S To Hire A Roofing Contractor Without Meeting In
The entire process of hiring a contractor, getting an estimate for a roof repair or replacement, and even picking out roofing shingles can all be done online and over the telephone. Heres how you can find, hire, and work with a roofing contractor remotely:
Homeowners Association Rules Or Similar Requirements
Make sure that youre aware of any rules or requirements in your community before you start making changes to your roof.
Many homeowners associations or community associations have specific requirements regarding the color and style of your roof as well as the rest of your house, yard, and other property so you want to make sure that your new investment fits within their guidelines or you might face some very expensive repairs.
Are you considering a new roof?
There are so many factors to consider but perhaps the biggest one is your personal style and desires for your home.
There is also your propertys overall value and resale value, your climate, the aesthetic and curb appeal, your neighborhoods requirements, and more.
This is why working with a contractor who has experience with your type of home and your area is important in order to get the best possible roof shingle color and home color combination possible.
Struggling with color choices for your roof or do you just want to look at all the available options? Contact us today and check out our roof shingle colors in the meantime and start imagining what your dream home looks like!
Should You Consider Diy Roof Installation
As we discussed before, professional labor to install a new asphalt shingles roof constitutes at least 70% of the total cost. This means that you can potentially save thousands of dollars if you can do the tear off and installation yourself.
The million dollar questions is, should you?
When it comes to asphalt shingles, one of their biggest benefits is that they are extremely DIY friendly. Indeed, asphalt shingles is one of the very few roofing materials that a handy homeowner can put up on their own.
Shingle installation does not require any special tools or technical training. This is the reason why so many roofers install them its the easiest entry point in this field.
You can purchase all the necessary materials and supplies at your local big box home improvement store, and avoid the hassle of hiring a roofing company. In fact, basic 3-tab roofing shingles is one of the cheapest roofing options out there, and you can have a brand new roof for under $3,000.
Moreover, there are many step-by-step guides and YouTube videos on how do this correctly.
Keep in mind that when you buy shingles, you need to carefully measure your roof and also buy extra shingles to account for the waste factor. Typically, gable roofs require about 5% waste, while hip roofs are about 7.5%
Still, if you do everything carefully and educate yourself about the nuances of proper installation, you can do a very successful shingle install and keep thousands of dollars in your pocket.
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Resale Value Of Various Types Of Roofing Materials
Know that your roof accounts for up to forty percent of the buildings visual appearance and curb appeal and take that into consideration.
This goes doubly so if you plan on selling in the near future or if you are planning on flipping the property, since you need to make sure you choose something that will add to the resale value of the home and is perhaps relatively neutral in order to make sure that potential buyers will be able to see how they can put their own stamp on the house.
Higher end or more expensive roofing materials may also help to increase the resale value of your home for instance, metal roofing or cedar shake shingles tend to add more value than an asphalt roof.
The color combination of your homes siding or brick or other materials with your roof may help improve the value as well a harmonious color combination will obviously be more appealing.
If you plan to sell in the near future, you may want to discuss what is most popular with your contractor and take a look at comparable properties in your area to see what the competition is doing in terms of house and roof color combinations.
How To Avoid Roofing Scams
All too often, a homeowner does not know if the quotes he is getting from local pros are fair. As a result, some roofers take advantage of this lack of information, and charge unreasonably high pricesand some homeowners end up paying:(
Here is a telling example from my business:
I was doing an estimate the other day, and the client showed me a quote he got from another contractor. Besides a ridiculously high price , what struck me the most was the difference in price between 3-tab and architectural lifetime shingles .
For 3-tabs , the price was $14790 , and for lifetime architectural shingles, it was $16500 . So what gives?
Why is there a $1710 difference between the two quotes?
Do architectural products cost $77 more per square?
The truth is, the roofer was taking the homeowner for a ride, trying to sell a premium package for an unjustified up-charge.
While Im not judging the other contractor its their business I want to inform homeowners of the real price difference between the two. So when you are getting roof replacement quotes, you will know how much premium upgrades really cost.
As you will see below, the $77 / square up-charge was completely unjustified. The cost difference between 3-tab and laminated shingles is only $10 per square, while ALL other components of the system, as well as the installation costs are the SAME.
Thus, the difference should be maybe $300-500 not $1700!
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Top Shingles Manufactures In North America
This table contains information on the top shingles manufacturer, ranked by annual estimated revenue. Additional details on each company’s headquarters location are also included, as well as summaries of company activities below.
Information from Thomasnet.com, dnb.com, Portlandqualityroofing.com, and company websites.
Regional Roofing Cost Differences
When you research shingle prices online and compare them to quotes from your local contractors you may discover a surprising fact: these prices can be VERY DIFFERENT.
This is not because online information is false, or roofers are out of touch with reality. Rather, actual roof installation costs vary widely, depending on where you live.
Different costs of living, from very high to very low, basically set the standard for labor rates in a particular region. If you live in an expensive city, such as New York or San Francisco, you will be paying a premium price for a new install.
This premium can be as high as 18% more than the national average. On the opposite end, if you live in a small town somewhere in the middle of Arkansas, you will be paying less than the national averages sited online. Often, as much as 16% less.
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How Much Is A Bundle Of Shingles
A bundle of asphalt shingles may cost $18.44 25, depending on the shingle brand and your location. In some areas, a bundle of asphalt shingles can cost as much as $30-35. Each bundle should cover at least 32 square feet. On a typical roof, you will need about 3 bundles of shingles to cover 100 sq.ft. of your roofs surface.
How To Fix Damaged Roof Shingles
We share step-by-step instructions for the three most common asphalt-shingle repairs.
Maintaining a sound roof literally tops the list of crucial home repairs: It keeps you and your family warm and dry, along with everything in your house. A new roof is a pricey proposition. These simple repairs can keep your existing roof sound for years to come.
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Why You Shouldnt Delay Roof Repair Or Replacement
Your roof plays a critical role in helping to protect your home from the elements. If you need a new roof or roof repair, it is important to get that work done as soon as possible to help prevent other issues or severe damage to your home, such as:
- Water damage, either seen or unseen
- Mold
Ask your roofing contractor about their financing options and safety protocols, including how they are disinfecting tools, vehicles, work attire, and other equipment.
While individual roofing contractors are likely to have their own protocol, in general, contractors should be following safety measures outlined by the following governmental organizations:
Safety measures may vary depending on the roofing contractor you choose, but they could include all or some of the following recommendations:
Types Of Roof Shingles For Your Home
The shingles matter! Top of the line roof shingles cover and protect your home from the elements, insulate the home, increase the value of your property, and even increase its curb appeal.
And when it comes to choosing the right shingles for the roof of your home, its good to know that you have many options available. So, if youre looking to replace the roof on your home, here are the top five types of shingles you will consider.
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Are Architectural Shingles Worth The Extra Cost
Architectural shingles last longer but may not be an appropriate choice for shallow-pitch roofs. Architectural styles are about two to three times as thick as 3-tab types, and may last two or three times as long. Their durability can make them an excellent investment. If you’re a homeowner thinking about installing 3D roofing, talk to your contractor.
Talk To The Asphalt Roofing Experts
If youre interested in exploring different types of asphalt shingles, reach out to Long Roofing for expert advice on your roofing project. Whether youre looking for a roofing estimate or have questions about the best asphalt shingle for you, were here to help. Contact us online or give our knowledgeable team a call at 417-5664.
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Factors To Consider When Deciding If You Should Get A Metal Roof Overlay
Before you decide youd like to put a metal roof over your existing shingle roof, youll need to consider several things. Although it might seem like your roofing contractors can just slap some metal panels on your roof, and itll be good to go, thats not how the process works.
Rather, determining whether your roof is eligible for an overlay depends on several things, including:
What Do You Need To Consider When Choosing A New Roof
The literal roof over your head is an incredibly important aspect of your home or any other property.
Heres what to do if you are considering replacing your roof and where to get started with everything from picking the color and material to determining what you actually want your roof and therefore your home to look like based on your own preferences and style.
First, consider the style of your home you will of course want to choose a different style and color roofing material if you have a Georgian style home versus a ranch versus something super contemporary.
Your climate also matters for instance, in warmer or hot areas a metal roof might be more desirable because it will reflect heat, while an asphalt roof can absorb heat, so that could be a good option if you live in a cold climate that has real winters.
Another key consideration is the actual shape of your house.
Things like gables, dormers, and other masonry or structural details will affect how your roof looks.
You also want to consider your backyard, porch, or any other outdoor living areas.
After all, if you have a deck, a pool or hot tub, a spot to dine outside, a BBQ area, or even a complete outdoor kitchen, youll want to consider the color and material of your roof, especially if much of it is visible from your outdoor hangout spots.
After all, your roof is a key design element of your new home.
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What Are The Cheapest Roof Shingles
The reality is that architectural roof shingles are gaining traction and a larger market share each year. Yet not everyone is keen on opting for them because of the high initial cost. The cheapest alternative to architectural shingles are 3 tab asphalt shingles.
Three tab shingles are an asphalt based material that has 3 These shingles are made of 3 distinct tabs, each 12 inches wide. This construction lends itself to a distinctly flat appearance.
3-tab shingles have limited 20,25,and 30 year manufacturer warranties. Realistically mostly asphalt shingles products last anywhere from 10-16 years, depending on your local climate and quality of installation.
Inexpensive pricing is not the only point of attraction for 3-tab shingles. They still remain very popular for a number of reasons:
Thinner shingle body and low weight compared to architectural shingles Ease of installation Wide range of colors to choose from
Preferred in at least two markets residential rental properties and people looking to buy or build low value homes the low initial cost of three tab shingles is very attractive.
These shingles are also the go-to choice for DIY savvy home owners who want to do a roof install themselves, instead of hiring a pro. In these cases, three tab shingles are a lot simpler to install correctly, so that the roof does not leak.
Gaf Lifetime Designer Shingles
GAF Lifetime Designer Shingles are stylish yet affordable options that can enhance the look of your home. These designer shingles feature advanced protection that guarantees high performance and roof durability for many years. They also include StainGuard protection to ensure that they maintain a beautiful appearance over the years.
These shingles are available in sophisticated designs that add a touch of luxury to your home without costing a fortune. GAF Lifetime Designer Shingles come in a wide range of colors to accent and enhance your homes beauty, including browns, reds, blues, greens, grays, blacks, beiges, and golds.
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Importance Of Quality Underlayment
I mention DeckArmor above, because in my opinion it is the best synthetic underlayment available on the market, based on quality and price.
Compared to FELT underlayment, price per square foot of deck armor is $0.202 vs $0.079 for felt or about 4 times more expensive. In reality its even less, because you have 60% more overlaps with felt, thus the actual coverage is much less.
However, since most roofs are about 1600 sq.ft., 2 rolls should be enough for a typical house. In the grand scheme of things, Deck Armor will cost only$249 more. However, it is hands down a much better WATERPROOFING product, so it is very much worth it!
Get Roof Shingle Samples By Mail
Once youve narrowed down your choice, you can requestfree printed color samples. Each sample is 12 x 24-inches, so you can get atrue picture of the color and definition of your shingles. Select up tofive samples per order and only pay for shipping and handling.
Once youve made your final choices, you can shareand discuss them remotely with your roofing contractor. Choosing roofingshingles can be both exciting and satisfying when you use convenient visualizertools and printed samples from Owens Corning.
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What Are Asphalt Shingles
The different types of asphalt shingles have improved greatly since their first debut in the United States back in the early 1900s. You can find many asphalt shingles types today available in different sizes, colors, and styles to suit different climates and home needs. They are perfect for many homeowners in need of new roofs.
Typically, asphalt shingle types are made of a material mixture including asphalt, granules, sealants, fiberglass, and release film. Stable resin is used to bind glass fibers to reinforce and add durability to the asphalt shingles, while the asphalt allows it to be water-resistant. The granules added to asphalt shingles provide color variety and UV protection. Typically, asphalt shingles are composed of layers: a base mat, layer of waterproofing asphalt, and a layer of ceramic granules.
While there are many types of asphalt shingles, they also come in fiberglass or organic makeup.
What Are Solar Shingles
Solar shingles, or solar roof tiles, are made of slim photovoltaic sheets that either overlay or replace the existing shingles on a roof. They absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. By relying on this method of energy as opposed to electricity, for example, homeowners will save money on monthly bills and eventually recoup their initial investments.
Like regular roof shingles, solar shingles protect your home from the weather and other elements. These shingles are not only energy-efficient, but they also offer a more attractive aesthetic to a home than do the large, bulky panels normally associated with solar-powered energy.
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