Frequently Asked Questions

Stout Roofing has been in business since 1983.

Generally, our local Seattle market ranges from Federal Way in the south up to Lake Stevens in the north, and east to the passes.

Yes, we are licensed, bonded and insured to $2,000,000. Contractor's license: STOUTRL894D1. All our workers are covered by WA Labor and Industries worker's compensation insurance.

Call (425) 643-0888 or email contact@stoutroof.com.

Yes, hundreds are available on request.

We do not tear off in the rain. However, we can install shingles in the rain once the roof is "dried-in" with underlayment. Roofs are covered immediately as we tear off — we never leave an open roof uncovered overnight. We have tarps available onsite in case of emergency.

When installing CertainTeed products we use Diamond Deck underlayment and Winterguard Ice and Water Shield. When using other products, we use their recommended materials as is usually required for the warranty (e.g. Malarkey underlayment for Malarkey shingles).

Late spring through early fall is ideal for predictable weather, but roofs can be replaced all year in Seattle. Our crews work year-round.

CertainTeed, GAF, Malarkey and Owens Corning, plus Firestone on commercial systems. We have completed each manufacturer's installer training and have decades of experience with their products. Ask us which manufacturer warranty applies to your specific roof when we quote it.

Composition roofs last between 18–35 years. Cedar shakes 18–25 years unless they are pressure treated. Flat roofs with TPO, PVC, or torch-down usually last 20–30 years. Hot tar and gravel often last 20–25 years. Metal roofing will last 40–50 years.

Some shingle manufacturers offer solar reflective shingles which are usually white or silver. In the Seattle region these have proven unpopular as we get many rainy and cloudy days during the year, and the lighter roofs tend to highlight algae and fungus streaks on the shingles. However, we would be happy to special-order them for you.

A typical 2,500–3,000 square foot roof with a regular pitch and one layer will usually take 1–3 days to complete. Shake and metal roofs often take a week or more.

Materials are often delivered via a conveyor to your roof before the roofers show up. The morning of installation a dump truck or dumpster will be in the driveway — we will need the area to be clear. The roof is torn off from the back forward. Our roofers will take care to protect gardens, bushes, and property with tarps and plywood as needed.

Yes, we will clean up daily as we proceed. Upon completion, the entire area will be gone over with a magnetic sweeper for any nails or metal, and the dumpster and any remaining materials will be removed.

Two warranties: one from the shingle manufacturer covering the materials, and one from Stout Roofing covering the workmanship. See the warranty questions below for what each actually covers and which enhanced manufacturer warranties we can offer.

The manufacturer warranty covers the shingles themselves — defects in the product. The workmanship warranty covers the installation: flashing, fastening, ventilation and everything else that determines whether the roof actually keeps water out. Most roof failures are installation problems rather than product defects, which is why the second one matters at least as much as the first.

Manufacturers reserve their strongest warranties for installers who have completed their training programmes, and each works differently. GAF has the Golden Pledge. Malarkey has an enhanced Pro Warranty covering a complete Secure Choice roof system with at least three Malarkey accessories. Owens Corning has the Preferred Protection System, which provides TRU PROtection for the first 50 years. CertainTeed has SELECT ShingleMaster. We install all four systems and will tell you at estimate stage exactly which warranty applies to your roof and what it covers.

Composition roofs last 18–35 years here. Cedar shakes 18–25 years unless pressure treated and 100% edge grain. Flat roofs with TPO, PVC or torch-down usually last 20–30 years, and hot tar and gravel 20–25. Metal roofing will last 40–50 years. A warranty term longer than the realistic service life of the material is worth reading carefully.

Manufacturer warranties are generally transferable, though most allow only one transfer and some require it within a set window after the sale. The terms vary by manufacturer and by which warranty level was registered. Ask us at estimate stage if you expect to sell — it is a common reason to choose an enhanced warranty over the standard one.

The usual causes are inadequate ventilation, pressure washing, installing over too many existing layers, mixing manufacturers' components in a system warranty, and later work by another contractor who disturbs the roof. Pressure washing is the one that catches Seattle homeowners most often — it strips the granules and is the reason we recommend moss treatment rather than washing.

It depends upon the city or county requirement and what type of work you have done. In many areas (such as Seattle) a roofing permit is not needed if you are replacing a composition roof with a similar composition roof. However, when there are structural changes such as converting from cedar shakes to a composition roof which requires all new plywood, an inspection of the nailing pattern is often required. Some towns use permit processing sites such as MyBuildingPermit.com. We can handle the entire process for you.

Permits can be obtained by either the owner or the roofing contractor.

Generally from about $150–$350 depending upon city and size of job.

HOAs often require certain types of shingles and colors. For example, in the Tuscany neighborhood in Woodinville which originally had all cedar shake roofs, the HOA requires either shakes or CertainTeed Presidential TL with limited colors. It's worth researching what your HOA requires before getting estimates for a new roof.

The cost of a new roof will vary depending upon the size, pitch, access, materials, and complexity of the roof design. Please check our <a href="https://www.stoutroof.com/resources/roof-calculator/">roof calculator</a> for a ballpark estimate.

Yes. We have partnered with Momnt Financing to provide a fast and easy way to finance your roof. For more information, see our <a href="https://www.stoutroof.com/resources/financing/">financing options</a>.

Insurance will not cover general wear and tear. If your roof is over 16 years, re-roofing is unlikely to be covered by homeowner's insurance. Poor workmanship is also usually not covered. Normally, insurance will cover wind, fire, and hail damage. In recent years, insurance companies have started inspecting roofs over 16 years old with drones. In some cases, we have seen companies require our clients to get new roofs or they will cancel the coverage. We have challenged these companies when it's obvious the roof will last several more years.

In Seattle, it's probably a good idea to do a general inspection every year to make sure there has not been any wind damage after our November storms. After 15 years, it would be wise to have a roofer do a thorough inspection every 3 years to prevent any potential leak problems.

While many newer shingles have an anti-algae and fungus deterrent built in, this does not necessarily prevent moss. If you have other organic material on the roof (leaves, etc.) moss may still grow. The simplest way to prevent and get rid of moss is to sprinkle moss-stop powder or solution on the roof. Then wait for the moss to die before sweeping or blowing it off. Do not use pressure washers.