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.

Roofing Within An Allotted Budget

It is important for homeowners to consider what they want in a new roof, roof replacement or roof repair and how to go about getting it within their allotted budget.  In order to do this it is crucial that you know exactly what you can afford to spend on the venture and define cost saving alternatives available to help make your project work within your allotted budget.  Below you will find steps to help you refine the roofing process.

Should you replace or repair your roof?

This question is one that is not easily answered.  In order to determine if your roof is in need of repair or replacing you must take into a variety of considerations.  Repairing a leak in your shingle roof may be a preferable option over a complete roof replacement due to lower cost and time restrictions.  However, there are several things to consider before jumping to that conclusion.  Some of the things you will need to look at are the age of the roof, the history of previous repairs on the roof and the consideration of finding materials that will match the existing roof structure.

How will the structure and design of your roof affect the materials available and cost of labor?

The selection of roofing materials to choose from in replacing your roof will be limited to the underlying structure of the roof.  Not all existing structures can support new materials.  It isn’t common to replace a shingle roof with tile or slate which is the heaviest of roofing materials.  Different roofing materials, as well as the design and angles of your roof can increase the cost of a new roof significantly.

What style and cost considerations are there?

When looking into putting a new roof on your home you must take into consideration the style of your home.  If you have a shingle roof budget but a villa style home you need to seriously consider one of two things: saving more money or looking for a material that is complementary to the homes style that fits within your allotted budget.  It is crucial to the curb appeal of your home to consider the aesthetics of the new roof.

Who will you choose as your roofing contractor?

A quality roofing contractor is even more important than superior quality roofing materials.  Instead of looking for the lowest bid look for an experienced roofing contractor that has a proven record for installing the materials you are choosing for your new roof.  Quality installation makes the difference in all home improvement projects your roof included.

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.

Prevent Roof Damage With Regular Maintenance

Maintenance is an important aspect in home ownership.  From your homes roof to the homes foundation it is important that your home is kept up on.  Often time’s homeowners overlook the maintenance that needs to be done on their roofs.  There are several steps to take in order to prevent the decay of your asphalt shingle roof.  Below you will find several tips on keeping your homes roof in tip top shape.

One of the first things that you will want to do when maintain your roof is to clear any and all debris.  Anything that has built up behind heating and cooling units, pipes or other parts protruding from the roof needs to be removed to prevent moisture build up and the growth of moss.  Debris soaks up water and water saturation is the leading cause of damage in asphalt shingling.  This process should be done in the spring and fall seasons.

Often times a shingle roof will quickly manifest moss and algae growth.  This can happen even when homeowners are closely monitoring the condition of their roofs.  If you notice this has occurred it is easily remedied by applying zinc or lead control strips at the peak.  After this is done check all flashing for holes and for algae and moss growth.  This should carefully be removed.  If you notice any shingle tabs that have loosened secure them by adding roofing cement.  Any shingle that is broken or damaged should be removed and replaced with a new one.  This will help prevent damage from occurring underneath the shingle and seeping into the structure underneath.

If your home has gutters it is important that they are kept clean and downspouts are clear.  This helps to ensure proper water flow control.  Tree branches that overhang the roof should be trimmed to help prevent branches and debris from falling into the gutters.  Gutter cleaning should be done at least two times a year.  Any time you visually see debris take the time to clean the gutters as improperly draining gutters can take years off of the lifetime of your shingle roofing.

Maintaining your homes roof is often simple and just a matter of knowing how your climate affects the shingles.  Asphalt shingles are meant to thrive in the northern climates.  They are resistant to heat, humidity, cold, ice and water.  With periodic checks and minor maintenance your shingle roof should have a solid lifetime.

Maintenance is the key to prevent major issues in and outside of your home.  Small activities to maintain your home are much simpler and less expensive than the more complicated costly repairs once something does fail.

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.

Help In Choosing A Shingle Color For Your Homes Roof

When you are updating your homes roof you are not only making a large financial investment but also an extreme makeover on the overall look of your home.  The shelf life of your roof can be upwards of thirty years.  It is crucial you choose a color shingle that is not only strong and reliable but also pleasing to the overall look and style of your home.  Below are some tips to help you when choosing a color for the shingles for your homes new roof.

Don’t rush it

The shingle color of your new roof should not be rushed.  A new roof is something that takes serious consideration and considerable thought.  The color of the shingle is something you will have to live with for a substantial period of time.  It will also affect the value of your home in years to follow.   Don’t rush choosing a color of shingling for your new roof.

Talk with your roofing contractor

Ask for an opinion from roofing contractors that are estimating the cost of your new roof.  They have presumably seen a million different combinations of shingle colors and exteriors that work well with one another.  They can share colors that compliment your home’s exterior structure and current siding.  When choosing a shingle color choose one that does not clash with the trim and siding as these larger pieces have the biggest impact on your homes curb appeal.

Go over all of your options

Within the shingle market there are many different, unique options.  Consider your homes architecture to help guide your new shingle purchase.  Does your exterior mix better with a singular color shingle or a blend of multiple color shingles?

Use available technology

Technology is one of the greatest tools in home renovations of our generation.  Many shingle manufactures and roofing contractors have the ability to download a photo of your current home while uploading different color shingles and roofing combinations.  This can help you visualize the new roof with the current exterior or future updated exterior changes.

Examine the shingles in person

Look at the shingles in person.  The colors of the shingles will look different in person.  You should have your roofing contractor take the different color samples up on to the roof while you roof at them from below.  Something that is busy up close may be the perfect blend at a distance.

Check out the roofs in your neighborhood

Don’t go radically different when choosing a color for your shingles than that of our neighbors especially within a neighborhood where homes are lumped closely together.  Your home will look out of place and will garner unwanted negative attention.  You don’t want your house to be known as the house that is totally out of place.

Understand your home’s unique style

Although you don’t want your home to stand out as radically different from the others you do want it to stick out.  Compliment your home’s unique style with shingles that are unique but flattering in a positive way.

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.

Remember These Tips When Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Hiring anyone to work on or within your home can not only be confusing but challenging as well.  In order to find a contractor to install or repair your new roof, review the list of helpful tips below.

• An insured roofing contractor is a must: Before you sign on the dotted line or hire anyone to install your new roof or repair your old roof it is crucial to see paperwork to validate their workers’ compensation and liability insurance.  The liability of injury and damage should be on the roofing contractor and his company not on you as a homeowner.  Any roofing contractor unwilling to show proof of either document should not be considered.

• Choose a local company with a proven reputation: Hiring a local roofing company with an established reputation in the community is good for your local economy.  Hiring locally also allows you to hold the company responsible for the work they have done on your roof is something does come up and warranty work is needed.  Companies that don’t have a local state are often not as concerned with their reputation and therefore not as eager to complete repairs or warranty work that is their responsibility under your contract. 

• Don’t look only at the cost:  Don’t choose a roofing contractor based on price alone.  Roofing contractors that offer cheap bids often do so to run down the market.  In order to keep up with overhead costs and proper insurance low roofing bids are often unheard of.   Not only are you paying for the labor of having the new roof installed but the materials to be used on your roof as well.  Make sure that your roofing contractor is using quality materials with reputable warranties and that this is written directly into the contract itself. 

• Remember it is your time and money: You should be in control of the work on your home.  Don’t pay the entire amount due ahead of time on any job done on your home including a new roof.  Reputable roofing contractors may ask for a deposit upfront to purchase materials and reserve a time for your roof to be installed; never will the full amount be asked for upfront to ensure complete client satisfaction before full payment is made.  The terms of your payment need to be discussed, agreed upon and written in a formal contract before work is begun on your home. 

• Communication is key to success: When you were pursuing them for a quote were they prompt?  Did they return calls?  Was documentation sent when it was asked for?  Did the company follow through?  Don’t hire a roofing contractor that does not communicate with you.  Communication is a key element to working with a contractor on any job around your home especially your homes 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.

Winter's toll: Leaks not the only sign a roof might need repair

The winter has taken a toll on many roofs.

Maybe there's a tell-tale leak, but sometimes problems are harder to spot.

When the snow melts, it's a good time to take stock.

Identifying problems

John Galeotafiore, associate director of home improvement testing for Consumer Reports, recommends that homeowners take out a pair of binoculars and check the roof from street level. Roofing contractors also can be hired to inspect the roof.

Do you see any missing shingles? Are some of them curled or cracked? Are there pieces of flashing missing?

Dirty or splotchy shingles also can be a sign of a problem, says Jim Englehart, senior merchant for building materials at Home Depot. "It's indicative of the granules being worn away," he said.

Weather-related damage can include ice damming, when water backs up under the shingles, ices and then begins to melt.

High winds can dislodge shingles or the flashing around chimneys or skylights.

Repair or replace?

Age is one factor in deciding whether to repair or replace a roof.

"If the roof is about 20 years old and you're getting leaks, you're probably going to have to change it," Galeotafiore said.

You might be able to patch newer roofs if the damage is limited.

"It gets down to aesthetics," Englehart said. "If it's on the front side of the house, I don't want to patch. The patch is going to be a different color."

Sometimes, new shingles can be layered over an existing asphalt roof, saving some labor costs. But no more than two layers total is advised, in part because of the added weight on the home.

Roof types

Most homes in the United States have a pitched roof. Asphalt shingles make up a large share of the market, but some roofs are slate, metal or a composite material. Wood shakes and tile also are used.

A lot depends on your aesthetics and your budget. "You could spend an extra $30,000 for real slate or wood shakes — or you could get a similar look for much less," Consumer Reports said.

And then there's geography. "Different kinds of material will perform better in different climates," said Bill Good, executive vice president of the National Roofing Contractors Association.

In the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, he said, a lot of asphalt shingle is used. Asphalt shingles come in two main types: three-tab shingles, which are a single layer, or laminated or architectural shingles, which are thicker.

But strong sun can take a toll on asphalt roofs, so in Florida and the Southwest, roofs are frequently made of tile, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. In New England, you see a lot of slate because that's where it's quarried, according to Good.

Composite shingles are made to look like slate or wood shakes. "The look would be as close as you could get to the real thing," said Mark Hansen, vice president of sales and marketing for DaVinci Roofscapes, based in Lenexa, Kan. The company uses a high-performance polymer for its roofing materials.

Metal roofs range from steel to copper and other materials, either in panels or in shingles similar in size to asphalt shingles. Good said they last a long time, and "also tend to be reflective, so they can help with energy conservation inside the home."

Check a roofing material's weight to make sure it's OK for your home.

Picking a contractor

Replacing a roof is probably not a job homeowners want to do themselves, experts agree.

Good recommends talking to two or three contractors before deciding on one. Besides comparing prices and warranties, check that the company is insured and has a permanent place of business.

It's also good practice to ask for references, Good said.

Original Source: http://www.pantagraph.com/lifestyles/winter-s-toll-leaks-not-the-only-sign-a-roof/article_8a4f67fb-719d-53c2-b386-64077c56340b.html