Roofing Stoneham, MA

Steps to Find the Best Roofing Contractor in Stoneham

The Stoneham area has a lot of roofing companies to choose from, and you might be a bit bewildered by your options. We understand! Here are some steps you can take to make sure you’re getting the best roofer you can.

Go to the company’s website and look for:

• How long they’ve been in business. Roofing companies can open and close up shop with little notice, so it’s best to look for a contractor that has an established presence. This will reduce the chances the company will disappear while your roof is still under warranty.
• Licensing and insurance information. Some companies will list this type of information on their websites. If the one you’re considering doesn’t, you’ll need to ask when you call.

The next step is to contact the company via phone or through their contact form. Here are some questions to ask:

• What services do you offer? You should find someone who can manage the entire project from start to finish. This includes getting permits, taking photos, removing debris, and arranging for post-service inspections.
• How long does it take to install a roof? This will vary based on your specific roof, the time of year, and other factors, but you don’t want to have tarps on your roof for weeks at a time.
• What warranties are available? You’ll want a 30- to 50-year manufacturer’s warranty, if possible. Also, make sure there’s a workmanship guarantee.

Finally, check out the company’s reviews. You want to see mostly positive reviews, of course, but also look for responses to any negative reviews. It’s a good sign if there are replies, particularly if they have helpful information indicating their willingness to find a resolution.

4 Critical Signs You Need a Roof Replacement

You can’t always tell just by looking at the roof that you need a new one. Still, there are some signs to watch for that can clue you in that it’s time to call in a professional. If you see any of these issues, please contact us for an inspection.

1. Discolored shingles. You can see these from the ground most of the time. If you see streaks or blotches of white, green, or black material on your shingles, it’s likely you have moss, mold, or algae growing. This doesn’t always mean you need to have the whole roof replaced; sometimes, a good roof cleaning will do. But other times, it indicates a moisture problem that needs to be addressed.
2. Broken or torn shingles. This is another issue you might see from the ground. If the shingles look like they’re curling, if there are pieces missing, or if you have found shingles in your yard, get this checked out ASAP.
3. Broken fascia or soffits. If you’ve had an ice dam or other roof damage, the first sign you see might be missing soffits or cracked fascia.
4. Water leaking into your home. If you have a drip or trickle of water, a musty odor, or discolored marks on your ceiling or walls, you may have water intrusion from a failing roof. Give us a call right away.

Discover Why Architectural Shingles Are Our Go-To Choice

Many of the homeowners we work with are most interested in asphalt shingle roofing materials. An asphalt shingle roof is economical, lasts a long time, and is the most popular option. There are two types: 3-tab shingles and architectural (or dimensional) shingles. We recommend the latter in most cases.

There are a few reasons for this:

• Architectural shingles are thicker, which makes them more durable.
• They tend to look better and add to the curb appeal of your home.
• They come in different styles that mimic other attractive materials.
• They stand up better to the harsh Stoneham-area weather elements, including snow, ice, heavy rain, and wind.
• They last longer, up to 50 years in many cases.
• Architectural shingles also tend to raise a home’s value; since they last longer and look nicer.

This type of shingle is more complex to install, and this can raise the price. At Ranch Roofing, we are well-versed in all aspects of handling architectural shingles, and we also find them to be a better investment for most roof types. We’re happy to give you an estimate so you can decide which roofing material you prefer.

Understanding Roofing Prices: What Factors Make a Difference?

Speaking of an estimate, you might wonder why we don’t give estimates over the phone. You may already know your home’s footprint size, but square footage isn’t the only factor. We need to physically take a look at the roof so we know exactly what your project entails. Here are some of the factors that go into your pricing.

1. The size of your roof. This is different from the size of your house because the roof’s slope and overhangs will add to the square footage. We measure roof sizes in “roofing squares,” which are equivalent to 100 square feet.
2. How complex your roof is. Features like a steep slope, lots of different elevations, the height of your roof’s peak, chimneys, vents, and skylights will make your roof’s installation more complex, which can raise the price.
3. Services included. Your estimate will cover everything: tearing off the old roof, taking photos, debris removal, pulling permits, and arranging for inspections.

When deciding on a roof type, it’s important to keep in mind the maintenance that will be required. If you choose architectural shingles, we recommend periodic inspections, and you may need occasional repairs or cleaning. Overall, it’s a low-maintenance type of roof.