Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling
The Best Roofing Materials to Consider for Your Home

The Best Roofing Materials to Consider for Your Home – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

 

Best Roofing Materials

The Best Roofing Materials to Consider for Your Home

 

Some things need to be prioritized more than others when looking for a new roof. While cost is a major factor for many homeowners, other factors are more crucial, such as longevity, durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability of the materials you use. Of course, you’ll also need to hire a reputable roofer with adequate roofing insurance coverage to ensure your new roof is properly installed.

 

Nowadays, roofing materials are available in more varieties to accommodate different budgets and preferences. Durable and impact-resistant roofing materials guarantee longevity and protection from the harshest weather conditions, while energy-efficient and sustainable roofing systems contribute to long-term energy savings. There are also synthetic options that offer both durability and energy efficiency at a much lower cost.

 

Top 6 Most Popular Roofing Options

 

Despite the wide variety of roofing materials available, a few options consistently attract the attention of homeowners across the country.

 

The following are the most common types of roofing materials you can see today:

 

1.     Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles usually come in two types: fiberglass and organic. Most homeowners prefer fiberglass shingles over organic ones because they are easier to work with but tougher than the organic variety.

With so many styles and colors available, fiberglass shingles can be used in any home type. The shingles have fiberglass layers separated by ceramic and asphalt granules to make them more durable. Fiberglass asphalt shingles have an expected lifespan of 15–30 years and are the best choice if you’re looking for a stylish but budget-friendly roof.

 

2.     Metal Roof

Metal roofs can outlast most types of roofing materials. And as more people look for aesthetically-pleasing eco-friendly roofing systems, their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years.

Although metal roofs are slightly more expensive than asphalt and wood, they are better able to withstand prolonged exposure to inclement weather. In terms of style, there is a wide variety of metal roofing options, with some even designed to look like traditional shingles, shakes, or tiles. However, installing a standing seam metal roof requires specialized skills, and not every roofing company is equipped to do so.

 

3.     Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are made from fire-resistant wood. It is unquestionably one of the most classic types of roofing material – a beautiful, rustic option that is also extremely durable and energy efficient.

But while wooden roofs look great, they’re expensive to order and install. There are also costs associated with keeping them in good condition. Maintaining wood roofing is labor-intensive and time-consuming. If not maintained well, the roof can get severely damaged.

4.     Slate Roof

Slate is one of the oldest and most expensive roofing materials. It is also very durable, known to withstand the test of time, and lasting more than a hundred years with proper care and maintenance.

​​Slate roofs are, by far, the most sustainable roofing material around. They can last two or three times longer than the next best option, eliminating the need for replacement every 30 years or so. Slate is also very dense, making it a good insulator and a highly-efficient choice.

 

5.     Clay and Concrete Tiles

 Clay and concrete tiles give a roof texture and elegance. Authentic clay tiles are energy-efficient and extremely durable, but they are also heavier and costlier than most roofing choices.

Because of their weight, roofs made with clay or concrete tiles typically require additional framing and must be installed by roofers with plenty of experience in handling these materials, running up the costs even more. If you’re after the aesthetics, though, the results can be worth it! With proper maintenance, clay or concrete roofing systems can last between 40 and 50 years.

 

6.     Synthetic Roofing Products

 Rubber, plastic, and polymer are just some of the modern synthetic roofing materials that can be made to look and feel like more traditional materials like slate and wood.

Synthetic roofing is appealing because they are often not as fragile, heavy, or expensive as natural products. They can last up to 50 years with minimal maintenance and work well  with different architectural styles. However, be very careful when selecting synthetic roofing because the quality can vary across manufacturers.

 

How to Choose A Roofing Material for Your Home

Several factors need consideration when deciding on a roofing system for your home. These factors include your budget, location, architectural design of your house, maintenance, and more. If you’re planning a rooftop HVAC unit, you should first ask your HVAC contractor to speak with your roofer. Whatever type of roofing fulfills your requirements is the one for you.

Your roof’s primary purpose is to keep the elements out, but you should pick a material that does this without compromising your home’s aesthetic value. You don’t want to spend too much on a roof, especially if you’ll have to put in a lot of work and money keeping it in good condition.

Many roofing companies provide no-cost inspections and quotes. Whether you’re in the market for a new roof or replacing your old one, consult with the experts and ask for their professional advice.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Residential Roof

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Residential Roof – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

Residential Roof

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Residential Roof

 

After owning your home for some time, you’ll begin to notice imperfections and signs that it may be time to replace your roof. To the unknowing eye, these may go unnoticed, but by looking out for these telltale signs, you’ll be able to ensure you get your roof replaced before it’s too late.

Look For Specific Signs

Your residential roof can endure a lot over the years, but you’ll want to keep your eye specifically on these signs that it’s time for a replacement. Knowing if it’s time to replace your roof can depend on the following factors:

 

  • Age of your roof
  • Material of your shingles
  • Condition of your shingles (i.e. cracked, damaged, or missing)
  • Storm damage
  • Rotting or trapped moisture
  • Plants and incessant moss growth
  • Cracks or breaks in the roof flashing
  • Water damage

 

Having a damaged roof can cause your heating and cooling bills to increase and can also be rather dangerous if it’s caving in or sagging throughout your home. Take account of the conditions of your roof indoors as well. Make sure to check the underside of your roof in your attic to look for shiners or nails sticking out where they shouldn’t be to cover all your bases.

 

Know How to Finance Your Repair

 

Replacing your roof can be a costly endeavor, so you’ll want to be sure you have the funds to properly fix the damage that’s been done. The quicker you realize where your roof is deteriorating, the quicker you can get to the root of the problem, lessening how much you’ll have to spend on your project. Preparing a roof replacement budget can be beneficial if you’re doing consistent preventative maintenance, and can allow you to use money here and there on your roof repair.

 

Another financing option that would add more money to your roof replacement budget could come from your utilizing your home’s equity. A home equity loan can give you a full lump sum of cash all at once to put towards any home improvement project, allowing it to become tax deductible. When replacing your roof you have a variety of materials to choose from, and we can help you decide what is best for your home and budget.

 

Prepare For Future Maintenance

 

In order to prolong the lifetime of your new roof, you’ll want to adhere to some routine roof maintenance tips. Preventative roof maintenance is the best way to ensure your roof lasts up to 60% longer than reactively maintained roofs. Use binoculars or a sturdy ladder, and use a spotter to ensure you’re following the best safety practices.

 

Throughout the inside of your home, look for any warning signs and take note of new water spots or cracks in your ceiling. If you have an attic you don’t check on too much, begin to make this part of your maintenance routine, along with checking on your roof at least twice a year. After large winds or winter storms, it’s best to check your roof for any damage or holes that could’ve come about and repair them quickly to ensure they won’t get worse. By using our clean up and recovery services, you can be assured that your roof is in great condition all year long. Leaving damages untouched can lead to replacing your roof sooner rather than later. Taking preventative measures is key to the longevity of your new investment.

 

Following through with preventative maintenance and inspections throughout the year will ensure your roof is getting the care and attention it needs. If you find that your roof is in need of a replacement, consider your financing options.

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.

 

roofing contractor

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor

 

The roof is one of the most important components of your home. For most homeowners, replacing the roof is a huge (and costly) decision. That said, it makes perfect sense that you look for the best roofing contractor to work with.

 

Just like contractor insurance, replacing the roof is a massive investment, so you must make sure you pick the right contractor for the job. When choosing a roofing contractor, keep the following important tips in mind:

Exceptional Standards

If you spend $10,000 or more on your roof, a roofing contractor with “decent” or “average” standards won’t cut it. With such a huge investment, you need to pick a roofing company with exceptional standards.

The ideal roofing contractor focuses on craftsmanship, employee training, and durable materials. Your chosen roofer should also be transparent throughout the whole process. Do some research to determine if a roofer has high standards before starting any work.

Great Partnerships

Superb roofing contractors often give back to their community through partnerships with reputable businesses or other community organizations. Often, you won’t have to ask about these partnerships as they are most likely a part of their PR and marketing efforts. Great partnerships are also a sign they offer superb service and quality products.

Dependable On-Site Project Management

The ideal roofing contractor has a reliable project manager on site that helps ensure work is going smoothly. The project manager also functions as a quality control mechanism and will provide answers to any questions you may have about the project.

Before signing on the dotted line, ask your prospects if they have an on-site project manager to ensure everything is done accordingly and within the agreed timeline. An on-site manager can save you from headaches and hassles down the road.

Excellent Warranties

The right roofing contractor will provide manufacturer warranties covering the roofing products used. They also need to provide labor warranties to protect you against the improper installation of roofing products.

Warranties can give you peace of mind since they will ensure that if anything goes wrong, you are covered. You should opt for a roofer that provides installation and product warranties for maximum protection.

High-Quality Materials

Even if your chosen roofing contractor has the best installation team, it means nothing if they use cheap and substandard roofing materials. Tropical storms, heavy rains, high humidity, and hurricanes can put your roof to the ultimate test so it’s crucial that your roofer use only top-of-the-line materials.

Before picking a roofing contractor, it would be best to find out first about the roofing materials they use. Are the materials fire and algae-resistant? Will they offer protection against high wind and UV rays? When it comes to the roofing materials used, there is no such thing as asking too many questions.

Remarkable Online Reputation

When assessing a prospective roofing contractor’s online reputation, you must remember that not all review sites (and reviews) have been created equal. Case in point: sites like Yelp! give lower ratings compared to other sites because they target those who need a platform where they can share negative experiences.

If someone has a complaint about a business, it does not always follow that the contractor offers mediocre services. Remember that it is also possible that there was a mistake or misunderstanding; in some cases, the problem is not always with the contractor. However, it’s another story if you notice negative patterns in the reviews.

Negative patterns like not communicating clearly, using cheap materials, using high-pressure sales tactics, and lying should not be taken lightly and should be enough to scare you away. Check BBB, Top Rated Local, Google, and other neutral review sites to see what previous clients have to say about your prospects and take it from there.

Right Insurance and Licenses

Insurance and licenses will protect both contractors and homeowners in various situations and it’s the two things that stand between the parties when something goes wrong during the process. That said, it is recommended that you pick a contractor with insurance and licenses.

If a roofing contractor you are considering does not have insurance or a license, don’t hesitate to find another one. Also, if they claim they have insurance and licenses but won’t show you any proof, it would be best to walk away. Ensure you opt for licensed and insured contractors when working on a costly project like your roofing.

Goes Above and Beyond

When choosing a roofing contractor, pick someone passionate about their trade and willing to go the extra mile to deliver superb service. You would also benefit from picking someone who takes their job seriously and is dedicated to going above and beyond to satisfy customers.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, trust your gut. If you find an energetic contractor with a helpful vibe and extensive experience, they might be the perfect contractor for you. Also, take your time when choosing a roofing contractor. Don’t jump into the first ones you talk to or those that offer the cheapest rate. Choosing the right contractor will save you time and money so make sure you choose wisely.

 

 

Roofing Installation Gainesville Florida

Roofing Installation Gainesville Florida – New Roofs, Re-roofing, Roof Repairs. The Roofing Experts for Gainesville Florida. No matter the size of your roofing installation or repair, Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling we have got you covered! Whether it is a simple roof repair or a full roof replacement, our roofing contractors can handle the project from start to finish. We install both shingle roofs and metal roofs in a variety of styles.

Roofing Installation Gainesville Florida

Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling have been serving Gainesville Florida; as well as the entire Central North Central Florida Area for well over a decade. We pride ourselves in our dedication to providing nothing but the best roof construction, replacement, and repair. One of the best Investments you can make is the largest asset of your home — your roof! If you are currently experiencing a roof leak and in need of roof repairs; or a total roof replacement due to weathering or other storm damage, give us a call. 

Don’t put off needed roof repairs while the damage gets worse. Have your roof inspected for free today! We work with most insurance companies so contact Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling for all your roofing needs. Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling is a fully licensed and insured roofing company. So, when you choose us you can be sure that your roof will not only get done, but it will get done right. In addition, we promise to provide and install the highest quality roofing products available.

 

So, if you are in need of a dependable Gainesville Florida Roofing Contractor call Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling. You can reach us by calling one of the numbers below or by sending us an email. Because we want to be your roofing contractor of choice for Gainesville and Ocala!

Roofing Installation Gainesville Florida

CRC 1327956 – State Certified Building Contractor

CCC 1326022 – State Certified Roofing Contractor

MRSR – 96 – State Certified Mold Remediator

Gainesville 352-372-1221

Ocala 352-622-5277