB. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well. Scary!
DeleteI'll be interested in the progress of this new endeavor. It seems like you and Art are finally narrowing the choices to what YOU would like. As a renter, I don't have to worry about the roof of my little humble apartment. It was replaced two years ago and I never want to go through that again. What noise! :-)
ReplyDeleteAre metal roofs more popular in Hawaii? Here, the roof tiles are mostly made of clay or concrete. When will the roofing work start? All the best!
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming the roofing took place while you were away on your trip? Or did you postpone it until you returned? Looking forward to hearing how it turned out.
ReplyDeleteThe roofing took place the week after we returned and we're really pleased with the job they did. Thank goodness!!! They were very diligent and just in time for the high winds we've been getting.
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