Basics Of The Roofing Process
As long as the roof of your home is functional, you probably devote little, if any, time thinking about it. Outside of small maintenance tasks like removing debris from gutters and checking for moisture in the attic, most homeowners don’t give their roofs a second thought. When a problem does develop, however, knowing some basics about roofing contractors and roofing materials helps you address the problem as efficiently and economically as possible.
One important component of basic roofing knowledge is being familiar with those Cherry Hill roofing contractors with solid reputations for providing skilled, well-priced repair and reroofing work. This gives you a good idea about which company to call in emergencies. When a windstorm blows part of your roof away, the last thing you want to do is flip through the phone book, desperately searching for someone who can help. Instead, having a name or two in mind before a crisis occurs will put you in a better position to get professional work at a reasonable price.
When you meet with a roofing contractor, you should be familiar with a few trade terms to facilitate better communication. For example, words like “underlayment” and “flashing” might come up in the conversation. You may already be aware that flashing is composed of those metal pieces that divert water from roof junctures and that the tar paper applied to the plywood roof decking is also known as underlayment. If you take the time to learn basic terminology, you already have a good basis for relating to your contractor.
As a homeowner, you should know your way around your own roof.
The ridge of the structure is the highest peak of the roof. A hip is the high juncture of two roofing sections while a valley is the low juncture. Learn your roof’s pitch and how to distinguish gables from dormers. You’ll be better able to speak knowledgeably with contractors about your property.
When interviewing roofers for a replacement project, a basic understanding of the process is key to selecting the right professional for the job. You should know whether your existing roof is placed on top of one or two previous roofs as well as what this means in terms of tearing off or building over the existing materials. Get an idea from neighbors and friends how long their reroofing projects took and about how much they cost. This will help prevent sticker shock when you see the roofer’s bid.
Knowing the difference between composition shingles, roofing tile, and cedar shakes helps you choose new roofing products more wisely. Researching the latest innovations in roofing materials may unearth a great product that even your contractor is not yet aware of. Also, find out which roofing materials work best in your particular climate.
Find out the costs of different materials and the length of the warranties associated with those products. Often, spending more initially on a durable material translates to savings later, because the roof will last years longer than other, cheaper roofs. Homeowners who take the time to learn the basics of roofing materials warranties can make informed financial decisions. The roofing experts at Fortified Roofing of Cherry Hill NJ can assist you with any questions regarding gutters or skylights.
Term & definition explained by Fortified Roofing, Cherry Hill NJ:
Gables
Shaped like triangles and set between two sloping roof pieces, gables are structural elements present in many homes of various architectural styles. Some variations of gables include the Dutch gable, the crow-stepped gable, the tympanum and the bell-gable.
Question and answer courtesy of Cherry Hill roofing contractor Fortified Roofing:
How do I know which roofing material is best for my home?
You can consult several resources for choosing the best roofing materials. Other homes in your neighborhood that have attractive, durable roofs present good examples to follow, and your local roofing contractor is a good resource for advice regarding the best material for your climate and roof structure. You should also read the manufacturer’s recommendations on those roofing materials you are considering.
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