Entries Tagged 'Roofing' ↓

There are several factors to consider when selecting the type of roof to put on your home. For many people, cost will be the most important issue. Because a slate roof requires craftsmen with experience and skill, the price could be as much as $1,000 per square – ten feet by ten feet. Cedar shakes average around $55 to $225 for each square, and the cost of an asphalt shingle roof can be from about $50 to $150 a square. If you are replacing a roof, you should first have the old shingles torn off which will add an additional cost of $30 to $50 a square.

A slate roof is extremely durable and it should last over 100 years, but you will need to weigh all aspects of your choice to determine if it is worth the extra expense. If you are planning to live in your home for many years and keep it in the family, the additional cost of a high quality roof may be money well spent. The average life of an inexpensive asphalt shingle roof may be 20 years or less while a cedar shake roof should last about 30 to 40 years.

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Of all the parts of your home, the roof may very well be the most important for protecting your investment from the damaging effects of wind and water. Roofs shield houses from the elements, protecting the people and things inside. It is important that you have your roof inspected regularly and fixed, because a small problem left unattended or unknown can let water into your home and create a far more expensive repair later on.

As far as leaky roofs, there are several common causes and solutions, and here we will detail just a select few of them.

First, as asphalt shingles age they may curl and crack, allowing water to penetrate into the home. If the damage is only isolated, repair may be a viable option. However, extensive damage to the asphalt shingles on a roof is a sign that the roof needs replacement, and in that case you would definitely contract a local roofing contractor to fix your particular problem.

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There is a lot of fraud in roof repair and installation. There are roofing contractors who roam the country, following storms and picking up jobs along the way from the damage caused by them. While many of them are reputable, some of them are not.

Following are three basic questions to ask any roofing company you’re thinking about using that can help you avoid getting scammed.

1. What is the full name and address of your roofing company? While this question seems so basic, remember what we stated above about roaming roofing contractors. You want a company that is local. If they give you an address, check it out to see if it’s viable (eg, not just a P.O. Box).

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Hurricane season is in full force in many parts of the country. This has many turning their attention to the stability of their roofs. If you need repairs to your existing roof, you may be tempted to save a few dollars by roofing over existing shingles.

Following are some pros and cons of doing so.

Pro: When you roof over existing shingles, it adds extra weight to the existing roof. If your current roof is very well supported (and this cant’ be stressed enough), then it may be okay to take this route.

But, keep the following in mind . . .

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Metal roofs can save you money. And the best part is, they do so on an ongoing basis. Following are four reasons having a metal roof can add up to big savings.

• Increase Property Value: Did you know that metal roofs appreciate in value over time? They do. Conversely, roofs made from most other materials depreciate. What this means is, installing a metal roof will most likely increase your property value. According to some experts, it’s not uncommon to recoup 75%- 95% of the installation costs when you sell.

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According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, a roofing trade organization, metal roofs are becoming more popular. This is especially true in areas prone to turbulent weather like hurricanes (Florida) and wildfires (California). Following are some benefits of metal roofing.

• Lightweight: Metal roofing is light compared to other popular roofing options. How much lighter? It weighs approximately 33 percent less than asphalt shingles and about 20 percent less than clay or tiles.

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