Your roof keeps your home safe from the elements, prevents the leaching of heat, and ensures the coherence of your house’s architecture. For these reasons and others, you need to choose high-quality roofing materials as well as a skilled Bay Area roofing contractor to install them and ensure the integrity of the structure. Here are three issues to consider as you evaluate materials and make your selection.

1. Type of shingle.

How strong does your roof need to be? How much maintenance are you willing to do on a regular basis? What are your weatherproofing and fireproofing needs? Different answers will point you to different types of shingles. For example, slate shingles are durable and resistant to fire, but they tend to be more expensive than other options, but they also tend to last considerably longer, you will have to do some math to fully weigh your options.

2. Reputation of contractor.

Before choosing any roofing contractor, evaluate him or her by reading reviews from past clients and asking the contractor to show proof of licensing and bonding. You may also want to look for a contractor that has been doing the type of roofing that you are considering for at least 10 years, so that you can be sure that their installations have held up over time. If you identify customers leaving negative feedback online after their roofs have been installed for a few years you may want to find another contractor.

3. Budget.

In a perfect world, you would simply choose the best possible roofing materials. However, your budget may limit your choices. Choose materials that meet your needs, and consider long term expenses (e.g. replacement or maintenance) as well as the initial cost of the installation and materials.

[Related: Why Asphalt Shingles Fail Prematurely]

Bay Area Roofing Professionals Provide Additional Information and Guidance

Would you like insight into how to handle your roofing challenges? Call our East Bay roofing contractors to analyze your roof, suggest materials and methods for the project, and execute it seamlessly. Century Roofing contractors can be reached at (888) 233-7548 or online from our contact page.