Help and Resources
How do I know if I have a Hip Roof?
Whether you do or do not have a hip roof is important because hip roof require more shingles than gable roofs do. Hopefully the graphic to the left is helpful, but by definition a hip roof is a type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls. Thus a house with a hip roof has no gables ends or other vertical sides to the roof.
Also, if you have a hip roof there will be acknowledgement of such on your insurance claim. Click for an Example
Note: If you have a home that is part hip and part gable, then for the purpose of this quote you DO have a hip roof.
Is my roof considered a Steep Roof?
The pitch (or angle) of your roof is important because the steeper a roof is the more dangerous it is and the more time it takes to work on. By definition any roof with a pitch greater than or equal to 7/12 (rise/run) is considered steep. To keep things simple we don’t need to know the exact pitch of your roof, just if your roof is or has been identified as steep or not. The easiest way to determine this is to review your insurance claim. If your roof is steep it will be shown in the claim like the example on the right.
Note: If you have a home that is partially steep and partially not, then for the purpose of this quote your roof IS steep.
No insurance claim? No problem, Contact Us for help.
To see more examples of insurance claims from a variety of providers along with notes on where to find important information, visit our claims page.
How do I know which type of shingle is right for me?
There are cosmetic and functional differences between the shingles, but ultimately the answer to this question comes down to personal preference and how much you want to invest in shingles. As you consider the pro’s and con’s of each, please know any of these shingles will protect your home from the elements.
3-Tab Shingles
This shingle is extremely common and is the least expensive choice. For years this was the standard in all roofing, but with an array of choices, today this shingle is less common than the Dimensional Shingles. The name comes from its design; a solid piece of material that has two cuts in it to produce “three tabs.” This shingle is still a good option and will waterproof your home for many years, but it does not have some of the cosmetic advantages of other designs and it is more susceptible to high wind damage.
Dimensional Shingles
Many homeowners are upgrading their roofs to this product as it is superior in design and functionality to the 3-Tab Shingle, and does not have a high upgrade cost. Dimensional Shingles are designed to simulate a three-dimensional appearance of wood shakes and offer more color choices than the 3-Tab Shingle. In design they are superior as well as they are constructed of one solid piece of material that is two layers thick, allowing the shingle to pass wind tests of over 130 mph.
Class-4 Impact Resistant Shingles
This is the latest advancement in asphalt shingles on the market today; simply stated these shingles are designed to withstand hail storms and hail damage. Outwardly, this shingle doesn’t look any different than a dimensional shingle but how it is constructed is what makes it different. It is heavier, thicker, and has additional layers of material to strengthen the shingle and make it more durable. Any shingle that is rated at a Class 4 level must pass Underwriter Laboratories test UL 2218. In this test a 2″ steel ball is dropped from a height of 20′ twice, impacting the shingle in the same place both times – to pass there must be no evidence of the impact. This shingle does come with a higher price, but when you consider insurance companies offer a discount on your annual insurance premium once you have this shingle and the fact that insurance deductibles are continuing to go up – this may be the best choice.
