Selecting a roof installation service is not a decision that should be taken lightly. There are a number of factors that you need to consider when choosing your contractor. When dealing with something as important as your roof the last thing you want to do is hire an installer who will do a poor job or who is extremely slow. While it is certainly true that installing a new roof can be rather costly, this expense is really an investment into your home and your quality of life. A new high quality roof looks nice. It increases the curb appeal of the house and can actually add to the value of the home.
Hiring a good contractor is of the utmost importance for a large number of reasons. A bad contractor can turn this type of job into an absolute nightmare. A poorly installed roof can lead to damage throughout your entire house. If they are not licensed and are not aware of local zoning and permit requirements then the roof they ultimately installed could become a major liability if it or the installation procedure is not allowed in your jurisdiction. Make sure to do your research on any contractor that you are looking to hire for this job. Check their license, insurance, and even past customers. Be sure to ask for a portfolio of their past work.
One of the biggest decisions you will have to make with regards to this process is the type of roofing material that you want to use. There are a wide variety of roofing systems on the market from traditional asphalt all the way through designer shingles and shakes. Asphalt shingles will almost always be the most economical choice, but a home owner looking to spruce things up a bit could choose clay, cedar, cement, slate, or a number of other choices available. Metal roofs are even a possibility for the home owner that wants a long term solution that will likely never need replacing. One thing to keep in mind is that not all systems are suitable for all environments. Your roofing installation service should be able to tell what types of materials are suitable for your home, their cost, as well as their expected lifespan.
Many homeowners have a hard time telling if they need a new roof or not. If you are unsure you can have a roofing contractor come out and inspect it. Normally this is a service they will provide for free along with a price quote for repairing or replacing the old roof. A couple of things you can look for yourself that indicate potential roof problems are water stains on your ceiling or walls, waviness in the roof line when you look at it from outside, missing shingles, or any obvious damage to a shingle like a puncture hole or tear.
Get several bids from multiple contractors and carefully research all of them. Remember that this is an investment in your future. Take your time and choose carefully.
