Roofing Contractors

Many homeowners don't usually think about roofing until it needs repaired.  There are many options when choosing roofing materials for new home, addition, and roofing repair projects and it may be worth it to consider other options than traditional asphalt shingles.

One main trend with roofing materials, as with all building materials, is engineered roofing materials.  This change has much to do with the high cost of wood and in many cases, codes now mandate the use of fireproof construction materials, also homeowners want a solid material that will not only look good but be able to withstand weather conditions for many years.

Asphalt Shingles are the most common roofing material of many houses across America. It's one of the least-expensive roofing options, comes in many color variations of both solid and blended colors, and shingles being made today are usually guaranteed for 20 to 30 years, making them a great value for your home.  The common shingles being used are the three-tab shingle and a thicker variation called an architectural shingle.  These shingles are built up to be about twice as thick as a normal shingle with the layers staggered to give them a heavier, more substantial or "architectural" look.  In some colors they resemble slate and other colors wood shakes.  Architectural shingles are only a slight increase in price and have up to a 30-year guarantee.

Wooden Shakes Over time weather has a much harsher effect on wooden shingles, but they will give your home its own unique

style.  Shingles are relatively smooth and cut to a uniform thickness and vary in width.  Wood Shakes are thicker and rougher, being split rather than sawn from logs.  Wood roofs are meant to breathe and should be laid over a substrate that allows air to circulate behind them.

Shakes and shingles are great looking but can become expensive to install and require some periodic maintenance, typically in the form of washing to remove any mildew or moss, and then re-oiling with a clear wood finishing product.  A properly maintained wood shingled roof should last between 30 and 50 years.

Slate Roofing is typically found in high-end homes and municipal buildings.  It can become very expensive but it can last for generations, looks great, and will shed ice and snow. A more cost-efficient option to slate has been fabricated from recycled rubber and plastic.  This engineered slate is only about one-third the weight and cost of slate.

Metal Roofing in the form of corrugated, galvanized sheets, has been the standard roofing of barns, sheds, and other agricultural and utility buildings for years.  This type of roofing is cheap, rugged, long-lasting, and easy to install. On the other end of metal, copper roofing, installed very similar to corrugated roofing, has been used on luxury homes and public buildings for years.

If you have a question about a remodeling project of your own, please call our office at: (773) 703-6030 email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or simply fill out an online estimate form for a free in-home consultation.