NEWPRO Guide to Roofing
Your home’s roof is its first—and probably most important—line of defense against the elements. This is especially important in New England, where the climate can be especially harsh during the winter months. For this reason, it’s important that your home’s roof is not only well made but also is being properly maintained. However, no matter how well you take care of your roof, it’s eventually going to reach the end of its life. Having a new roof installed is one of the pricier home improvement projects, and therefore it’s important that you have all the information you need to make the right choice for your home.
The following roofing guide is being provided by NEWPRO—one of New England’s most experienced and trusted roofing companies. We’ve been meeting the roofing needs of local homeowners since 1945 and are proud to have more than 100,000 satisfied customers and counting.
When Do You Need a New Roof?
It’s natural to try and postpone a roof replacement project for as long as possible. That’s because having a new roof installed is expensive and can disrupt your home life. However, you should contact a roofing contractor and ask for an inspection if:
- Your roof has suffered storm damage – No matter how new your roof is, severe weather can damage it enough that it needs to be replaced. While intense winds can tear shingles off and allow water to seep into the roof, these types of issues can usually be repaired. However, when large branches fall on a roof and cause extensive damage, a new roof can be necessary.
- You’re noticing compromised shingles – One of the most common signs that your roof might be nearing the end of its lifespan is damaged shingles. Whether they’re curling up at the edges, cracked, or missing their granules, it’s probably time for an inspection.
- Your roof is more than 20 years old – If your roof is made from asphalt shingles and is more than two decades old, it’s time to keep a closer eye on it. Be on the lookout for weak spots, uneven spots, or water stains on your ceiling, as these are some telltale signs of a failing roof.
Selecting the Right Roofing Material
Okay, you’ve made the difficult decision that it’s time to replace your home’s roof. Now, you need to decide what type of roof you’d like to have installed. There are a variety of options that are popular among New England homeowners—some that are more expensive and will last longer and others that might fit the aesthetic vision you have for your home.
Popular options among New England homeowners include:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofing is by far the most popular option because it provides outstanding curb appeal and reliable protection for an economical price. While they don’t provide the durability and longevity of some other roofing products, asphalt shingles deliver aesthetic appeal that many other products can’t match.
Metal
If you’re willing to spend a little more at installation time and sacrifice curb appeal for peace of mind, metal roofing might be the right choice for your home. Offering unmatched protection against hail, fierce winds, and windborne debris, metal roofs can be expected to last more than 50 years when properly maintained.
Composite
Composite roofing is gaining in popularity because it’s eco-friendly (many composite roofing products are made from recycled materials), durable, and available in styles that mimic other roofing materials.
Slate
Slate roofs have long been a staple of New England homes as they can last indefinitely and have an aesthetic appeal all their own. The downside is that they’re extremely heavy and difficult to install, and the cost can be prohibitive.
Cedar Shakes
If you prefer the look of natural wood, cedar shakes are energy efficient, lightweight, and easy to install. However, they’re also susceptible to fire, moisture damage, and mold growth.
Choosing the Best Roofing Contractor for Your Needs
Once you’ve decided on your preferred roofing material, you’ll need to find a contractor that installs it. This is a crucial step in the process as even the finest roofing products won’t perform as they’re supposed to if they’re not installed properly. Some important questions you can ask before choosing a roofing contractor include:
- Is your company properly licensed and insured?
- Will my old roof be removed, or will you try to install over the existing roof?
- What types of warranty protection do you offer?
- Can I speak to former customers about their experience?
NEWPRO Is New England’s Roofing Leader
Since 1945, NEWPRO has been providing roofing solutions that exceed expectations. We offer several different roofing options, our installations are performed by factory-trained technicians who are company employees, and we stand behind our products and installations with ironclad warranty protection.
Contact NEWPRO today to schedule a free consultation at your New England home.
