Quality roofing contractors will inspect your roof and help you decide whether repairs or replacement is the best solution. Smaller areas of damage and minor leaks may be fixed with simple roof repairs. Extensive missing or damaged shingles, rotting roof boards, high energy bills, water stains on interior ceilings and walls or large roof leaks may indicate that a roof replacement is needed.

There are several types of roofing materials that are popular among local homeowners, including: Asphalt shingles are a common choice for new roofs. They’re reasonably priced, they range from simple three-tab shingles to durable architectural shingles, they come in many colors and types, and they’re easy to repair. Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan (about 15 to 30 years) and aren’t as environmentally-friendly as some other roofing material choices. Wood shingles and wood shake roofing are usually made from cedar wood. They often blend in with a natural environment, weather to an attractive gray color, and are easy to repair and replace. Wood shingle roofing can last 30 to 50 years if it’s maintained properly. However, wood shingle and shake roofing can be expensive ton install and requires more maintenance than other types of roofing. Tile roofing is a popular choice for new roofs because it’s durable and attractive. Roof tiles can be made from concrete or clay and come in several colors and styles. Tile roofing is easy to maintain, fireproof and very durable. Tile roofing can be expensive and heavy, and it’s generally a better choice for new homes because of the structural requirements due to the weight of the material. Tile roofing can also be fragile and repairs can be complicated. Metal roofing, including copper roofs, steel roofing, aluminum roofing and tin roofs, is becoming a common choice. While it can be expensive to install, metal roofing is very durable and will outlast other roofing materials. It’s lightweight, it comes in many colors and it has a long lifespan—at least 50 years in most cases. Slate roofing is a beautiful and unique choice. It’s fireproof and low maintenance, and it lasts years longer than other roofing materials. However, slate roofing can be expensive because it requires specialized installation and more maintenance than other types of roofing.

Yes. A new roof with good insulation can make your home more energy efficient and keep it more comfortable. There are also several ways to make your roof installation more eco-friendly. First, find out if your roofing contractor can recycle old roofing materials. Some roofing contractors dispose of old roofing shingles and materials in a more environmentally-sensitive way. It’s also possible to choose eco-friendly roofing materials for your new roof. From Green roofs (roofs that are partially or completely covered with vegetation - and environmentally-friendly composite shake roof shingles to recycled shingles and metal roofing, there are many environmentally-friendly roofing options your roofer can offer.

You’re not alone. Below, we answer several commonly asked questions about roofing repair and replacement, as well as hiring and working with a professional roofer.

Roof replacement can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the size of the home and the roofing materials used. Weather and the skill and experience of the roofing contractors can also have an impact on the speed of the reroofing process.

Some roofing contractors will install a new roof on top of your existing roof, which is known as a roof-over or roof overlay. This can save some money on the roofing project since there are no costs for roof removal. However, other roofing companies recommend removing the old roof before installing the new roofing material, which is known as tear-off reroofing, for a better quality roofing job. Talk to your local roofer about your specific reroofing needs.

Workers’ compensation insurance covers every employee of the company in the case of accident or injury. You will not be held responsible for damages. Make sure you ask your roofing contractor to show you a copy of their active workers’ compensation policy. A quality roofing contractors are licensed and carry worker’s compensation insurance.

Each home is different, just like the needs of the homeowners. Your roofing company can help you choose the best roofing material and roof style for your home, budget, and unique wishes.

Green businesses, especially, are more likely to be keen on using an energy efficient roofing system. Property managers may even be required to ensure their roof meets ENERGY STAR criteria. Energy efficient roofs, like reflective roof systems, make it easier to save expenses. Increasing insulation in the roofing system is an alternate method to help meet energy goals.

Roof types differ. Retail businesses, shopping centers or hospitals, for instance, have different roofing needs than warehouse facilities. Warehouse roofing A warehouse unit requires a solid roof that will withstand seasons of inclement weather and that will protect the mass quantities of valuable goods housed inside. Companies rely on warehouses to safely store equipment, supplies, and products relevant to the business. As a result, a reliable roof is critical to prevent damage and costly losses. Retail Building A retail building’s roofing system requires a different type of commercial roof. A solid, leak-free roof is important. However, depending on the type of business, wear and tear to the roof is expected. Exhaust that springs from restaurant buildings, for example, deteriorates the roof over time. Chemicals from dry cleaning companies also impact the roof. A retail business roof should also provide an atmosphere that exudes comfort for customers and employees.

Full replacement becomes necessary when over 25 percent of the roof is flawed. Or, a full replacement is ideal when managers want to utilize the latest technological developments in roofing systems and want a long-term solution. Recover an existing roof if good insulation is in place. Recovering the roof is far less expensive than a full replacement. It is important to note that recovering a roof can only be done once. Keeping costs low leads to repairing the roof. Minor repairs extend the life of the roof. Coat the roof system to protect it from leaks. Save energy with reflective coatings that reflect UV rays away from the building.

Recent inflation has affected the below estimates. The cost of a total roof replacement is based on several variances. The most obvious size factor is the size of the roof; the more square feet involved, the higher the labor and cost of materials to complete the replacement will be. If objects protrude out of your roof, additional expenses will be needed to cut around these protrusions and seal the areas. A building’s location can impact the cost as well, especially if numerous permits are required. Average Costs of Roofing Materials Overall, a roof replacement can be estimated to cost $2.50 to $5 per square foot for a built-up roof that features alternating layers of roofing materials, like tar or bitumen, waterproofing materials and roofing felt. A single ply roof, often lasting 20 to 30 years (depending on weather conditions) with its single layer, ranges from $3 to $4 per square foot. A sheet metal roof, featuring interlocking panels of metal, steel or aluminum, averages $5 to $10 per square foot and is the most expensive choice of roofing material on the market.

The geographic location of your building plays a significant role in your roof choice. Buildings in the Sonoran Desert experience significant heat, monsoon rain with high wind velocity, while structures in the Flagstaff may need to weather a foot of snow and ice. Aside from weather, the direction your building faces and its roof orientation play a pivotal role in the roof system you can optimally use. Roofing experts conclude that with each building hosting unique geographical factors, a single roof system will not meet the varying needs of buildings across the country.

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.

Roofing options can be extensive. Common types of roofing systems available in the current market include built-up roofing (roof layers are built up and bonded together); tapered insulation roofing systems (prevents standing water and is ideal for flat roofs without adequate slope); TPO roofs (are fire resistant, flexible and extremely durable); and single ply roofing (delivers exceptional weatherability over the long term).