What Does a Residential Roofing Contractor Do?

Are you a homeowner in Vernon, Connecticut wondering what exactly a residential roofing contractor does? You're not alone - many people aren't quite sure about the full scope of services these professionals provide. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of residential roofing to help you understand when you may need to hire a residential roofing contractor and what they can do for you.

First, let's start with the basics. A residential roofing contractor is a company or individual who specializes in installing, repairing, and maintaining roofs on houses and other residential properties. They have extensive knowledge and experience working with various residential roof types and materials.

Common Residential Roof Types and Residential Roofing Materials 

Before we get into what a residential roofing contractor does, it's helpful to understand the different kinds of roofs they work with on homes. Here are some of the most common residential roof types:

Asphalt Shingles - This is probably the most popular and affordable roofing material for homes. Asphalt shingles come in various styles and colors.

Metal Roofing - Metal roofs like steel or aluminum are extremely durable and long-lasting. They are a great option for homes in areas with heavy snow, rain, or wind.

Tile Roofs - Clay or concrete tile roofs provide a beautiful, Mediterranean look. They are very sturdy but can be more expensive.

Slate Roofs - Slate is one of the most high-end and longest lasting roofing materials but it is also quite heavy and costly.

Wood Shingles/Shakes - These provide a rustic, natural look but require more maintenance than some other options.

There are pros and cons to each residential roof type, which is why it's wise to consult with a residential roofing contractor to determine the best fit for your home's needs and budget.

What Services Does a Residential Roofing Contractor Provide?

Now that we've covered some common residential roof types, let's dive into the key services provided by a reliable residential roofing company:

New Roof Installation Obviously, one of the main jobs of a residential roofing contractor is installing new roofs on homes. This could be for a brand new house under construction or replacing an old, worn out roof on an existing home.

An experienced residential roof contractor will:

• Evaluate your home to recommend the best roofing materials

• Properly prepare the roof surface or deck

• Install underlayment, flashing, and other components

• Carefully install the new roofing material (shingles, tile, metal, etc.)

• Ensure proper ventilation is in place

• Clean up and haul away old roofing materials

The residential roof installation process is complex, so it's crucial to hire a residential roofing company with a proven track record of quality workmanship.

Roof Replacement Similar to a full roof installation, a roof replacement involves stripping off all the old roofing materials and installing a whole new roof system. Residential roofs generally need replacement every 15-30 years depending on the materials used.

Signs you may need a roof replacement include:

• Shingles curling, cracking, or missing in many areas

• Leaks and water damage inside your home

• Sagging or uneven areas on the roof

• Your roof is over 20 years old

A residential roofing contractor can evaluate your roof's condition and advise if a full replacement is necessary versus partial repairs. Catching issues early can prevent larger problems down the road.

Roof Repair Sometimes a roof doesn't need full replacement, but could benefit from more targeted repairs by a residential roof contractor. Common repairs include:

• Fixing leaks by replacing shingles or flashing

• Resolving ventilation issues

• Repairing damages from storms, wind, fallen trees/branches, etc.

• Sealing and coating a flat roof

It's smart to have even minor roof repairs handled by an experienced residential roofing company. Improper repairs can lead to much bigger and more costly issues later.

Residential Metal Roofing While asphalt shingles are the most common, more and more homeowners are opting for the durability and energy efficiency of residential metal roofing. Metal is an excellent roofing material choice for homes in areas with heavy precipitation or snowfall.

The best metal roof for residential projects depends on your home's style, budget, and climate conditions. An experienced residential roofing contractor can make recommendations on materials like:

• Steel

• Aluminum

• Copper

• Zinc

• Tin

Residential metal roofs can last 40-70 years with proper installation and maintenance, making them an economical long-term solution. Your residential roofing company will ensure the roof is properly secured and sealed to prevent leaks or moisture issues.

Residential Roof Maintenance and Inspections Along with installations, replacements, and repairs, many residential roofing contractors also offer routine maintenance and inspection services to extend the life of your roof.

It's generally recommended to have a professional residential roof inspection at least once a year. During these inspections, the contractor will:

• Check for any damaged, loose, or missing shingles/tiles

• Look for signs of leaks or moisture buildup

• Evaluate flashing around vents, skylights, chimneys, etc.

• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold/mildew

• Clear debris from gutters and roof surface

• Identify potential problem areas before they get worse

With regular inspections and maintenance by a residential roofing professional, you can get the maximum lifespan out of your roof and avoid many costly repair bills.

Why Hire a Residential Roofing Contractor?

Now that we've outlined the key services of a residential roofing contractor, you may be wondering if you really need to hire a professional for your roofing needs or if you can handle it yourself.

While some minor roofing maintenance can be DIY'd, any major roof work is best left to experienced residential roofing contractors for several reasons:

Safety Roofing is an inherently dangerous job involving heights, heavy materials, and sharp tools. Residential roofers receive extensive safety training to prevent accidents and injuries. Trying to navigate a steep roof yourself can easily lead to falls or other hazards.

Proper Installation Roofing systems require precise measurements, cutting, layering of materials, nailing patterns, ventilation, and more. Even if you purchase top-quality residential roofing materials, improper installation can lead to major problems like leaks, moisture buildup, poor energy efficiency, and structural issues. Residential roofing contractors know exactly how materials should be installed per building codes and manufacturer specifications.

Saves Time and Hassle Roof installations, replacements, and many repairs are extremely labor-intensive projects. Tackling these major jobs yourself can turn into weeks or months of work and frustration, especially if you make mistakes along the way. An experienced residential roofing crew has the manpower, tools, and skills to get the job done quickly and properly.

Warranty Protection Most residential roofing manufacturers require installation by a certified contractor for their product warranties to be valid. Hiring an experienced residential roofer also allows access to additional labor/workmanship warranties for extra protection.

Simply put, your roof is one of the most crucial components of your home. Attempting complex roofing work yourself can put your largest investment at risk. A reliable residential roofing contractor has the expertise to get the job done safely and correctly.

How to Choose a Top Residential Roofing Company

With so many residential roofing contractors out there, how can you find the best one for your project? Here are some tips:

1. Look for full-service residential roofers that install, repair, replace and maintain all types of roofs. This versatility is convenient if your needs change over time.

2. Check that the company is properly licensed and insured. Roofers should carry both liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

3. Ask about industry certifications, memberships, and manufacturers they are credentialed with. Top residential roof contractors invest in ongoing training.

4. Review the company's ratings, reviews, and testimonials from past customers. A sterling reputation for quality work is crucial.

5. Get detailed quotes that break down material and labor costs. Reputable roofers provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

6. Verify what warranties are included on workmanship and materials like the best residential metal roofing systems.

7. Make sure they have an permanent office location, which shows stability and commitment to the local area.

Don't simply hire the residential roof company that provides the cheapest bid. Your home's roof protects your entire property, so you want it installed or repaired correctly using quality residential roofing materials.

The Bottom Line on Residential Roofing

Roofing is one of the most crucial components of any home. Whether you need a new roof installation, a full replacement, repairs, maintenance, or just an annual inspection, hiring an experienced residential roofing contractor is well worth the investment. These professionals have the specialized tools, training, and knowledge to work safely and properly with all types of residential roofing materials and systems. With so many options like metal, tile, asphalt and more, a quality roofer can evaluate your home's needs and install the most durable, efficient and aesthetically-pleasing roof option for your area. Don't leave anything to chance - partner with a top local residential roofing company to protect your largest investment.