Roofing is one of the essential parts of your home. It is your first line of defense from the rain, wind, and other weather elements that can damage your house. If you are in need of a roof repair or roof replacement, it’s important that you get the job done right. If not, you could be looking at more expensive repairs down the road. According to our contractors in Denver, CO, here is what you should know before you hire a roofing contractor.
On this page
- Assessing your roof condition
- Different types of roofing
- What types of roofing should be installed by a specialized contractor?
- What should I look for when hiring a roofing company?
- How do I find the best roofing company?
- What company makes the best roofing shingles?
Assessing your roof condition
If the roof is damaged or old, it could allow water to leak into your attic and wall cavities which could potentially damage drywall, rot wood, and even cause electrical fires. Roof leaks can also cause mold growth on walls and floors, which can lead to long-term health issues.
To prevent this from happening, you must get an accurate assessment of your roof condition. Doing so can also help you determine whether to repair or replace your roof entirely. Here are some ways you can assess your roof.
- Assess the shingles – look for any missing shingles on the roof. Also assess the condition of the shingles, looking for any places where shingles may be lifting, deteriorating, or growing moss. Looks for any signs of water streaking or mold/moss on the roof, which can be a sign that the roof is retaining water.
- Assess the intersections and eaves of the roof – Inspect the roof decking at the eaves of the roof by pulling back the bottom layer of shingles. If you see rotten wood on your eaves, your roof is leaking. Also look at flash points where chimneys, sunlights, vents and attic fans connect to the roof to see if water may be leaking in.
- Assess the attic – If you can, climb into the attic and look at the roof decking from underneath. If you don’t see evidence of water damage, it doesn’t necessarily mean the other side of the plywood is undamaged. But if you do see discolored/wet plywood from the attic, chances are it looks much worse under the shingles. Also look for any cracked rafters or water stains on the rafters.
- Assess the house interior – Look for water stains on the ceilings and wall intersections throughout the house, which could be evidence of roof leaks. If you see water damage to any drywall connected to an exterior wall, it could be caused by water entering the wall cavity from the eave or edge of the roof.
Different types of roofing
There are many different types of roofing systems out there that are available. Which is best for you depends on the type of building you have and the material you use. Here are the main types:
- Asphalt shingle roofing – this is the most common type of roofing material used in residential roof construction. Shingles are made of an asphalt/tar material and are nailed to the roof in strips.
- Tile roofing – this type of roof is typical in the southeast and southwestern US where roof tiles are made of concrete.
- Slate roofing – this roof system is comprised of small stone tiles that are fixed to the roof. These are often used in high end and historical houses.
- Metal roofing – this roof system is comprised of metal sheets made of steel being placed on the roof.
- Cedar shake roofing – this roof system is comprised of small cedar tiles that are nailed to the roof system. This is typical in high end and historical homes and is considerably more expensive that other roof systems.
- Flat roofing – for commercial buildings, row homes, and multifamily buildings, many roofs are flat and require a different type of material and installation process to repair.
What type of roofing should be installed by a specialized contractor?
Roofing is a specialized trade, so unless you know what you’re doing it’s recommended to hire a contractor to fix your roof. If you’re looking to install or repair a tile, slate, metal, cedar or flat roof, you should looking for roofing contractors in your area that specialize in those types of roofing systems. Most general contractors and roofers can handle a standard asphalt roof system.
What should I look for when hiring a roofing company?
If you want to ensure that your roofing company is reputable, look for the following:
- A contractor certified by a professional organization like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) or GAF. This means they can prove their experience and quality of work.
- A good contractor with a good reputation in your area. You can ask friends or family members who have had similar projects done if they’d recommend this contractor or if any others in town would be better suited to helping you out.
- A contractor who is licensed, bonded and carries worker’s comp insurance. Roofing can be one of the more dangerous trades, and any accident on your property could potentially hold the homeowner liable for injury compensation. Be sure the contractor has worker’s compensation insurance that is up-to-date and provides reasonable coverage.
How do I find the best roofing company?
- Look for a company that has been an operational business for a long time.
The longer a company has been doing business, the better. The reason is simple: they’ve had time to build their reputation and establish a good working relationship with their clients. They also have more experience, so you can be sure your job will be done correctly the first time.
- Look for a business with great customer service.
Suppose you run into problems during or after the repair process. In that case, you want to know that the people answering the phone can help you fix them quickly and effectively — even if it means coming back out on another day before moving forward with repairs themselves.
What company makes the best roofing shingles?
To choose the best shingles for your home, there are several things you should consider. For example, what size and style of roof do you have? Is it a flat or sloped roof? How much experience does the contractor have in installing the type of shingle you wish to use on your house? What about their warranties on their workmanship and materials?
Here’s a list of some reputable manufacturers:
- CertainTeed (GAF)
- James Hardie
- GAF Shingle Products Division
Keep your home safe with the right roofing contractor.
You should know that there are many different contractors out there. Each one is a little different and will provide you with a different experience. The best way to find the right contractor for your home is by asking questions, researching, and getting references.
- Ask if they are licensed and insured – You need to ensure that any contractor you hire has these licenses so they can legally do business in your state, city, or county. If they don’t have these licenses, you may be putting yourself at risk by allowing them on your property.
- Ask for references – A good roofing contractor will have past clients who can tell you what kind of service they offer and whether or not they would recommend them again. It’s always better to get several references rather than just one because it shows that this company has been around for a while (and probably doing well) since people are willing to recommend them again!
- Sign-up with PunchList – Here at PunchList, we do the hard part in vetting the right local contractors to help you repair or replace your roof. Start with a free home repair quote and get an accurate estimate within hours. Then we can match you with one of our top local roofers in your area to get the job done, quality guaranteed!
Conclusion
The roof is your home’s first defense against the elements. It can be an expensive and time-consuming project, but it’s worth investing in to protect your family and home safe from the harsh effects of the weather.
