FAQ

Have a question? Check out our FAQ page to get the answers you need. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, please don’t hesitate to ask us…

What to expect when you request an estimate?

You can email, text, call or fill out our estimate request form with your information. The general information we need is:
1. Name.
2. Address of the roof that needs to be inspected/replaced.
3. Phone Number and other contact information.
4. Preferred method of contact – phone calls, text, email, fax or all the above.
5. Type of roof you currently have and type of roof you are interested in getting a quote on.
6. Any other notes you wish to share.
Our Professional Estimator will contact you and schedule a time to go to your property. You can be present, but it is not required as long as we have access to all the roof areas for inspection and measuring. It is helpful if we can get in the attic to check insulation levels as well. Solar estimates require us to check your electrical panel, and shading from trees, etc.
After we inspect and measure the roof we will work up a detailed written estimate and schedule to meet with you at a time and place convenient for you. We can then explain to you the estimate, time frames, details etc… and answer any questions you may have. Appointments can be as quick as a coffee break or they can be more in-depth. Our goal is to answer all your questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the installation methods and the whole construction process including permits, city officials, installation, weather, clean up, etc.
We are a NO-PRESSURE sales company. We do not use “high pressure” sales tactics that are common in the industry. Our Estimator’s present the facts, answer your questions, give you a legal written estimate with our time tested method of installation, and you as the homeowner can then exercise your right to choose who you want to do business with. We hope to earn your business with an honest, straight-forward, educational approach built on our reputation in the industry as a quality and customer service oriented company.
Contact Us. It’s Free. We will not hound you with sales calls or just show up at your house. There is a reason most of our customers use us again, and most our clients are through referral. Go to our Contact Us page by clicking here -> CONTACT US

Did you know that in California you can cancel a contract up to 3 days after signing a Home Improvement Contract? Know your rights as a homeowner by visiting Contractors State License Board at www.cslb.ca.gov

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by Brazil Quality Construction, Inc. Always consult a licensed, insured, professional contractor. Always consult local building codes and governing authorities.

Roofing Terms Explained

Roofing has a whole language of its own. It is a mish-mash of framing and roofing terms with some areas of a house being called a different name based on who you speak with. Here are some definitions below. Many of the definitions can be found in the Tile Roof Institute Installation manual detail MC-01.

1. Square

Roofing is done by the “square” which equals a 10 foot by 10 foot area or 100 square feet. 1 roofing square = 100 square feet.

2. Field of Roof

The central or main portion of a roof, excluding the perimeter and flashings.

3. Eave

This is generally the edge of the roof where gutters are installed. Most roofers use this term only to describe the bottom edge of the roof where the gutters are installed, framers will use this term at times to describe all the perimeters of the roof.

4. Fascia

This is typically a board that is installed on the eave that is installed over the rafter tails as a decorative cap to protect the rafter tails. The gutters are installed over this board. Since this board is on the eave many framers will say “fascia” when referring to the eave. Some framers also refer to the Barge (see #5) as fascia as well… adding to the confusion.

5. Gable/Rake/Barge

These terms get mixed together and they refer to the same thing but different. Gable is typically a framing/architectural term that refers to the style of house. A “gable” house is a house with no hips… it can be described as the house you drew as a child… two walls and triangle on top. That is a “Gable”. The “rake” is edge of the gable. For example in tile roofing we have “rake trim” which is the tiles that hang off the gable edge or rake. “Barge” is used as a framing term for the lumber that makes up the rake. Confused yet? Me too. See the picture.

6. Hip

This is a framing/architectural term to refer to the style of the house and the framing member that creates the “look” that is being designed. A Hip is usually a framing board that begins a “turn” in the house that runs 45 degrees with the slope up to a peak. Hips usually run parallel with valleys.

7. Sheathing

Decking that the roof will be fastened too. Old shake roofs used “Skipped Sheathing” and all new tile and composition shingles require “Solid Sheathing” or plywood/OSB to be installed for a solid deck. Sheathing comes in multiple thicknesses/material and Radiant Barrier options are available.

8. Underlayment

This is a moisture/vapor barrier that is installed under the roofing shingles or tiles. Some underlayments are self-adhering and they seal the nails completely from water intrusion. (Many roofers call these self-adhering types of underlayment’s “Ice Shield” because of the brand name “Grace Ice & Water Shield” that has been a top notch brand of self-adhering systems for years.) Typical underlayments are 15lb or 30lb (ASTM) roofing felt paper. Recently SBS Modified and Synthetic underlayments have made a surge in the marketplace.

9. Roof to Wall

Anywhere the roof and a wall intersect is a roof to wall are requiring special flashing for each specific area. Each material requires a different type of flashing. For example, on a side wall a step shingle is required for shakes or comp shingles, but in roof tile a tile pan metal is required to flash this area. The flashing of roof to wall areas is critical to any quality roofing installation. Technically Roof to Wall areas fall into two major categories: Side Walls and Head walls.

10. Roof Jacks

These are the plumbing pipes, and fan pipes that vent out of the roof. The plumbing pipes are actually air intakes. When you turn on your sink or flush the toilet; have you ever wondered why the water does not “glug” like when you pour water out of a bottle? If you ever pour water out of a large bottle – poke a hole in the bottom of the bottle to allow air in and it will no longer “glug”. This is essentially what plumbing jack pipes do… they allow for your shower/faucet/toilet etc… to function smoothly without “glugging”. These pipes stick through the roof and it’s our job to make sure they do not leak – so we have to flash them. The fan jacks exhaust air from your kitchen hood, bathroom fans, and dryer vent. (Be sure to clean out your dryer vent on a regular basis. Clogged dryer vents cause lower drying efficiency and a fire hazard. If you have a dryer cleaning company walk on a tile roof – always get a roof inspection after they get off your roof.) All these roof jacks have to be properly flashed for the specific type of roof being installed on your house.

Got a Question?

Contact Information

3871 Security Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, Ca 95742
CA License #975579

Phone: (916) 873-ROOF (7663)
Fax: (916) 351-8226
Email: info@brazilroofs.com
Text: (916) 805-9949

Our Philosophy

"We believe that we have an obligation to our clients to meet their needs in a fair, honest, and courteous manner. We provide high quality roofing on a timely basis."

Michael J. Brazil