Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Getting The Roof You Want At A Budget You Can Afford

How do homeowners go about getting the roof they want within their set budget?  It can be done however takes a bit of diligence.  It takes defining alternatives, knowing exactly what you need and outline a definitive budget to stay within during the roofing project.  Below you will find steps to refine your roofing project.
Assess your roofing needs.  Do you need to install a whole new roof or can you get by with repairs to the existing roof?  Homeowners may choose to just repair a leaky roof over replacing it because of the lower cost and smaller time constraint.  However to make the decision between repair and replacement there are a list of factors to consider.  It may be a better option to replace a leaking roof depending on the age of the existing roofing structure and materials as well as its history.  Do you believe the roof will need ongoing repairs?  If this is the case, or with older roofs it may end up being that a full roof replacement is the most cost effective strategy.  Sometimes repairing a roof can be tricky especially when trying to locate matching materials.
Learn about the style of your roof as well as its structure and design to determine the selection of roofing materials you can choose from.   Depending on the weight baring capability and structure under the existing roof limits may apply to the materials you can choose from.  Tile and slate require additional support due to their weight where as lighter materials like metal and asphalt work well on most roof structures without additional structural support.  Consider the number of slopes, gables, stories and roofing angels that your roofing contractor will have to navigate.  These variables add additional fees into the labor cost over large, single story roofs without a steep pitch or varied angles to negotiate while installing your new roof.
Look into the cost of both materials and labor.  The material you choose to have installed on your new roof will help in determining the costs involved.  The cost of both material and labor increase when you choose more specialized materials such as metal, tile, slate or wood over asphalt shingles.  Each material requires special installation that not every roofing contractor as experience in.  In order to ensure your roof is aesthetically please hire a roofing contractor that specializes in the material you have chosen.  This will add to the labor costs but is essential to ensuring the longevity and curb appeal of your new roof.
It is your home and all home improvements should be done to your specifications.  You as the homeowner are the one that will be living with the choices made for years to come.  Take your time when choosing a material and contractor for your new roof.
Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Five Common Roofing Materials

Your homes foundation, without a doubt, is the most important aspect in creating a stable, lasting home.  The second being your roof as it is needed for stability as well as protection, sheltering you and your belongings from the elements.  Careful consideration is needed when choosing a roofing material for your home.  Take into consideration the style of the home as well as the local climate when deciding what material you will use to cover your homes roof.
There are five basic styles of roofing, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.  Asphalt, shingles, wood, slate and tile shingles being the most commonly used materials in roofing.
Asphalt Shingles 
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used especially in climates with a variety of weather conditions.  They are not only durable but also easy to install and less expensive than most roofing materials.  Asphalt shingles are good for a variety of roof pitches however should not be used with flat roofs.  There are two types of asphalt shingles including fiberglass and organic.  Fiberglass shingles are lighter, more resistant to fire and better in warm climates than organic shingles.  Organic shingles are good in a variety of weather and remain flexible under freezing conditions making them a better choice for colder climates.
Metal Shingles 
Metal roofing is a popular option as it offers both durability and attractiveness.  One drawback is the expense. Metal roofing is about one third more expensive then asphalt.  They are by far the lightest material that can be used in roofing including aluminum, steel, and copper.  One disadvantage is that metal can be dented in hail storms although new finishes eliminate rust and fading.  If you choose copper it is important to know it can last for up to a hundred years however is higher priced than other metal roofing.
Wood Shingles 
The most common wooden shingles is made from cedar although pine and spruce can be used as well.  Wood is a less durable option than other roofing materials.  The normal life span of a cedar roof is about thirty years.  The cost of the materials are often less than others however the labor expense outweighs that of asphalt, metal, slate and tile.
Slate Shingles 
Slate is considered to have the most longevity out of any other roofing material.  Slate lasts upwards of a hundred years.  It also comes in a variety of colors and designs which make is a popular choice.  To get this curb appeal to adjourn your homes prepare to shell out some major money.  Slate can cost more than four times the average cost of other roofing materials.
Tile Shingles 
Tile shingles are available in concrete, runner and clay.  Depending on the material chosen will depend on the cost you should expect to pay.  One major disadvantage of tile roofing is the weight of the tiles.  This alone may make this option obsolete for your home.  Tile does offer durability and lasts about fifty years.
Whatever type of roof you select it won’t last to its potential without being installed by an experienced roofing contractor.  Weigh the advantages and disadvantages with each roofing material against one another while considering local experienced roofing contractors that can install a new roof with the material of choice.
Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.