The roof is probably the most important part of your home, which is why you will want to contact the best local roofing contractors near you when it has any sort of problem or needs a replacement. It protects your home from all different elements such as rain, snow and wind, and without it your home is very vulnerable.
Although roofs have evolved a lot over the years, their function remains the same. There are now a lot more roofing materials available than was the case 100 years ago. Your given preference in style, material and budget will help you determine which material you should go for.
Factors to Consider when Choosing The Material
Choosing the right roofing material comes down to a lot of different applications that we will briefly walk you through right here. Here are some of the considerations for you to keep in mind.
- Maintenance: Different types of material will require different levels of maintenance, and since maintenance also translates into costs, you need to consider the overall need for maintenance too.
- Local climate: Certain areas in the United States has harsher weather. Some materials will fare better in climates with more moderate weather.
- Colors and variety: You have color preferences, and some materials will simply be a better aestetic fit with what you’re trying to achieve.
- Cost: The initial installation cost of a roof will vary depending on the type of material you choose as well as a range of different factors, like maintenance. Factor in all those costs when you make your decision. Asphalt shingles, for example, are probably one of the overall cheapest options you can go with.
- Weight: Roofing materials don’t all weigh the same, and homes with strong foundations are able to carry heavier materials than others. You will need to make sure that the framing of the structure and the foundation can support your choice of material.
- Slope: Different materials may only be installed at certain slopes, and a lot of materials may not be installed as flat roofs.
- Durability: Roofing materials have different life expectancies, and you will want to make sure that the option you are considering won’t deteriorate quickly in the climate you’re in.
- Energy-efficiency: Materials with high insulating capabilities will also help increase your home’s energy-efficiency, and there may even be local tax incentives for installing more efficient options.
- Underlayments: These are the materials that will be introduced under the roof in order to keep water from causing water damage in case any water makes it through your outer roofing.
- Surroundings: You will want to consider what everyone else is doing too. If you live in an area where premium roofing options is generally not what your neighbors are using, you simply may not recoup your investment if you install an expensive roof.
- Local municipality requirements: There could be local requirements you need to think about. California, for example, will require solar panels on buildings built after a set date.
- Ownership: If you plan on staying in your home for 20 years, you will likely be willing to invest more in your home since you will also be receiving the benefits of living in it.
- Style: By using a material that complements the style of your home, you will be increasing the value of your home by as much as possible.
Roofing Materials
Different materials have different advantages and disadvantages. Some styles fit better with certain materials and knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each style will help you in choosing the one that fits your home the best.
Roofing installers can help you when figuring out if you should steer clear of certain options.
- Asphalt shingles: As mentioned already, this is one of the least expensive options that you can choose. Its ease of installation and price makes it a popular option.
- Torch down: As the name implies, this type of roofing requires fire, and is a great option for low-slope or flat roofs. However, the use of fire also makes it a relatively dangerous material to install and should be done by a pro.
- Natural slate: It’s a more expensive option but it’s a beautiful one that will last a long time.
- Roll: Commonly used on low-slope or flat surfaces. The membrane is nailed to the roof.
- Metal: It’s a more expensive option but has good durability and is worth it as a consequence. Instead of needing to replace this roof, it can be repainted to get a new look.
- Aluminum: With good durability of 40 to 75 years, aluminum is a low maintenance material that will be a good long-term investment.
- Corrugated metal: It’s very corrosion-resistant and energy-efficient with its solar reflecting characteristics, which will save you on your energy bill.
- Terracotta clay tile: It’s an expensive type of clay tile, yet providing a distinctive look to your home that will provide a great conversation starter. It’s also great at lowering the noise generated from rain and other elements.
- Concrete tile: Highly durable and easy to maintain, although pretty heavy:
- Tin: Lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant making it a great, versatile material.
- Thatch: An option that has been around for a long time consisting of dry vegetation with a lifespan of around 50 years when installed correctly and when proper maintenance is used.
- Steel: A very strong and durable material, although it can get dented. It comes in different thicknesses.
- Solar shingles: Get the benefits of using the electricity your own home produces with solar panels.
- Rubber: Rubber membranes are commonly used on flat roofs providing water-resistance and protection. As a synthetic material, it does not rot and does not require much maintenance.
- Tile: There are many different tiles in the market including metal, ceramic, concrete, bituminous, polymer-sand, copper and composite.
- Green roofs: These consist of vegetation planted on flat roofs. They’re an environmentally-conscious decision that may reflect your company’s green profile.
- Copper: Elegant and distinctive metal that is extremely durable and weather-resistant.
- Wood shingles: Very attractive and popular among homeowners wanting a classic look. Since they’re made of tree they do have more maintenance needed than other options.
- Wood shakes: Thicker than shingles and therefore more expensive to install also.
- EPDM: EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer and is a type of rubber common on flat roofs. Very durable.
- Plastic: Often made to resemble corrugated metal, although it comes in different designs resembling tile and other things. Cheap to install with little maintenance needed.
- TPO: A singly-ply membrane, commonly used for commercial and industrial buildings. Durable and easy to install as well as a favorable price tag.
- Stone: Expensive, yet beautiful. Fire and weather-resistant. It’s also heavy and will require the necessary weigh capacity to support it.
- PVC: Synthetic material that comes in different designs, and can be made with insulating properties.
- Fiber cement: Often made to look like shingles or tiles. Strong, insect-resistant, fire-resistant and weather-resistant. Low maintenance and good durability.
- SPF (spray foam): Used on flat surfaces. Installation should be done by professionals which is sprayed on the necessary surface, which also acts as insulation. A thicker layer will naturally cost more.
- Cedar: A very popular type of wood that should be installed by professional roofers.
- Built-up: Also known as BUR, consisting of several layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabric such as ply sheets.
- Single-ply
- Fiberglass: Comes either as reinforced plastic or shingles, which can be installed on either flat or steep surfaces. These options are durable and won’t rot.
- Membrane: The three most common types include modified bitumen, thermoplastic and thermosets.
- “Cool roofs”: White roofs consisting of a mixture of white gravel and glue. It’s a very eco-friendly option.
- Recycled shingles: A lot of shingles can be recycled, which makes it a more green option.
Services Offered
Hiring roofing contractors is not only about installation. There are also other services that these professionals provide.
- Vent installation: Roofs need proper ventilation to ensure excess moisture does not build up. Installing a vent system will help solve that problem.
- Roof repair: Many different things can cause a roof to need repairing, and the type of problem will need different approaches. Roof repairs also cost different amounts depending on the extent of the problem.
- Patching: A type of repair service that will depend on how big the hole is. Different types of materials have different frequencies att which they need patching.
- Roof leak repair: This includes both inspection and repair to ensure the issue is addressed. The type of repair will depend accordingly. Roof leaks can cause serious water damage if not addressed.
- Roof Inspection: Inspection can be done even when no issue seems present to ensure no problem seems like it’s about to emerge.
- Gutter installation and repair: Gutters help make sure that the rain water is led away from the foundation, and clogs in gutters can cause issues to other parts of your home.
- Roof truss repair: The roof truss helps in supporting the whole structure, and damaged trusses can lead to collapsing in parts of the structure.
- Cleaning: This is one of those things that too many people neglect, although it helps your roof last longer and keeps it from shifting and causing leaks.
- Moss removal: This service can be done with either natural or bleach-based solutions. It not only makes your roof look cleaner but also helps prevent future problems.
- Roof flashing installation & repair: This helps in getting the water led the right way, away from the structure. It’s installed in corners and valleys and ensures a tight seal.
- Gutter cleaning: Your gutters not only need to be repaired if they’ve been damaged, but also cleaned. The accumulation of leaves will leave them less efficient at their job, and cleaning helps ensure that does not become a problem.
- New roof installation: If you’re building a new home or other type of structure, it will need a roof. This includes everything from talking with the contractor about your material preferences to getting the job done.
- Roof replacement: When it comes time to replace your roof, the initial one will need to be removed too and the area prepped. It also includes properly disposing of the old roof.
- RV roof repair: RVs need roofs too, and they can also get damaged and need repairs.
- Painting: Painting can either be done to protect the roofs protective characteristics or it can be done to give your roof a new look. It requires cleaning it and applying a primer to prepare it for the new coating that goes on top.
- Framing: The roofing installation companies will make sure that your home has the required support to be able to support the weight of the roof you’re installing, and sometimes that may include making changes to your home’s framing.
- Joist repair: Water leaks can cause joists to weaken the same way floor joists may weaken.
- Sheds: Sheds need roofs too, and the same principles apply there to keep the integrity of the structure.
- Mobile home roof installation and repair
- Maintenance: Maintenance is a lot of things which includes fixing holes, to painting or sealing wooden roofs.
- Waterproofing: This can include adding an additional layer of protection for materials such as SPF roofs.
- Shingle repair and replacement: Individual shingles may occasionally need repair or replacement due to the fact that it’s a natural product. Using professionals is necessary to ensure that the work is done properly or you may end up damaging the surrounding parts too, which includes addressing potential problems with the protective layers underneath.
- Asbestos roof removal: Asbestos is a dangerous material once it turns into dust and this job needs to be done by professionals as a consequence.
- Sealing and coating: These are things that will need to be done on flat roofs as well as wooden roofs.
- Elastomeric coating: Adding reflective coating will help keep your energy bill lower.
- Insulation: This makes sure that the valuable heating and cooling produced by your HVAC unit is kept inside your home.
- Roof sheating installation and repair: These are usually made of plywood or OSB and help your shingles and joists stay in place and keep everything waterproof.
- Snow removal: Removing snow from your roof will help in keeping it protected too, since accumulation of snow ends up weighing a lot, putting a lot of pressure on your structure.
- Snow guard installation: They help prevent snow from avalanching on to whoever or whatever is positioned underneath it, and rather letting the snow fall slowly as it thaws.
- Ice dam removal: Ice dams can become rather dangerous as they increase in size. Making sure they do not hit anyone is a crucial safety precaution to make. This may include devices that melt the ice so that it doesn’t accumulate.
- Restoration: Restoring your existing roof instead of installing a new one can be a more affordable option than simply replacing the whole thing. This includes cleaning and repairing old parts.
- Insurance claim services: If you have insurance, there’s a big probability that it may cover the damages to your roof.
- Storm damage repair services: Storms can cause damage to roofs such as denting or cracking in serious situations.
- Skylight installation and repair: If skylights are not installed properly, they will likely lead to problems with leaks and framing issues.
- Jack replacement: Duct pipe covers is just one of the other things that needs to be properly maintained so no leaks occur.
- Roof tarping: This can be used as a protective measure against hurricanes where an external layer is added to your roof.
- Drip edge installation: Drip edges are very important in that they make sure that the water goes into the gutter rather than fall behind the wall.
- Hail damage repair
- Hatch installation: Gain easy access to the roof with the help of a hatch. Again, if improperly installed, it will become a leak hazard.
- Underlayment repair: These help in keeping everything waterproof.
- Drain installation: You don’t want the water to get stuck on the roof and the drain will help keep that from happening.
- Exhaust fan installation and repair: These help with ventilation in the building and maintenance is needed to keep your system operating efficiently.
Commercial and Residential Projects
Roofing contractors do both commercial and residential projects and all you need to do is ensure that the you give the contractors the necessary information when you are contacting them.
Free Estimates and Quotes For Installation of Roofs and Other Services
We have made it easy for you to get estimates and quotes for whatever project it is that you need done. All you need to do is go to the top of the page and fill out the form and you will be contacted by up to 4 different contractors, who can help you with everything from choosing the right materials to doing the actual work. All of this is offered at no obligation to you.