Roof installation is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. A roof is a big investment and you want to make sure that you are getting a good return on that investment. The materials that you choose for residential roofing will play a big part in the longevity of the roof. According to St. Cloud Technical, that durability was the number one factor that people consider when choosing materials for a new roof. This quick guide will walk you through a few of the roofing materials that are available.

Which Material Is Best?

1. EPDM Membrane

EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. This is a synthetic rubber that is formed into black membranes. It is often used on commercial roofing as well as medical facilities. Today, EPDM is becoming more and more popular for residential roofing as well. This type of roofing material works well for flat roofs. According to our team, this type of roofing material will last for 25 to 30 years, making it a very durable choice.

Although this is a great option for many reasons, you should keep in mind that it is not always a great option to put above certain living areas. For instance, if you place this material over a living room or a bedroom, it could generate additional heat in those living spaces.

2. TPO Membrane

TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. This is a single-ply white membrane material that works well for flat surfaces. It is used for commercial and residential roof installation. This type of material is great for reflecting the sun’s heat to help make a structure more energy efficient. According to our team, you can expect a life span of about 25 years.

TPO is a great choice for roofing that will cover a flat roof or a low slope such as those found over a dormer. This is a great option because it can actually help to keep the room cooler. Keep in mind, though, if a window overlooks the membrane, you will be looking out over white membranes. These membranes often get dirtier quicker than other roofing materials. Although this does not affect the quality of the roofing material, some people prefer not to look out a window at dirty roofing membranes.

3. PVC Membrane

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. This single-ply membrane roofing system is good for both commercial and residential. It works for flat or sloped surfaces and can be used over living spaces. It helps to reflect the heat of the sun, which helps with energy efficiency. According to our team, the longevity of this type of roofing material is estimated at around 25 years.

Which Material Should You Choose?

There are a lot of decisions that must be made when you are installing a new roof. Let’s look at how to decide which material is best for your needs.

When cost is a concern, you should always choose a membrane system. The area of the house that you are covering, however, is also a factor that you should consider. This is important because different types of roofing material will affect the temperature in that area. It is often recommended that over a living room or a bedroom, you will place PVC or TPO membranes. This can help to reflect the sun’s heat away from these living areas and keep the temps more comfortable.

The look you are going for will also play a part in your decision-making process as well, though. Be sure to talk with your roofing professional in order to get a better idea of which materials will work best for your home and needs.

What to Look For in a Roofing Contractor

In addition to the materials and the areas of coverage, you will also want to give serious consideration to the roofing contractor you choose. Let’s look at a few tips on how to choose the best contractor.

Your first step in choosing a great roofing contractor will be to talk with others who have recently had this type of work done. You can talk to friends, family, or neighbors. These individuals will give you honest feedback concerning who they loved and who they hated when it comes to roofing. It is just as important to find out who to stay away from as it is to find out who you should choose.

Another good option is to research local businesses with the Better Business Bureau in your area. This institution will be able to give you hard facts on how a business has been operating the entire time it has been in business. They can tell you about complaints that have been filed if there have been any, and any awards or commendations the business has received in the community.

You should also spend some time reading reviews online. Make sure you find external reviews as these will give you the most honest opinions about the roofing contractors in your areas. Yelp and Google Reviews are great sites to start your review research.

Do They Have the Right Credentials?

You need to make sure the contractors that you choose to use are licensed, bonded, and insured. Any reputable roofing company will have these safeguards in place not only to protect you but also to protect themselves from liability. If you come across a company that does not provide these safeguards, steer clear.

Also, make sure to ask about warranties and policies concerning problems with work or what happens if you are dissatisfied with their work. You will want to get this type of information in writing before you ever sign a contract.

Only work with a contractor that is local or semi-local. You will be able to gather more information about a local contractor than you would on a business that is located far away or even out of state. If you conduct most of your research online, it can be easy to wind up with a business that is actually not located nearby. Local businesses have a great sense of accountability than those located elsewhere.

When you are getting ready to have residential roofing installed, you will need to consider a few factors. The most important thing to consider will be the professionals that you are working with. Roof installation is rarely a DIY project. It can be dangerous and if not done properly it can really cause problems for your home. Another factor you should consider will be budget. Most homeowners will be on a budget for their roof installation. The material you choose will affect the budget.

How Much the Roof Installation Will Cost?

When you first talk with a roofing professional they will be able to provide you with an estimate of what your roofing costs will be. There are many things that can affect the cost of your roof. In general, though, you can expect that your roof will cost between $14.00-$17.00 per square foot according to our team. This applies to smaller membrane flat roofs. For larger projects, you can expect about $12.00 per square foot.

The cost of your roof will also be affected by the insulation you use. The thickness of the insulation can definitely affect cost. For instance, when you use insulation that is enough to insulate the entire structure, that will cost more. When just using fabric insulation, fabric insulation, and glue, you can often cut costs dramatically, but you might trade off quality.

If you need roof installation, please reach out to our team of friendly professionals for an estimate. Contact us today at All Star Contractor LLC to get started!