Newton Roofing Contractor

Top 4 Signs You May Need a New Roof

It can be difficult to know when you need a new roof and when a simple repair will do. The truth is, it takes the eyes of a professional to determine which type of damage is minor enough to benefit from a repair and which is major enough to necessitate a whole new roof. Here are some of the signs you may be looking at the need for a whole new roof:

• Leaking. If your roof is leaking to the point where you can see evidence indoors, it might be a sign that you need the entire roof replaced. Some signs of a roof leak include water stains on the ceiling, water entering the home, blistering and peeling paint, and a musty, stale odor. If you notice any of these, please give us a call ASAP so we can address the situation.
• Curling or worn shingles. Shingles that look broken often are You might see them falling off of the house after a windstorm or blizzard, or you may see them curling up along the edges of your roof.
• Moss, mold, or algae. Black or white streaks, green spots, or discolored patches can all point to the presence of mold or algae. Moss generally looks green and fuzzy or clumpy. Even if it’s not to the point of you needing a new roof, you will need to have this material removed, so call us to take a look.
• Damaged soffit and fascia. Cracked or crumbling structures around the roof can indicate problems with the roof. If your roof is getting older or you’ve had an ice dam, these signs can mean your roof is ready to be replaced.

How to Find the Top Newton, MA Roofing Contractor

It’s natural to want to call around and not hire the first roofing company you find when you are making an investment as large as a new roof. Here are some questions we recommend asking any roofing contractor you call:

• What qualifications do you have? You want to find out if the roofer has any special education or is affiliated with any major companies, as these are good signs of high-quality training and work.
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? Don’t work with a company that isn’t following the local law in terms of licensing. They should also be insured so you won’t need to worry about being liable for any accidents or damage that could potentially occur.
• How long have you been in business? Find a company that’s been in business for a while so you know they can handle the various issues that come up when placing a new roof. Ranch Roofing has over 25 years of experience serving the local area.
• What services do you offer? It’s simplest and most effective to hire a roofing company that handles everything from the assessment to pulling permits, and from installation to getting the final inspection completed.
• What warranties do you offer? Your roof may last between 30 and 50 years, and you want to be sure that if there are any material or workmanship issues, you’re covered.
• Do you have any references? In today’s day and age, you probably won’t be calling references given by any companies, but you will be able to find reviews and testimonials online describing others’ experiences with the business. Look for mostly positive reviews as well as prompt and professional responses to any negative reviews.

Why We Prefer Architectural Shingles

While we install slate and rubber roofs, the most common type of roofing our clients want is asphalt shingle. The shingles we carry are called architectural, or dimensional, shingles; these are preferable to the traditional 3-tab shingles you might be more familiar with.

Architectural shingles are made from the same material as regular asphalt shingles, but they’re thicker and look more like wood or slate, giving you improved curb appeal as well as better protection.

While they do cost more than 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles have several benefits that make them a worthwhile investment:

• Better durability and more ability to stand up to heavy winds
• Overall protection against the harsh show, thunderstorms, and other extreme weather we can experience here in the Newton area
• Boosted curb appeal thanks to their textured appearance
• A better resale value if you put your home on the market
• Warranties of 30 to 50 years, which is longer than what you get with traditional asphalt shingles

Our team is very experienced at installing this type of shingle roof, and we use the highest quality materials to maximize your new roof’s lifespan.

Understanding the Cost of Your New Roof

You might wonder what goes into an estimate for a new roof. There isn’t just one set price; even if your home is the same size as your next-door neighbor’s home, you may have substantially different estimates for a roof replacement. Here are some of the factors that go into the figure:

• Roof size: While the square footage of your home will determine your roof size, that’s not all there is to consider; the slope of your roof also contributes to the cost. We measure roofs in “roofing squares,” which are equal to 100 square feet. The slope of your roof will add to the measurement above the value of your home’s square footage.
• Roof features: Chances are good that your entire roof isn’t made of only roofing material. There are also eaves, overhangs, vents, skylights, chimneys, and other features that can make your roof more or less complicated and add to the number of roofing squares needed.
• Services: Depending on the inspections, permits, roof photos, the need for more attic ventilation, and other services, your home’s specific needs will affect your price quote.
• Maintenance: Over time, you will need to factor in how much maintenance your roof will need. Your roof should be inspected for damage, shingles may need to be replaced, and storms might cause issues that need to be addressed promptly. Architectural shingles are fairly low-maintenance, but it’s important to factor in the maintenance they do need.

Remember, we offer a free price estimate, so give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website to learn more.