A roof installed by a professional roofing contractor will vary in cost depending on several factors.

Replacing your roof is one of the most costly improvements you can make to your home. Prices for a new roof can vary due to several factors. A roofing contractor will calculate the cost of your roof based upon size, pitch, and the cost of materials to name a few. As a homeowner you should shop around for several estimates, and don’t always go with the lowest price.

A reputable roofing contractor will be bonded, insured, and licensed. It’s a good idea to check for testimonials from prior customers, look at work the roofing contractor has done, and also check out how long the roofer has been in the trade.

A quality roof will be installed by a quality contractor. Choosing a roofing contractor based upon price isn’t always the best idea when it comes to such a big investment.

There are a lot of factors that go into how long a roof will last. While most roofs have a warranty, this doesn’t mean that your roof will necessarily go this long without needing to be replaced. Some will wear out faster due to severe weather and environmental conditions, while others could last longer. Most roofs, however, are designed to last between 15 and 25 years; some types of slate and metal roofs could last longer.

While it is technically possible to layer one set of shingles on top of another, this may be setting you up for future problems. If your current shingles are curling, cracked, missing, or are covered with moss or algae, you will need to strip them to install the new roof. Likewise if you already have two layers on your roof, they will have to come off to install the new shingles.

A roofing underlayment is also known as felt paper, and is installed beneath your shingles, over the wood of your roof. It helps protect your roof from wind driven rain that can get beneath your shingles and potentially damage your home.

Once you decide you need a new roof, the most important decision you can make is your contractor. Find a trusted roofing company to avoid harmful contractor scams and get the most out of your money. A new roof isn’t a small investment – the right contractor can give you a pleasant, rewarding experience and a roof that will last for decades without issue. Doing your research before hiring a roofer can protect you from roofing disasters.

First, ask around for a good roofing contractor. Ask your friends and family members for suggestions, or post the question on social media. Word of mouth is one of the most reliable ways to judge the character of a roofing contractor, since you’re speaking to people who have already worked with the company. Also look at the roofer’s reviews and testimonials from previous customers.

Next, investigate the company itself. Look for manufacturer designations, positive ratings with the Better Business Bureau, and proper licensing and insurance. A contractor without these accreditations or one that refuses to show you licensing is probably a scam artist – or at least not the best quality contractor on the market.

It’s important to accurately gauge if your building needs a new roof. Commercial roofs are designed to endure. However, if you notice water stains along the ceilings and walls, mold or missing shingles, these cues must be addressed.

Indications of roof issues also include worn roof covers, flaws in the roofing seams, bubbles along the roof cover and gaps in roof flashing. The commercial roof’s age and resulting gradual wear must also be taken into account.

A roofing installation is not commonly a DIY project. It is essential to hire professional roofing contractors that are trained with years of experience to repair or replace your new roofing system safely. The homeowner can perform simple inspections of the roofing system themselves. The 20-minute checks can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run and protect your investment for a more extended period.

1. High nailing
2. Incorrect flashing detail around chimneys, pipes, walls, and skylights
3. Installing inadequate attic ventilation
4. No project manager – this leads to a crew with no supervision and no accountability
5. Installing shingles on a low pitch or flat roof area
6. No cricket on wide chimneys – crickets help to avoid ponding and rusting on chimney flashings
7. Wrong length of nails – nails should penetrate through the roof deck
8. Incorrect starter – The starter course is an anchor for the first row of shingles
9. Asphalt adhesive used as general caulking – this type of glue will crack and fail if exposed to the elements
10. No general liability or workers comp. insurance