What to Look for From Roofing Contractors?

While it might not seem like it makes that big of a difference, you’d be surprised by how big of a deal that a roof can be for any type of building.  From residential properties to commercial sites, everything needs a roof.  The materials that are used and the included drainage system are quite important to the overall effectiveness and longevity of it, though.

Deciding on what material that you want for a new roof installation can be quite challenging, though.  There are a ton of options out there, and it seems like new things are being invented all of the time, too.  How are we supposed to figure out what would suit our lifestyles best?

Although some of the advice might not necessarily be applicable if you don’t have a historic property.  There are pros and cons to each roof option, and some of it comes down to the contractors that offer them. 

Why is the Material You Pick Such a Big Deal?

As was mentioned briefly above, a lot of homeowners seem to really underestimate how big of a deal it can be to have to replace a roof.  Installing a new one is not just a lot of work, but also takes a ton of planning.  That’s speaking both logistically and aesthetically.

Anyone that lives in a neighborhood with an HOA, or homeowner’s association, will probably have to run their plans by the committee.  If your plans aren’t “attractive” enough, they might have suggestions to change it.  Obviously, the materials you pick are going to be a part of that.

Chances are, your HOA probably won’t be okay with you getting a thatch roof, for example.  While that’s a bit of an outlandish thought in this day and age anyway, it gets the point across.  You may want to touch base with them before you make any set plans to see if it’ll work out.  Additionally, it’s not a bad idea to let your contractor know that there’s an HOA in the picture.

Beyond that, though, there’s also the matter of how long-lasting a roof can be.  Different materials offer a longer or shorter lifespan, after all.  Striking a balance between what you prefer the look of versus what will last longer can be a bit of a pain.  Don’t be afraid to consult with your roofing contractor if that’s something you’re worried about.

Contractors: Different Offerings

Depending on which you opt to work with, they’ll probably specialize in different types of installations and materials.  For example, Valley Metal Roofing are focused on metal roofs, as you can probably guess based on the name.  Why bother going for a specialist though, right?

Well, if you’re looking to guarantee quality and consistency, going to a specialized roofing contractor is certainly one way to do so.  No need to go to a jack of all trades when you can find a master of one, right?  That’s especially true for something as important as the roof over your head.

Having it end up caving in because of quality issues or something like that is a worst nightmare for a lot of us, so there’s pretty good reason to want to get the job done right the first time around.  Not to mention, it can be pretty expensive to have to replace the thing.  So, whether you’re currently getting an initial installation, a repair, or a replacement, it’s nice to find a contractor who works specifically with your type of roof.

What makes metal roofs so special, then?  For one thing, it’s actually possible to have one installed over what you’ve currently got, which can help save you some money if you don’t want to rip up everything that’s currently there.  A full replacement is way more expensive than a new “coating,” after all.

One concern that a lot of folks seem to have about them, though, is a worry that they might end up attracting lightning more than other options such as asphalt or wood.  Thankfully, this isn’t actually the case.  Thanks to the coating options that exist, they’re not any more likely to attract lightning than those other materials.

In terms of how long they last, you might be impressed to know that they can typically go for up to fifty years.  Comparatively, asphalt ones are only good for about twenty years, with thirty being their max.  So, in that way, they can be seen as being more cost-effective than other choices.

There are a few other draws, of course.  A lot of the common issues that roofs can have that lead to them needing to be replaced have little-to-no impact on metal roofing.  Examples of that include damage from insects that like to burrow into wood or chew at asphalt, wildlife of other varieties, fire, mildew or rot, and even snow damage to some extent.

Since it’s more conductive in the sun than something like asphalt, it heats up faster.  If there’s snow on it, there’s a good chance that it’ll melt off or slide off pretty quickly, preventing the structure from having to strain too much under all that weight.

If you do end up wanting one, just be sure to find a roofing contractor who’s experienced with installation of them to ensure the job is done properly!