When dealing with a roofing problem, you want to work with professional experts. Whether you need a roof installation or roof repair, this is something you don’t want to mess around with. Your roof is instrumental in keeping your home safe from the elements. It keeps our pests and water, wind and debris. Your roof needs to be in top shape, or the interior of your house will begin to deteriorate. However, finding the best roofing contractor to handle this important matter is a priority. Here are some important questions to ask your prospective roofing contractor before you dive into a new roof (or repair).
Do I Really Need My Roof Replaced, Or Can I Get By With A Roof Repair?
This is probably the first question that comes to mind when you start having issues with your roof. Whether it’s a small drip that seems to be getting bigger, or if you’ve had a tree fall on your roof causing significant damage, you probably want to know if replacing your roof is necessary. This is a key question to answer, and you need an ethical roofing contractor to help you determine the extent of the damage. You want someone who will be upfront with you if you need a new roof. But at the same time, you don’t want someone who is just trying to push one on you.
If you know some reasons why a roof needs to be replaced versus repaired, then you’ll be in a better position to make the right decision. Of course, if significant damage occurred to the roof such as fire damage, then replacement may be more obvious. But even minor damage from wear and tear is sometimes a good reason to replace a roof rather than spend money to repair it. Remember, you’ll pay for labor either way. If your roof is already over 15 years old, then replacing it may be the best choice.
If you’re experiencing some leaking AND you want to upgrade your entire house anyway, then installing a new roof is in order. It will ensure you have several new(er) parts. Or you may be thinking about selling in the future and know that even a minor leak will devalue your home, while a new roof will increase the price substantially. These are several reasons why installing a new roof may be the way to go.
Does a New Roof Come With a Lifetime Guarantee?
If you decide that a new roof is the best option for you, then you need to find out about the guarantees and warranties that come with the roof. A lifetime guarantee is a superb warranty to get. It’s important to question your roofing contractor about what all is covered in the warranty. Does this include materials and labor? A contractor who can offer a lifetime guarantee on even one of these is offering a stellar product and service.
What Are the Different Types of Roofs?
When selecting your roof, you want to consider all the options. If you decide to take the step and get a new roof, then you certainly want to explore the different types of roofing materials. Northville roofs need to be able to hold up against the weather. With all the snow, ice, and changing seasons, you’ll want to be sure to select one that fits the Michigan seasons well. You’ll have several options, such as:
Asphalt Shingles
These shingles are affordable and popular. They are lightweight and come in different styles and colors. While there are hundreds of color/style options from which to choose, there are three main asphalt types. There are the 3-tab shingles, the dimensional or architectural shingles, and the luxury shingles. The 3-tab shingle is the type most people may call to mind when thinking of asphalt shingles. They are made from a thin layer of asphalt and lie flat. The dimensional shingle consists of a couple of pieces of asphalt shingles bonded together creating a multi-dimensional look. Finally, the luxury shingles are similar to the dimensional ones except they are created to look like luxurious slate roofing.
Tile Shingles
These attractive shingles usually consist of terracotta or slate material. They’re heavy-duty, lasting up to 50 years. Since they are quite heavy, you need to check with a roofing expert to ensure your home could sustain the weight of tile shingles. Most homes can, but they are substantially heavier than asphalt.
Metal Shingles
When you opt for metal shingles, you will primarily be getting either aluminum or steel. Metal shingles are coated, and you can choose from a wide selection of colors. Some can even be made to look like other materials such as clay or slate.
Wood Shingles
Wood roofs have been around for many years, and they give your home a different look—one that is earthy and authentic. Wood slats are definitely a draw for people who want a more rustic appearance. The longevity of a wood roof depends on the type of wood you select, how it is treated prior to installing it, and how well you maintain it once it’s in place.
Wood Shake Shingles
These shingles consist of wood but are different from regular wood shingles. They come from mature cedar trees and are split into sections called shakes. A rougher appearance adds to their appeal. They are thicker than regular wood shingles and a bit more expensive with the durability of about 35 years.
What if I Have an Emergency Situation?
Sometimes unexpected things happen that are unpreventable. When the unthinkable happens to your roof, it may be an emergency. If you’ve sustained extensive damage to your roof, or if you’ve noticed that your roof is suddenly worse than before, then you really can’t afford to delay getting it replaced or fixed. Other problems may arise if you don’t act soon to get your roof looked at.
Water and moisture could begin to seep through the ceiling causing additional harm to the inside of your house. Your walls, ceilings, and structure could become impacted if you don’t deal with the issue right away.
It’s important to ask your potential roofing contractor what type of emergency services they provide. If you can find a roofer who deals with emergencies and is on call 24/7, then you won’t have to fret about additional damage. Some roofers can handle emergency issues promptly, while others don’t have that capability to manage these.
Additionally, your emergency situation may involve an insurance claim. For example, if high winds knocked a tree branch unto the roof, then that would be handled through your insurance company. It’s convenient to have a roofing contractor that will also work with your insurance company. This alleviates a big headache you’d otherwise have to deal with.
What Brand of Shingles Do You Use?
While some consumers may not think much about the brand of shingles, it is relevant; here’s why. There are some shingle manufacturers that sell their products to certified roofing contractors. So, what does this mean for you, the consumer? It means that if you find a roofer that offers these brands, then the contractor is likely certified to install them. Certain manufacturers even offer advanced certifications to install their products.
GAF and Certainteed manufacturers are two such places that provide certifications for the contractors to whom they sell. In addition, GAF and Certainteed shingles have some of the best quality shingles around. As two of the largest shingle manufacturers in the U.S., you know you’ll be putting the best on your house. In addition, they offer excellent warranties and guarantees on their materials so you won’t have to worry about any future issues.
Be sure to ask your roofing contractor if they sell GAF and Certainteed shingles so you know you’ll have the best in the market.
How Long Will You Be At My House?
No one particularly enjoys contractors at their house for multiple days and weeks. Some contractors take their time putting on the roof because they don’t have the “manpower” to get it done in a timely manner. Others don’t get the roof installed quickly because they are trying to squeeze in service calls in between their installations.
Finally, some roofers simply overbook their workload, which means if you hire them, you get the short end of the stick. A qualified roofing contractor will be adept at getting your roof installed without interruption. They should be able to manage this task in one or two days. This should serve as a big relief to you since no one cares for contractors on and off their property for multiple days.
Introducing Twelve Oaks Roofing in Northville
Meet your next roofing contractor, Twelve Oaks Roofing in Northville, MI. We offer superior GAF and Certainteed products installed by certified roofers. Whether you have an emergency or are just looking to upgrade your home’s look, we’ll get the job done in a short amount of time, sometimes in only a day.
Our professional contractors have decades of experience. With a 100% lifetime warranty on our product, you can’t go wrong using Twelve Oaks Roofing. Our Northville roofers are all bonded, insured, licensed, and ready to provide you with an estimate. Get in touch for more information today!
