Learn About Roof Shingles and Roofing Contractors in South Salem NY

When Should I Replace My Shingles Roof?

For short periods of time, homeowners can get away with temporary solutions to roofing problems; for example, leaks can be temporarily fixed by patching one area of your roof. However, there comes a time when a roof’s shingles just aren’t functioning the way they’re supposed to anymore and you can no longer put off the home improvements you need. Examples of roofing problems can include:

• Missing or broken shingles
• Storm damage
• Cupping or curling shingles

If you have shingles that are curled, cracking, or many that are missing, it’s time to replace your roof. While it may seem like a big investment at the moment, replacing your roof at an opportune time—now—could mean saving yourself tens of thousands of dollars of water damage in the future, as a house with a poor roof is more susceptible to leaks.

To test out the current state of your roof, simply keep an eye out for these shingles that may be cracking, curling or missing. It’s best to do this on a sunny day, and use binoculars so you can see closer without having to dangerously stand on top of your roof. Also, be sure to check other places for cracks or fallen shingles—check around the chimney, skylights, vents, etc.

Different types of shingles for the roof

The cost of different types of shingles depends highly on aesthetics. For example, real slate or wooden shingles are thought to be the nicest looking options, but there are plenty of materials available that are just as effective for a fraction of the cost of these traditional materials. Fake slate, for example, looks much like the real thing yet weighs a lot less.

Asphalt has become by far the most popular roofing option. This is because, especially in areas where high winds aren’t a concern, they can last for more than three decades. They are also pretty lightweight, making them easier to install—you would most likely end up paying for fewer hours of labor when opting for asphalt shingles instead of a heavier material. Also, be sure to opt for laminated shingles, which are installed in layers; unlayered three-tab asphalt shingles have been proven to perform much less effectively.

Some opt for metal roofing instead of asphalt shingles because of its even more lightweight structure and pleasing aesthetics. Copper especially develops a greenish patina that most people find very attractive. However, keep in mind that metal roofing is much noisier than shingles under certain conditions, such as rainfall.

Hire a top contractor for roof shingling with ServiceWhale

Since roofing installation is so important in order to prevent many future issues in your home, such as water damage, it’s extremely crucial to pick the right contractor for your installation job. ServiceWhale’s instant quoting platform only shows you prescreened contractors that fit the criteria for your project, so you can have peace of mind when choosing someone to hire. You’ll have access to customized quotes and contractor profiles, complete with genuine customer reviews and ratings. Get started today by answering a few simple questions about your roofing installation project and start selecting which contractors you’d like to speak with today!