Understanding Roofing Choices
Whether you are building from scratch or choosing a new roof, a wide range of materials are available. These include asphalt, wood, composite shingles, slate, concrete, and clay tiles. Style is important, but cost, weight, and installation requirements should also influence selection.
Roofing Terminology and Measurement
To understand terminology, a roofer’s basic unit of measurement is a "square". One square equals 100 square feet. A typical 2,000-square-foot house has 20 squares. Understanding terminology helps calculate cost around different materials.
Selecting the Right Materials
When choosing materials consider climate and needs – snow, sun, fire risk, desired lifetime, basic or premium material. As bids come in, know that spending more upfront on roofing can save money long-term.
Finding a Contractor
To find a contractor, ask friends, family, neighbors who they used and if they were satisfied. Ensure the contractor has proper licensing, insurance, and certifications to support their qualifications. Research their reputation. Beyond cost and materials, consider the skill and professionalism of the installation crew.
Roof Replacement Options
When replacing a roof, you can do a full replacement by removing all existing shingles and boards, or a partial replacement by only fixing damaged areas. The key is choosing compatible materials for the building. With this basic information, you can now make the best roof choice for your building project.