Some tips on roof installation and repairs, and how to choose a roofing contractor.

Our home is one of the must important assets that we own and often it requires maintenance and remodeling of one kind or another. We all dream and aspire to have a place where we can retreat from the stresses of the out side world and connect with ourselves and with our family. This necessity it is not a cheap one but rather something that takes time and money as well as a good home remodeling & repair company to achieve. A home is as personal and as precious as a beautiful piece of jewelry and just like an expensive diamond is handled by a professional jeweler so too a home should be given to a good home building contractor to remodel or maintain.

Roof maintenance, unlike other home repairs and remodeling, is not something you can just put off for next year. When one finds a roof leak it needs to be fixed right away or at least before the next winter shows up, otherwise the water damage caused by the leaking roof can be substantial and can lead to unnecessary expenses in the long run. The urgency of roof maintenance is important also for making your home more energy efficient and for reducing high energy bills. As a matter of fact professional craftsmanship in roof repairs and installation is the first step in improving energy conservation and efficiency for your entire home and you’ll be amazed at the positive effect this will have on your utility bills.

Most roof types and materials are very durable and can last for many years, but because at least 40 % of your home’s front elevation is the roof, it is constantly exposed to changing weather conditions that can cause damage and can make the roof look dirty and neglected. Thus, whether it’s a tile roof, shingle roof, or even steel roofing, periodic roofing services would be necessary and when it does it needs be taken care of by a professional roof contractor.

In addition to natural causes, sloppy craftsmanship is another common reason for leaking roof and other roof related issues. If the roof installation was not done properly, by winter time you will surely know about it. For example - If the parameter edge is re-roofed without a starter shingle or if the starter shingle is improperly installed, you definitely have a problem there. Exposed fasteners and nails that are not sealed will eventually cause a roof leak. Improper installation of counter flashing or missing counter flashing under the step flashing, no underlayment, debris in the gutters, rough cut shingles are also examples of bad roofing that one should watch for.

Some general rules to follow when considering the type and color of your new roofing is also in place. Today what we predominantly see in terms of roofing materials are tile roof & steel roof or metal roofing systems, as well as the fiberglass shingle roofing system. In the shingle roof system you have the standard fiberglass roofing or you have what is called dimensional roofing which is becoming popular and is considered as high-end roofing. In selecting your roofing it is really going to depend on what is predominant in you neighborhood or if you are looking for a unique look you would want the roofing to match in with the bricking or sidings of your house. If you have lighter shad bricking or sidings you don’t want go for a really high contrast where you have a really dark roof but rather you should go with a lighter shad approximate to your sidings. Basically the roof needs to blend with the color of your brick, sidings and the gutter system. For instance if the sidings are of a lighter shade tone you need more or less a lighter shade color for your roof, like light grey or a light brown. 

In a last note - remember that cost does not determine quality, and not all of kinds of roofing will meet the needs of your specific home. But by carefully selecting the right roofing material and making sure it's installed properly by a licensed roofing contractor and by performing maintenance occasionally, you can have a roof that functions properly for 20 to 30 years or even longer.