Roofing in Lowell, MA

How to Pick the Perfect Roofing Contractor

If you need a new roof in Lowell, you’ve got plenty of roofing companies to choose from. How can you tell which one is the right one for your needs? Here’s a list of criteria we think are important.

• Length of time in business: Roofers can come and go, so it’s wise to find a company that’s been around for a while. The last thing you want is a brand-new contractor taking your money, doing a shoddy job, and disappearing into the night. Ranch Roofing has been serving the area’s property owners for over 25 years.
• Licensing and insurance: Anyone working on your home, particularly if they’re taking on a large, expensive project like replacing a roof, should be licensed and insured. At Ranch Roofing, our team is licensed, insured, and bonded for your protection and our own.
• Scope of services: It’s easiest and safest to work with one company that can manage the entire project, from getting the permits to ripping off the old roof, installing the new roof, and arranging for any final inspections. At Ranch Roofing, we do it all.
• Installation timelines: Various roofs will take different amounts of time for installation. Find out exactly when the company plans to start, whether anything in particular might hold up your project, and how long the installation is projected to take.
• Warranties available: Your roofing materials will have a warranty, as should the company’s workmanship. Find out what warranties are offered and for how long. We most often use architectural shingles, which come with a 30- to 50-year warranty.
• Reviews: Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations, and don’t forget to check reviews on any company you’re considering. Look on sites like Google Search and Yelp so you can get a good overview of how people’s experiences have been.

Telltale Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement

At Ranch Roofing, we offer a free estimate to anyone who thinks their Lowell roof needs to be replaced. We also offer residential roof repair services, so we’re glad to take a look at yours to let you know what you need. Here are some questions to ask yourself that can tell you whether you’re ready for a new roof.

• How old is the roof? If it’s coming to the end of its lifespan—typically somewhere between 15 and 50 years depending on the type of roofing material and the quality of the materials and installation—it’s important to watch for signs that it’s starting to fail.
• What color are the shingles? If the shingles are becoming discolored, looking darker than they used to be, or developing splotches of black, white, or green, they might have moisture damage. These streaks or blotches can be moss, mold, or algae.
• How does the fascia and soffit look? If your roof is in good condition, your fascia and soffit will usually also be in good shape.
• Do you have any leaks in your house? While water damage can come from different places, if you see it coming from up above, it’s likely coming from the roof. Having a drip, a puddle, peeling paint, sagging in your ceiling, or a musty odor can mean your roof is letting water in.
• How do the shingles look? If they’re laying flat and all intact, that’s a good sign. However, if you’ve lost a few shingles or you see any curling or cracking, you should have the roof evaluated.

If you’ve noticed any areas of concern, reach out to the roofing experts at Ranch Roofing for a free inspection and estimate.

Reasons Architectural Shingles Are Our Preference

When we work with homeowners who want a shingle roof, we usually recommend architectural shingles, which are also called dimensional shingles. When compared to 3-tab shingles, which might be the type you’re more familiar with, architectural shingles come out on top in a variety of ways.

• They’re thicker. Architectural shingles are thicker and sturdier, and they also come in different textures.
• They look better. They can be made to look like different materials, which can go far in complementing your home’s style and contributing to better curb appeal.
• They’re weather-resistant. In the Lowell area, we get heavy snow, high winds, and ice storms. These durable shingles will be able to better stand up to the elements.
• They last longer. While traditional shingles will often last 15 to 30 years, architectural shingles last 30-50 years.

Architectural shingles are a bit more expensive, and they do require more expertise to install. At Ranch Roofing, we use these shingles every day and are experienced with the material. When compared to traditional 3-tab shingles, we believe they’re a better investment thanks to their long lifespan and their ability to raise the value of your home.

Explaining Your Lowell, MA Roofing Price Quote

Everyone’s roof will have a different cost, so there’s no way to have a standardized price sheet. What we do instead is offer free estimates. We’ll come to your home or property to take a look at the roof and give you a fair price.

Here are some of the features we consider when determining how much it will cost:

• Size. The biggest factor that contributes to the price is the size of the roof. We measure in roofing squares, which are equal to 100 square feet. The roof is larger than your home’s footprint because the slope adds square footage and because there are often overhangs.
• Complexity. If your roof is very steep, if there are different elevations, and if you have a lot of vents, chimneys, skylights, and other obstacles, your installation will be more complex. This can raise the price.
• Services. Your estimate includes a lot of extras that don’t fall under materials or installation labor. There are inspections, photos, trash removal, and more. All of this will be included in your comprehensive estimate, and we take care of it all.

In addition, you should consider the maintenance required with the type of roof you’re considering. That won’t be included in your price quote, of course, but you shouldn’t think of your installation as “one and done.” You will need to have periodic inspections and occasional repairs done in order to keep your roof looking and functioning at its best for decades to come.