How to choose a good residential roofing contractor is an important step in ensuring that your roof lasts for many years and provides you with excellent safety and structural integrity. This is especially true if you live in areas where heavy storms are a part of life, or where frequent lightning may hit your home. While it can be tempting to think that all roofs are built the same way and provide the same security, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The types of materials used in residential roofing are vastly different than they are on commercial or industrial roofs. In fact, asphalt shingles used on residential roofs come in many more different varieties, have various applications, and can even be used to help reduce energy costs and protect the environment.
One of the most popular types of materials used in residential roofing is asphalt shingles. These are also quite durable and long-lasting, and they are easy to install. They are often used on mobile homes and other kinds of roofed vehicles because they can be easily rolled up or rolled off during inclement weather. Since asphalt shingles are also fairly lightweight, they are commonly used on roofs of flat homes and apartment buildings.
There are many other types of materials that can be used on residential roofs, including slate, clay tiles, and wood shakes. All of these materials have their own advantages, as well as disadvantages. For instance, slate roofs are vulnerable to cracking during high winds, so they should be avoided on homes near coasts and lakes. Wood shakes tend to decay and rot, and clay tiles can become slippery and leaky in high water levels, so they are not recommended for higher-story homes or on sloping sites.
One important thing to keep in mind is the fact that different types of roofing will be better suited for different climate conditions. For example, asphalt shingles are great for hot and humid climates, because they can stay cool to the touch and dry quickly when the humidity becomes high. Ceramic tile roofing is best for colder climates because it can be installed over many years without having to repair or replace them. Wood shakes can be a poor choice for southern states that are frequently pelted with large amounts of snow because they can be damaged by high snowfall. It is important to ensure that your residential roofing project is adaptable to the type of climate in which you live.
In addition, a roofing company’s reputation should be examined. Most reputable roofing companies will have at least one or two customer testimonials to their name. These will provide you with some indication of the quality of the roofing work that was performed. A good roofing contractor will not recommend installing your roof if they don’t believe that it will be successful, and they will not offer you a guaranteed job if they can’t even give you an estimate. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from other customers, and look for roofing estimates offered by more than one residential roofing contractor.
Another tip on how to choose a good residential roofing contractor is to look for experience in your area. This can be checked with previous jobs, client testimonials, and photos of previous jobs on their website. If the residential roofing contractor has performed work on several different homes in your area, this is a good sign. It also shows that they have the experience necessary to complete your project successfully. When you find a roofer with experience, you can be confident that the job will be done properly and efficiently.