Know Your Materials You Will Use For Your New Roof

To prepare yourself for a conversation with a roofing contractor you should make sure you know the differences between commonly used and popular types of roofing materials. Besides knowing the differences between roofing materials, you should also know something about their price, installation process, and durability.

Using Asphalt Shingles

The most common type of roofing material used is asphalt shingles. This material is cheap, looks sharp and has an average strength in comparison to other roofing materials. Although it’s quite popular and widely used, many homeowners find it uninteresting and flat looking.

Metal Shingles Installed By Your Roofer

Metal shingles are also very often used in the US. However, metal roofing is commonly used in commercial roofing projects and to a lesser extent in residential projects. Metal roofing is not at inexpensive as asphalt, but it is very durable and provides excellent protection from sun, wind, snow, and rain. The benefits of having a metal roof are also because it allows easy modifications and additional installation of new structures on top of it. However, installing a metal roof is rather complicated and hard and not every roofing contractor can do it. For proper installation, a roofing contractor must have a lot of experience in working with this particular material.

Choosing A Slate Or Ceramic Roof

Lastly, many homeowners opt for slate or ceramic roofing. Slate shingles are widely used in the Northeastern part of the US and look fantastic combined with brick structures. Ceramic tiles are very expensive and sophisticated, and they are commonly associated with the Mediterranean region. In the US, people who live in tropical and beach environments opt for it.

Tear Down or Total Roof Replacement On Your Residential Property?

Before replacing your roof, you should decide whether to completely strip away the existing shingles or simply roof over them. Professional roofers recommend not having more than two layers of shingles. However, a single layer is always preferable because if you layer more than one layer of shingles on top of each other, you will increase the overall weight of the roof which can result in structural damage, particularly if you are living in an older house. If you have a tight budget and only one layer of shingles on your roof, you can save a great deal of money by simply having a new layer installed on top. This method will save you at least a $1,000 and a lot of mess.

However, by leaving the first layer, have in mind that your roofer won’t be able to inspect the decking and flashing underneath it. If you live in a colder area, it would be wise to strip away the old shingles and install ice and water shield which consists of a rubber membrane that will prevent leaks at the eaves. In some cases, the roof can be severely damaged that you will have to strip everything away and install new plywood decking. This will add around $5,000 to your costs.

What You Should Expect Your Roofing Contractor To Charge

To prepare for a roof replacement project, you need to understand what factors affect the quote for your roofing project. Key factors included in the quote are the square footage of your home, the pitch of your roof, the materials you plan to use and the time of the year. The final costs can range from $8,000 to over $25,000. An average roof replacement for an average roof of 1,700 feet costs around $9,000 to $11,000 depending on its actual size and complexity. Of course, the company you choose, as well as the quality of their installation and warranty details can significantly affect the final price. Your negotiation skills also count, so carefully look over any quotes you receive and do your research on time.

Pay Attention To The Details In Your Paperwork

Every roofing project, no matter how small it may seem, involves a lot of responsibility and money. Make sure your roofing contractor has the following three documents. He must have the town’s building permit for a roofing project, a written contract that specifies all details of the project, and the products that will be used and the cost of the project. Lastly, your contractor should give you a letter addressed to you from the contractor’s insurance carrier. This letter will confirm that the specific project is covered under the roofer’s compensation and liability plan.

If you are looking for certified and qualified roofers for a Rockville roof replacement, The Roof Replacement Pros will come to your aid. Contact us today to get a free quote!