Your Roofing Decisions

House Mechanics recommends that you be selective in your approach to shopping for a new roof.

 Determine which type of roof covering is best suited for your home.

Typical Composition includes Asphalt Shingles, Wood or Metal Shingles, or Concrete Tile (approximately 90% of all residential roof installations are asphalt shingles). Aesthetics and good value are the primary reasons for this selection. Most custom homes will feature higher end asphalt composition or wood shingle, metal or concrete tile.

Don't get too many estimates unless you like confusion!

Interview the prospective bidders over the phone or via email before inviting them to provide an estimate for your roof replacement. In addition to being a reputable company ask the following:

• Do they furnish you with a roof top elevation (diagram) of your roof with the measurements? If no why not… how do they measure the roof?
• Do they furnish a list of materials and items that are going to be replaced?
• Do they have an itemized proposal with a list of the proposed repairs?
• Roofing is sold, furnished and installed by the sq. ft. and linear ft. You don’t want to pay too much do you? You will if you don’t get good estimates that have a diagram of your roof, itemized list of costs involved and a firm price.

You would be amazed how many estimators can't actually measure! If they can't show you a roof diagram they probably don't know how.