Roofing FAQs

These names are used interchangeably to represent roofing shingles made up of two (or three in the case of a tri-laminate) layers of shingle material bonded together to provide not only a more beautiful appearance, but also added durability. The added texture of an architectural shingle provides a nice finished look for any roof.

Dimensional shingles have a beautiful 3D appearance and a thick base mat that provides added protection from wind and hail, and can also help hide roof imperfections. These multi-dimensional roof shingles are among the highest quality and come with some of the best warranties in the roofing industry, usually lasting 30 years or longer.

Dimensional shingles don’t have cut outs. Instead, they have an additional layer of asphalt laminate that reinforces the waterproof seal and creates a dimensional appearance.

Architectural, or dimensional, shingles work on most roof types and pitches.

Luxury shingles come in styles that mimic natural slate or shake to provide a more elegant aesthetic. Some even have solar reflectivity which can extend their life and reduce costs incurred from heating and cooling your home. With these premium shingles, you can get the look of cedar shake and the high performance of asphalt. Great for any style home, from traditional to Old World, Victorian to country, these decorative and eye-catching luxury shingles provide the ultimate in curb appeal.

Owens offers a 10-year workmanship warranty and CertainTeed offers up to 25 years on complete systems. Because we are CertainTeed Select Shingle Master Contractors, we can offer the Sure Start Plus 5-Star Warranty. Plus, our team consists of certified installers, which means that we can provide the highest quality roofing systems with the best extended warranties in the roofing business.

When you get a complete roof system, which means all products and materials are made by the same manufacturer, you can also get amazing extended warranties. B&T Roofing is a preferred contractor for Owens and a select shingle roofer for CertainTeed. Because of these relationships, both manufacturers offer warranties not only on their products, but also on our workmanship.

Depending on the weather, a small home may take only one day while a larger home with a high pitch may take up to five days.

Yes, you can have up to two layers on an existing roof. For optimum results, you should tear off the old roof first. Once the old shingles are removed, it’s easy to inspect the decking to see if there is any damage that needs to be repaired before installing new shingles. Plus, ice and water leak barriers can only be adhered to the decking, which would be impossible to access unless you remove the old shingles.

As long as you only have one layer existing, you can get a roof overlay. If you are considering a roof overlay because you want to save a little money, that’s really your only benefit: saving a little money. Since roofs generally last for many years, if you install new shingles on top of old ones, you’ll never know if there is any damage or wood rot underneath the old shingles. Skipping a thorough examination of the decking and flashing could cost you more money in repairs down the road.

First impressions are important. Replacing an old roof adds instant curb appeal, which can be very helpful if you intend to sell your house. Although a new roof is not always necessary, it can give you an edge over the competition if there are other properties for sale in your neighborhood. And remember, if you do get your roof replaced warranties are transferable.

The sky is the limit since there are so many choices in materials, colors and styles. After you sign up for your free estimate, one of our reps will come to your home and explain the different shingle brands, colors and styles, as well as flashing options. We also have a handy reference sheet that lists other roofs we’ve installed in your area so you can drive, or walk, around your neighborhood to get some ideas.

The standard colors are white, tan, and black, but custom colors like green, tan, blue and others are available through special order.

B&T Roofing is an authorized contractor with GAF, Gen-Flex and Versico. This means we can provide our commercial roofing customers with special “no dollar limit” warranties that most other contractors cannot offer. We work with apartment complexes, condos, retail stores, warehouses, office buildings, and more. We can provide 10, 15 and 20-year warranties.

Because of its durability, long life, and performance against weather, metal roofing is a popular waterproofing system for commercial structures. Metal roofing can be installed on either steep pitch or low pitch roofs. In fact, there are panels designed for roof slopes as low as ½ inch.

B&T Roofing generally uses three types of metal roofing on commercial businesses:

• Agricultural panels: Also called exposed fastener panels are hidden and concealed.
• Standing seam: Fully interlocking system so no screws are exposed. Can be installed over existing roofs.
• Metal shingles: Manufactured in large panels for quick installation. Can be installed over existing roofs.

The warranty details depend on the manufacturer and can be up to 35 years for the paint coating. You can also upgrade to watertight system coverage. If you are interested in having a single ply membrane roof, standing seam metal, or metal roofing shingles installed on your business, call B&T Roofing today to schedule a free estimate. We install commercial roofs on businesses in the Columbus, Ohio, area.

Interlocking metal shingles come in a variety of styles that mimic cedar shake, natural slate and flat tile. They offer the look of wood, stone, asphalt or tile, but with the durability and low-maintenance of metal.

Most metal roofing products come in a wide variety of colors and a professional contractor can recommend the best option for your house. With so many varieties of panels and systems there’s a metal roofing solution for just about any type of roof, from a steep slope a flat one.

If properly maintained, an asphalt roof may last 20 to 40 years or longer. A metal roof, on the other hand, can last 50 years or longer when installed by an experienced metal roofing contractor.

There are many benefits of having a metal roof. Not only are they attractive, but you get your choice of styles, colors and metals. Here are some of the benefits a metal roof offers.

Long Lasting: When properly installed, a metal roof can last for as long as the house does. It’s water-tight, mildew-resistant, withstands high winds, resists rot, and sheds away heavy snowfalls.

Great Warranty: Most metal roofing manufacturers back their products for 20 to 50 years, and paint finishes can have up to a 35-year limited warranty.

Fire Resistant: Depending on the type of materials beneath the surface, a metal roof can earn a Class A fire rating, which is the most fire resistant, making it noncombustible.Heat Conduction: A metal roof reflects solar radiant heat and cools faster than slate or concrete roofs, which retain heat. As a result, you could see a reduction in energy costs when cooling your home in the summer because your home will stay cooler naturally.

Most metal roofing materials can be installed on homes with gently pitched roofs without having to worry about potential leaks. The minimum roof pitch is 3-in-12 (the roof rises 3 inches for each horizontal foot).

Because of the interlocking design and hard and slippery surface, a metal roof easily repels both rain and snow.

For a metal roof installation on your home contact B&T Roofing to schedule a free consultation. As a local roofing company in Columbus, Ohio, we can install metal shingles or a standing seam metal roof on your house that could last the rest of your life. Call us today to find out why a metal roof may be the right option for you.

If you walk into your upstairs bedroom and see large puddle-like stains on the ceiling, you probably have a leak in your roof. Here are some signs that you have a leaky roof:

• Water spots on your ceiling or walls
• Missing, cracked or damaged shingles
• Missing or damaged flashing or boot covers
• Water spots or wet roof decking (visible in the attic)

Even if you can clearly see where the water spots are on your ceiling, it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the leak. Don’t automatically assume that it’s your shingles. Roof leaks can also be caused by missing flashing around your chimney or other entry points. All it takes is one little gap, hole or crack for water to get inside your attic.

If you have missing, cracked or damaged shingles make sure to replace them ASAP, as the next rainfall could be all it takes for unwanted water to find its way into your home. A leak that starts out small may seem like no big deal, but overtime this “innocent” leak could cause a lot of damage.

If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, ice dams occur when the snow on your roof continues to alternately thaw and refreeze, forming a ridge that blocks proper water drainage. An ice dam may cause the excess water to backup under your roof shingles and potentially leak into your home. Installing an ice and water underlay on your roof will help protect your home from leaks, but you should still keep an eye out for dam formations.

Roofs are designed to withstand the elements. Some storms, however, are more intense than others. Strong gusts of wind can blow shingles right off the roof deck, and missing shingles can lead to leaks and other interior damage. Other wind damage may not be as obvious as missing shingles, like a broken adhesive seal.

After a severe storm, always check for potential roof damage. To effectively protect against wind and rain, shingles must be sealed to each other to create a water-tight roof deck. If an adhesive seal breaks, strong winds may cause a shingle (or several) to flap around, rubbing against the shingle(s) directly above it. A telltale sign the adhesive seal is broken are thin horizontal lines, created by worn off granules, about one to two inches beneath the shingle above.

When it hails, chunks of ice fall from the sky and there’s no way to protect your roof from potential damage. If you see dents on parked cars or other outdoor items, you may have roof damage as well.

When hail strikes a shingle, it can create a small indentation that may be hard to see; but don’t be fooled. That little dent can turn into a crack over time, allowing water to infiltrate into your home. More visual hail damage includes:

• Patterns of small, circle-shaped divots on the edges of the shingles
• Indentations in the shingle with missing granules
• A large pile of granules at the end of your downspout

Even though you have not experienced any leaks or storm, wind or hail damage, sometimes a roof needs to be replaced simply because it’s old. Unless you have an industrial-strength metal roof, which could last up to 50 years or longer, as a responsible homeowner, you should do preventive maintenance on your home. If not, you may experience bigger problems down the road. Watch out for these warning signs that it might be time to replace your roof:

• Worn shingles, curled shingle edges, cupped shingle tabs
• Bald spots from missing granules
• Cracked or missing shingles
• Sagging, buckling, warped or otherwise damaged roof deck

Do you need roof repairs? There are specific signs to look for if you think your roof is damaged. It’s best to have a professional roofing company, like B&T Roofing, inspect your roof to determine if you have leaks from storm, wind or hail damage, and to what extent. We can also work with your insurance company whether you need a minor repair or a full roof replacement.

• Custom sized for your home
• Fewer seams means fewer leaks
• Easy to maintain
• Visually appealing

We install 5” and 6” seamless gutters using hidden hangers that sit flat inside the gutter and are hidden from view and secure with screws. These hangers form a strong attachment, making the front of the gutter less likely to distort or pull away from the house.

Half-round gutters offer an alternative look and style, and people usually choose them for their timeless aesthetic beauty. They come in different materials and sizes, and are easy to clean. The rounded, smooth shape highlights architectural design, which looks especially nice on classically-styled or historic houses.

While aluminum gutters may need to be replaced after 20 years, copper gutters can last 60 years or longer with the proper upkeep. Why does copper last so long? Mainly because copper is corrosion resistant, which means it will never rust. Plus, copper is so beautiful on its own you don’t need to paint it, especially after it begins to build a patina.

If you need your gutters cleaned, we can send a service crew to your home and get the job done with just one visit. Not only will we clean your gutters, we’ll also haul away all the trash and debris we remove. Why should you do something that is potentially dangerous? Leave the ladder climbing and the dirty work to the gutter professionals at B&T Roofing.

Depending on the number and type of trees on your property, you may need to clean your gutters several times throughout the year. If neglected, your gutters could fill up with fallen leaves, sticks and twigs, nuts and pinecones, or other debris. If your gutters are clogged and can’t do their job properly, water can overflow and damage your home, landscaping or foundation.

As beautiful as trees are, they can become a gutter’s worst nightmare. Leaves, twigs and pine needles can clog up your gutters, creating additional gutter maintenance or, even worse, water damage on your house or foundation.

Adding Leaf Relief to new or existing gutters virtually eliminates the need for gutter cleaning in the future. You’ll have the peace of mind that your gutter system is working properly, protecting against leaks and the potential damage that can occur when gutters are clogged.

Leaf Relief can drain almost 30 inches of rainfall an hour, which is way more than you should ever need. Not only is Leaf Relief effective gutter protection, it has an extremely low profile, making it almost invisible, and a 25-year warranty.

If you need new gutters installed, a leaf guard added, or gutter cleaning services, B&T Roofing works on homes across Columbus, Ohio. We can also install heated gutter coils to prevent the formation of ice dams.

Insulation is measured by its R-value, or thermal resistance. A higher number means the insulation will block unwanted air flow better. The R-value is determined by its thickness and if it was installed properly. You can choose insulation R-values based on the climate where you live; for example, colder climates would require a higher number.

Absolutely. After we pull the decking off from under your old shingles, we can pull the insulation blowing hose through the opening in the roof. This way we don’t even have to go through your house which keeps it cleaner.

We use the AttiCat® insulation blowing machine to install expanding Fiberglas™ insulation. The insulation is loaded into the machine outside, so you don’t have to worry about any mess inside your home. The machine breaks up and fluffs the insulation as it travels through the hose, adding air pockets along the way to increase its insulating power. Plus, Fiberglas™ insulation will not settle over time, so it will maintain its R-value.

We can complete the job in one visit, usually within a few hours.

• Easy to control, insulation goes exactly where needed
• Low dust and easy cleanup
• Efficient installation
• Great for unusual spaces or areas with low ceilings

If you need an insulation installing company, call B&T Roofing to schedule an inspection and get a free estimate to improve your home’s energy-efficiency. We use a blown-in insulation method to ensure your home is protected from unwanted air leaks.

This skylight is mounted on a raised frame that is usually made from wood. With no fixed top, bottom or sides, it can be installed in any direction you choose.

VELUX SUN TUNNEL™ skylights are cylindrical tunnels that pass from the roof to the ceiling. Inside the room, a ceiling diffuser blends in, almost unnoticed, so you can enjoy a sky view day or night. These sky tunnels can be flexible or rigid, depending on the installation requirements, but both options provide the same beautiful results.

• Brighten a room
• Bring in natural light, 30% more than vertical windows
• Make a room seems larger
• Has a low profile

Just like they sound, these are windows installed in your roof that can open and close. This way, you not only get the benefit of natural light, but also fresh air and your own personal rooftop view. Velux VSE™ Electric Ventilating Skylight offers the ultimate skylight experience and is our preferred brand of choice. They do more than just let light in, they also enhance air circulation.

• If you have an acrylic skylight, it is considered old technology and is not energy efficient.
• Cracks, leaks, condensation or drafts.
• If you are replacing your roof, this is the perfect time to invest in skylights.

• QVM Self-Flashed Manual Venting Skylight
• QFS Self-Flashed Fixed Skylight
• EKL/EKW/EKM Combi-Flashing® Deck Mounted Skylights
• Truss Series Deck Mounted Skylight

Skylights are the perfect solution for anywhere in your home that would benefit from more natural light. From bathrooms and bedrooms to hallways and closets, they add style and beauty to any home.

What if you could get a siding for your home that looks like real wood but has the durability of cement? Fiber cement siding is engineered wood made from a resilient mix of wood pulp and cement, making it one of the more durable siding products in the industry. This siding comes in finished or painted options and most manufactures will warranty it for 50 years or longer.

• Durable and crack resistant
• Resistant to wood-boring insects
• Does not rot
• Resistant to salt and UV rays
• Class A fire rating
• Low maintenance
• Impact-resistant
• Long warranty

Textured to look like cedar shake, this siding is made from polypropylene resin. It has a natural, 3D cedar pattern, comes in a variety of colors, and is maintenance free. This stylish siding can be installed over the entire home, or used in accent areas.

• Looks like real cedar, but more durable
• Adds curb appeal
• Low maintenance

At B&T Roofing, our knowledgeable and experienced siding installers are trained on the latest installation techniques and work towards the goal of your complete satisfaction. We install vinyl, fiber cement, and polymer shake siding to homes across Columbus, Ohio. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.