
When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, the absolute last thing you want is to let a cowboy loose on your roof. Hiring anyone who doesn’t actually know what they’re doing will cost you in the long run, no matter how good the “mates rates” are at the time. This is one of the reasons that you need to be considerate of who you are hiring. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for roof repair in Bentonville, AR or anywhere else in the world. Having the right professional roofing contractor is a must.
Even a job that seems relatively simple can cause a range of problems if not done right. A new roof is one thing, but does your unqualified handyman know how to walk on a roof that needs repair? Do they know how to look after your type of roof?
Obviously, the shape of your roof is going to be a consideration to the company you hire and is another reason why you shouldn’t use a cowboy but a roofing contractor. Do they know the difference between a flat roof, a mansard and a hip and valley? If you talk to professional contractors you’ll not only be able to ask the standard questions about how they will repair your roof, but they’ll be able to offer advice on things like future proofing your roof and superior product knowledge. To find more information on how a skilled roofing contractor can help you and your home, Click Here and get the right idea.
Roof Material Types
Although there are a range of different roofing materials like what you can see from Pro Roof Plus roofing services, and new products come on the market regularly, the more common types are:
Shingle
This is one of the more common types of roofing style, particularly in Indiana. A shingle is simply a style of roof that has overlapping sheets and can be made of a variety of substances. Wood, slate, asphalt, asbestos and metal, each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
For example, asbestos is cheap, fireproof and lasts a long time, however, the cost is in the health of the installer and residence as asbestos fibre cause serious lung issues. Whereas Slate is beautiful and can last up to 400 years, but the initial cost is expensive. One of the most popular materials for shingle roofs in Indiana is asphalt (see here), as it is cheaper than slate but able to handle the extreme weather changes that can affect midwestern states.
Membrane Roofing
Membrane roofing is often used on flat roofs. But is particularly used on commercial buildings. This system involves using sheets that are sealed together to form a continuous roofing product. They can be made from a range of materials. Such as rubber or plastic products, asphalt or bitumen, or even a fabric or polyester product.
Metal Roofing
There is a surprising variety in the style of metal roofing products, from sheets of corrugated iron to seamed sheets. Metal roofing is gaining in popularity, however, there are pros and cons; increased costs versus durability, and you need to consider if it is the right material for your home and your location. However, if you need to replace your roof it may be a good option; particularly if you have well-insulated ceilings and live in an area away from saltwater and snow (both of which can cause problems).
Concrete
Not an overly common form of roofing material, but concrete can be used in either large slabs or in overlapping tiles. It is incredibly strong and durable, often able to withstand quite significant hurricane conditions. However, it is not cheap, and you absolutely must use a qualified and experienced contractor if you encounter leaks or other issues. https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/materials/concrete-roofs.htm
Finding a Contractor
It never hurts to get a couple of quotes, but make sure that you are comparing apples with apples. In the modern age, you don’t need to rely on word of mouth to get good feedback. Luckily, you have access to a range of reviews online. Read through them all, including bad reviews, as sometimes these are more insightful than a good review; how the company responded to the complaint says a lot about a company.
Ask their advice, they’re the experts. Will you need to replace your guttering? Is this repair going to last long or is it only going to be a stop-gap measure? Will you eventually need to replace your entire roof? Is the damaged roof causing problems to the joists underneath that you can’t see? Some of the time no one will know the true extent of the damage until the roofing comes off. But an experienced roofing contractor will usually be able to make a suggestion as to how much damage they expect to see.
Your roof is a very important part of your home, you want to make sure it is well looked after.