What is a Roof Overlay?

The new shingles are applied over the existing layer of shingles.  While overlays save on time, labor and disposal costs, they can only be done if certain conditions are met.

What is a Tear-Off?

First we remove all the old shingles from the roof.  Then we inspect your roofing deck (the wooden base over your rafters) and replace or seal it as needed.  We then completely re-cover your roof with new underlayment and shingles from top to bottom.

Which option is better for you?

If there are already two layers of shingles, an overlay is NOT an option, as Nevada County only allows up to two layers.

If you only have one layer, the existing roof is in good condition, lays flat (no bumps or rolls) and has no leaks or any problems with the underlying roof deck (soft spots), then an overlay may be the best option for you.

However, a tear-off will probably be necessary if:

• The condition of the existing shingles is so rough and distorted that it would not be practical to flatten all raised areas enough for the new roof to lay flat.  Installing shingles over existing shingles that aren’t flat can make the new roof look bumpy and make it harder for the new layer of shingles to form a seal.

• The roof structure shows signs of sag across the ridge or truss lines.  If the roof does not look straight and feel solid, there may be structural defects.  Shingles are heavy, and adding a new layer over an existing roof adds weight to the rafters and to the structure in general. Older roofs, sagging roofs or substandard rafters may not safely bear the additional weight.

• If spongy areas are noticed when walking on a roof, or an inspection of the deck reveals rotted/warped wood or large gaps between the deck boards.  Any rotten or damaged boards must be replaced before applying the new shingles.  Deterioration can occur when there is delamination in the plywood due to glue failure.  Dry rot is wood rot caused by certain types of fungi and if it isn’t taken care of, it can spread. If there is any suspicion of bad decking, then a full tear-off should seriously be considered, as these conditions are not always evident until the roofing is removed.

Lastly, if you are considering the benefits of the Owens Corning Preferred Protection Limited Warranty, a tear-off is required to qualify for the warranty.

The experts at Gold Country Roofing have decades of experience installing quality roofs, both overlays and tear-offs.  Contact us today for your free roof estimate, and we will give you our recommendation based upon the condition of your current roof.

-Linda Haldane, Haldane Computers, Grass Valley

-Ron Merrall, Santa Cruz, CA  [rental home in Penn Valley]

-Karen Schlanser, Grass Valley, CA

-Pat Cooper, Grass Valley, CA

-Melody Laverentz, Nevada City, CA

Don’t let D.I.Y = “oops!”

We often get calls from clients who are experiencing a leak or some other concern, only to find the problem stems from their attempts to install or repair something themselves.  While we understand their desire to take matters into their own hands, we advise you to proceed with caution.  Read your roof warranty carefully before attempting any repairs or installing any item that could damage your roof and/or void the warranty.  Third party entities, (for example, heat & AC unit installers), can also cause damage and void your warranty.   Protect yourself and your investment from costly DIY or third party mistakes.

Not everything should “go green”

Dust, debris, algae, “presents” from area wildlife… over time, this build-up not only becomes unsightly, but may also encourage deterioration of your shingles.  Keeping your roof clean is important and so is the cleaning method you use.  Harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing can remove the granules, damage the shingles and even void your roof’s warranty.  Periodically blowing off your roof is a good way to maintain overall cleanliness, but if the build-up has gotten out of hand, the spray nozzle on your garden hose can often do the trick.  IMPORTANT: DO NOT power wash, and avoid spraying your roof at an upward angle that will force water up underneath the shingles.

Avoid a pile-up

With Nevada County’s plentiful foliage it doesn’t take long to accumulate a solid layer of debris on the roof.  Roof shingles are designed to shed water rapidly downward and off the roof, so when debris is allowed to collect, the shingles are not able to drain and dry properly.  Standing water leads to premature rotting of the shingles and growth of algae, and water tends to wick upward, finding its way up underneath the shingles and into your home.  NOTE:  When cleaning out your gutters, watch for any roof granules that have accumulated.  Excessive granule loss is a warning sign that your shingles may be reaching the end of their life.

Know what to look for

It’s not always easy to spot a problem until it’s become a big and costly one.  Sometimes leaks can be difficult to diagnose even for seasoned professionals.  However, anyone can keep an eye out for signs that their roof is in need of maintenance, repair or replacement, and take action now to avoid more expensive problems later.

Then, when the work actually commenced…the team was personal, professional, hard-working, dedicated and conscientious.  They worked into darkness one evening so that they could stay on schedule and were very concerned about cleaning up our home & yard daily.

I would highly recommend Gold Country for all your roofing needs.”

-Debbie Urbanec, Grass Valley

A HUGE and heartfelt “thank-you” to everyone who voted us Nevada County’s Best Roofing Company!!  We’re so happy to have provided our valued clients with the quality service to have earned this honor.

See a list of all the winners in The Union’s Nevada County’s Best publication.

“We strive to provide the best possible products and service to our customers, so we’re very excited to be able to offer the unprecedented Lifetime Warranty that Owens Corning now provides,” said Stan Smith, Owner of Gold Country Roofing.  “What does this mean for our customers?  We can now essentially provide them with the last roof they will ever need, making their new Owens Corning roof one of the smartest home improvement options out there.”

Gold Country Roofing provides roofing services in Nevada County, CA, and offers several lines of Owens Corning shingles. All Owens Corning Preferred Roofing Contractors have a minimum of three years experience, a clean profile with the Better Business Bureau and all required state and local licenses.   Gold Country Roofing is the ONLY Owens Corning Preferred Contractor in Western Nevada County.

“The Preferred program takes the guess work out of finding a contractor,” says Jeff Carpenter, Owens Corning Contractor Development Leader. “Preferred Roofing Contractors have a demonstrated track record of dependable, quality workmanship and they are backed by one of the most trusted names in roofing.”

About Gold Country Roofing

Gold Country Roofing has been serving Nevada County since 1980, specializing in residential, commercial and industrial roofing applications.  Their quality services come with a 10 year limited workmanship warranty, and include year-round  re-roofing & tear-offs, shingle, metal & thermoplastic membrane installation, seamless gutter installation, leaf guard systems and deck waterproofing.  Repairs, maintenance and free estimates are offered as well.  When your roof is installed by the seasoned professionals at Gold Country Roofing, you will experience better energy efficiency in your home or business.  Visit them online at www.goldroof.com.

About Owens Corning

Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems.  A Fortune 500 Company for 55 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability through delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives.  Founded in 1938, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass-fiber technology with sales of $6 billion in 2008 and about 16,500 employees in 30 countries on five continents.  Additional information is available at www.owenscorning.com.