Decatur Roofers - Roofing Contractors in Decatur, AL

Commonly Asked Questions of Decatur Roofing Contractors

Will Decatur roofers install a new roof over an existing roof?

Yes, but the best method for re-roofing is complete tear-off and removal of the old roof. Removing the old roof allows for inspection of the substrate, which is important to help determine if ther are any existing roofing materials that are in poor condition.

What types of roofing shingles are there and what are the differences?

• 3-Tab Shingles – These shingles are commonly used and are the least expensive. 3-tab is a good choice for Decatur homeowners primarly concerned with the cost of the new roof. 3-tab shingles typically offer a single layer of protection for your home and have shorter warranties. While less expensive initially, 3-tab shingles may not be a good choice for harsher weather climates.
• Architectural Shingles - These higher quality shingles are composed of two layers of material per shingle, so they offer a double layer of coverage. Architectural shingles usually have a longer duration on the warranty (i.e. 30 years).

How much does installation of a new roof cost?

The cost of roof replacement depends on:

• Size and shape of your roof - Roof size is discussed in "squares" (100 square feet = 1 square).
• Slope of your roof - Steeper sloped roofs are more challenging to work on and may require higher labor costs.
• Number of existing roof layers to be removed - Tear off and proper disposal of existing roof layers is a significant part of the cost of a re-roofing project. More layers cost more to remove and more to dispose of.
• Type and grade of roofing material selected - Metal roofing lasts longer than shingles, but costs more. Architectural shingles cost more than 3-tab shingles. Specialty roofing materials like slate roofing or shake roofing, cost more for the material and the installation than a basic shingle roof installation.
• Roofing contractor selection - Roof replacement estimates from Decatur roofing companies may vary significantly. When comparing two roof estimates, it's important to consider the type and grade of material being quoted in each estimate.
  
  Also, it can be a mistake to select a Decatur roofing contractor based on price alone, because roofers in Decatur may vary significantly in their credentials and in the quality of work they will provide. Select the roofing company that offers the best overall value. Licensed, insured, and professional roofing service at a fair price will almost always end up a better deal than an unprofessional roofer offering a cut-rate quote.

What roofing warranties are provided by roofing companies in Decatur?

Roofing materials warranties are actually provided by the manufacturer of the shingles, tile roofing, or metal roofing material. Manufacturers usually offer different warranties depending on the grade of material you select. Less expensive shingles, tile, or metal roofing, usually carry a shorter warranty, as you might expect. The duration of these warranties may be anywhere from 5 years up to "lifetime."

An additional warranty may be offered directly from the Decatur roofer. A "Workmanship Warranty" or "Workmanship Guarantee" is a warranty from a Decatur roofing contractor that essentially guarantees that the roof installation was done properly. Depending on the language in the warranty, any roof leaks or other problems related to improper installation may be covered by the roofing company. These warranties, if offered, are typically anywhere from one to ten years.

Shingle roof systems, metal roofing, tile roofing, shake roofing, and slate roofs all have different advantages. What type of roofing system should I use?

If you aren't sure what type of roofing material you want for your roof, educate yourself by on the relative advantages and disadvantages of each roofing material. Then contact a Decatur roofing company to inspect your home and help you determine the best materials and methods for your particular structure.