Mikku and Sons Roofing logo, featuring a roof illustration on a transparent background 623-465-1068

Roof Drainage

For your roof to drain properly, you need 3 things; proper placement of drains, proper slope on your roof, and proper sized drains, which on a sloped roof would mean gutters. Also, consider the amount and intensity of rainfall you would normally encounter during storms.

What gutters and drains do is detour the water falling from your roof away from the exterior walls and foundation. If you have gutters, its critical that the materials they’re made of, how they’re installed and the maintenance you perform on them are needed to prevent damage to your roof. Blocked gutters or drains can cause water to back up below the membrane or pool on the surface in areas that could take a long time to dry out. You never want standing water on any roof surface.

Things To Think About When Choosing The Type of Drainage For Your Roof

Material Choices

For gutters, aluminum and steel are the most common material choices.  They are durable and resist cracking, bending and corrosion. These are 3 of the most common cases of damage to a roof. Corrosion, cracking and bending of gutters are one of the most common causes of damage to roofs.

Maintenance & Inspections

Proper maintenance and regular inspections of your downspouts and and gutters is crucial to keep water flowing away from your property. The downspouts that carry that water away tend to clog and back up and must be kept clear. Proper maintenance and regular checks of the downspouts and gutters is essential to keep water flowing smoothly away from your building.

Clogged Gutter

One of the most common causes of roof damage is a clogged gutter. Most gutters are open-top, which tend to accumulate debris (leaves, sticks) along with nesting birds and rodents. When your gutter gets blocked, water stops flowing and spills over the edge in the wrong places. The pooling and spilling water can soak your roofing material and make it rot. Locations where the gutters or downspouts are blocked also make a great place for mold, mildew and algae to thrive and grow.

Proper Installation

Proper installation of the roof drain and gutters is also extremely important. If they aren’t installed right, they will almost certainly fail. they have to be installed with the roof’s pitch and angles taken into account. You’ll have damage to your roof line, or the gutters will crack or pull away from your property if they aren’t installed properly.

Commercial Buildings

If you have a commercial building, where and how many roof drains or gutters you place is critical. Drains should be located no more than 100 feet apart and no more than 50 feet from the roof’s perimeter.

Building Codes

Your city or state surely has building codes that need to be checked before you make any changes or additions to your building.

Call The Professionals

If you think your drainage apparatus isn’t working the way it should, you should call a professional roofing contractor to inspect it as soon as possible. they will be able to pinpoint any problems for you and should be knowledgeable about the type of drainage thats appropriate for your property and the areas applicable building codes.

Two Types Of Warranties

No matter what type of property you own, the roof on it will usually have some sort of warranty. Actually, there are two types of warranties – the actual one and one that’s inferred or implied. Let’s learn more about roof warranties.

Important Information About Roof Warranties

The Product Warranty

The materials manufacturer will issue a warranty guaranteeing that their product will perform to certain standards over a specific period of time. It could be 10, 15, 20 or even more years, depending on the type of material they’re made of. They are taking for granted that the installation was performed correctly and that routine maintenance is being done. Let’s say your roof is looking like it needs to be replaced and the materials were warrantied for 10 years. Also, lets say your roofing contractor did a good job following the installation instructions and installed your roof perfectly. If the materials fail during your 10 year warranty period, the manufacturer is guaranteeing that they will be replaced with no cost to you.

An Installation Warranty

A roofing installation contractor should provide a warranty that their workmanship will be guaranteed over a specific period of time. The most common is 2 years. So, if your contractor makes a mistake in installing your roof, and it fails from their bad workmanship, the professional roofing contractor will honor their warranty and supply the materials and labor to fix the problem. Make sure you scrutinize this one very carefully, making sure both labor and materials are covered, not just one or the other.

An Implied Warranty

This means that a product will do what its designed to do. An example would be a roof membrane keeping water out of your home. Another term for this warranty is merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. They usually come with some instructions (and warnings) from the manufacturer. An example would be if you or someone else that walked on the roofing membrane and caused it to leak or fail. If you don’t follow these instructions or warnings, you’ll have a problem getting the manufacturer to honor their warranty.

Signing Your Warranty

You’ll need to make sure you do whats necessary to maintain your roof once you’ve signed your warranty. With commercial roofing, property managers and building owners will hire facility managers and on-staff maintenance teams to make sure they comply with their maintenance requirements. Experienced professionals are aware of what they need to do (and avoid doing) to make sure they maintain their roof and hence, their warranty. Overall, improper maintenance will cause damage to your roof, so when you hire someone to do repairs, or any work on your roof, make sure they are competent and familiar with your roof system, along with the manufacturers specs and maintenance instructions.

Notifying Your Warranty Holders

When your roof has a problem and you think your warranty has been violated, property owners generally have 30 days to notify the manufacturer or roofing contractor. If you don’t, you’ll void the warranty. If you wait too long, the manufacturers and roofers won’t be legally required to fulfill their obligations (which includes repairing or replacing your roof). So, if you suspect something is amiss with your roof, get it inspected by a competent professional roofing contractor as soon as possible, so you can make your notifications in a timely manner.

Should You Worry?

Understanding information on roof warranties is extremely important.  Does the purchase of a new roof mean you get to sit back and enjoy the next 20 years with no worries?  The best answer is that it depends on what you just purchased.

Most property owners tend to focus on the length of the warranty and don’t fully understand what is and what is not covered, leaving you open to some surprises later.

Understanding the information on roof warranties can help you get the most out of your coverage.

Common Questions To Ask Before Purchase

It probably isn’t a surprise to learn that information on roof warranties is usually more geared toward protecting the manufacturer than the property owner.

Roofing manufacturers spend big money to compose lots of fine print that tries to limit their own liability if something goes wrong with their roofing products.

That’s why it’s so critical that you understand the information on roof warranties before signing off on your project.  Here are some good questions to ask before making the purchase:

If you haven’t purchased your new roof yet, ask for a sample of the roof warranty template and read through it, and ask for clarifications from your roofing contractor.

Common Questions To Ask After Purchase

What are the differences between a contractor roof warranty and a manufacturer roof warranty?

This one is pretty simple. One comes from the roofing company that installed the roof and one comes from the manufacturer of the roofing materials.

Manufacturer warranties differ – some cover only the material while others cover the whole system. Most manufacturer warranties also require the contractor to perform warranted repairs for the first few years after they install the roof.

Contractor roof warranties usually don’t cover materials and only cover the actual workmanship.

What is the difference between Material-Only Warranty, Labor-Only Warranty and System (Labor and Material) Warranty?

Material Only Warranties typically have a lower cost than a full system warranty but will only cover manufacturing defects and premature deterioration for the term of the warranty. Material-only warranties cover the roof membrane and not other accessories such as flashings, adhesives, metal edge, etc.

It only covers the cost of materials to repair or offers credit toward buying a new membrane. These warranties don’t cover or include any labor or coverage for installation issues. They also don’t provide coverage for fixing leak repairs.

Labor Only Warranties cover only the labor required to fix a roof defect and doesn’t cover the cost of materials. They are usually offered by the roof installation contractor. This type of warranty isn’t a roof workmanship warranty and probably won’t cover repairs for installation errors.

Full System Warranties usually cover not only the material but also manufacturer-approved flashings, accessories, and metalwork used in the original installation. They typically cover the full cost, labor included, for any roof leak repairs within the warranty terms and conditions. Again, this type of warranty might not cover installation errors.

What is the difference between a Labor Warranty and a Roof Workmanship Warranty?

Labor Warranties cover the costs associated with repairing a defective roof within the terms of the roof system coverage. Most full system warranties include labor.

However, they don’t cover the cost of repairs associated with installation failures. That’s why the most critical step of your roof system is a good, solid, professional installation.

There isn’t much that can protect you against installation issues besides a roof workmanship warranty from the roof installer.

Also, remember that a warranty is only as good as the roofing company backing it. Make sure you have a professional, long-standing roofing contractor install your roof.

Roof Workmanship Warranties cover you against costs related to actual installation problems and errors which a labor-only warranty might not cover. However, some system warranties do cover workmanship. If your warranty doesn’t include workmanship coverage you might be able to get it directly from the installer.

Will my roof warranty protect me from a bad installation!

A roof warranty is only as good as the company backing it. Looking for a professional, experienced roofing contractor to install your roof? Contact Mikku and Sons Roofing today, at 623-465-1068.

What does a regular roof warranty cover?

Again, this depends on the actual type of warranty you have. You could be surprised by what you are or are not covered for. That’s why it’s so critical to know what the roof warranty will cover before you invest in a new roof system. Always read the fine print and exceptions.

Things Normally Covered Or That Might Require Extra Fees

Be aware that certain warranty coverage extras such as puncture coverage or high wind coverage require certain roof materials or installation methods which may impact the cost of the roof installation itself.

Choose Your Materials Wisely

If you’re thinking about putting a new roof on your home, your choice of roofing materials has a direct relationship with how long you can expect your new roof to last.

The longest-lasting products, such as concrete, clay, or slate tiles are extremely durable.  These tiles outperform other manufactured roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and metal roofing, by a significant margin.

These have a good lifespan but aren’t quite as durable.

Other factors to take into account are regional weather conditions, the design of your home, and the amount of routine maintenance the materials will need.

In short, the quality of the roofing materials you invest in plays a critical role in determining the life expectancy of your new roof.

How long do products last?

According to the National Association of Home Builders, most roofing products are designed to last at least several decades under normal weather conditions. Let’s take a closer look at how the longevity of different materials is rated.

Asphalt Shingles

Usually, asphalt shingles last about 20 years; but, higher-quality asphalt shingles can be warrantied for up to 50 years. However, you can expect to pay more for a premium, long-life product.

Architectural Asphalt

These are asphalt shingles that are thicker, which can create an appearance similar to slate, or clay tiles at a lower cost. Architectural asphalt shingles last about 30 years on average.

Wood Shingles And Shakes

Wood roofing has an expected lifetime of about 30 years, but it can last much longer under moderate weather conditions. Not really used much anymore in our extreme summer heat.

Metal

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors projects metal roofing to last between 40 to 80 years. The Metal Roofing Alliance gives a life expectancy of at least 40 to 60 years.

Slate, Concrete And Clay Tiles

Each of these products is rated for a life expectancy of 100 years or more by both the NAHB and NACHI. The underlayment beneath the tiles usually needs to be addressed every 15-20 years, however.

Important Information Regarding Materials

Your Roofing Investment

How long your roof lasts is directly related to the cost of the materials you choose.

Asphalt shingles are among the least expensive residential roofing products. But, the difficulty of installation will greatly increase the cost per square foot.

Architectural shingles, which are twice as thick (and heavy) as asphalt costs almost twice as much as regular asphalt shingles.

Metal roofing materials are a premium home product, and costs run about two to three times that of asphalt shingles. It’s comparable to tile or cedar shakes, but less expensive than slate.

Expect to pay between $5.00 to as much as $15 per square foot. Adding a breathable underlayment is recommended and can increase these figures also.

Simple roofing designs with tile or slate cost about $15-20 per square foot, but more complicated architectural designs and premium slate or tile roofing materials can cost as much as $40-50 per square foot.

Pros And Cons Of Materials

Asphalt shingles are the most extensively used roofing product in the United States says the National Roofing Contractors Association. They are relatively inexpensive, and there is a wide choice of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from.

Architectural asphalt shingles are a recently developed product. It's a material made from engineered polymer composites that look like cedar wood shakes or slate tiles.

The good news is that they’re much less expensive than natural products; the bad news is that they don’t have a long history of performance benchmarks to analyze.

Metal roofing materials, including metal shingles, slates, tiles, and vertical panels, weigh up to 50% less than asphalt shingles and 75 percent lighter than tiles.

The problems they have are the same as the other materials: leaks, punctures or tears, and pooling water.

Wood shakes typically get warped from a lifetime of wetting and drying with the seasons. This can jeopardize the integrity of the roof.

But, they’re still a popular choice in many parts of the country.  Pressure-treated shakes will hold up better, and thick-cut cedar shakes generally last longer than thinner cedar shingles.

The main drawback with slate or tile roofing is its weight. 3/8-inch thick slate or tile can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds per square (a 10-foot by 10-foot area), and each additional 1/8-inch thickness increases the weight by 500 pounds per square.

Before choosing a type of new roof, consider how much you want to invest, what types of roofing products are used in your neighborhood, and how long you expect to be living in your property.

It would also be a good idea to consult with an experienced, professional roofing contractor about which materials are the best fit for your property and area.

Why It Matters

You hear advice all the time when you’re looking for a roofing contractor in Arizona that you should never hire unlicensed roofing contractors to do your work.

What's the reason for this? Does it truly even matter? Some property owners think that if the roofing contractor does good work based on a referral from an acquaintance or family member and they had a good experience, then why should it matter if they don’t have a license.

And, as a bonus, they can probably save some money in the process.

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Hire Unlicensed Roofing Contractors

You will be limited in your legal remedies if there’s a problem

If you have a dispute with a licensed contractor, you can call the company’s licensing agency for help in mediation. They also may be able to help recover any monetary losses you might have incurred.

But, if you have an issue with an unlicensed contractor that they refuse to resolve, you’ll have to make a decision about filing a civil lawsuit. That isn’t something that you’re likely to have much success with.

Legal expenses are high and, even if you should win, you might never be able to collect any funds because unlicensed contractors are notorious for going in and out of business.

Who knows how long they’ll be there to pay you, or they could just disappear completely leaving you holding the bag.

The reality is, an unlicensed contractor doesn’t have the same incentive to do quality work because it’s easier for them to get away with providing minimal service and poor work quality, due to the fact that your choices are limited with legal action.

So, let's say some unlicensed contractor doesn’t finish your roofing project and runs off with your money? Good luck trying to find them and trying to get any compensation or having the work finished!

Or does not honor their warranty after a rainstorm reveals a leak on their handy work.

They could have inadequate insurance

Worker’s comp and liability insurance are expensive for a contractor. Because of this, unlicensed contractors many times will not carry these vitally important policies. Just as important for you as it is for them.

If a roofing contractor’s crew member gets injured while working on your roof, without worker’s comp insurance would mean you’ll likely be responsible for paying for their medical bills. Have you checked the cost of a week-long hospital stay lately?

Without liability insurance, if a contractor damages your home and refuses to fix it, you’re out of luck and you’ll have to pay for the damages yourself.

They may not have an adequate bond

A “Bond” is a type of insurance that compensates you if the contractor doesn’t complete the job as you’ve requested or contracted them to do.

Unlicensed contractors usually won’t even offer a written and signed contract, much less be bonded with an adequate amount.

Therefore, if the finished roof project isn’t what you thought you were getting, that’s your tough luck! There’s no bond available for you to make a claim on.

Do They follow proper building codes?

To obtain a license, a contractor is tested on their knowledge and application of local building codes.

Here’s why this could be a big problem:

If you decide to sell your property and during the inspection process the home inspector points out that your roof isn’t built to code, you’ll be responsible for fixing that before the Buyer or the Lender will move forward to close on the purchase.

Fixing something like this in a short time frame could cost thousands of dollars that you had no idea you were going to be liable for.

Also, disclosing to an inspector that you hired an unlicensed roofing contractor to fix any past issues with your roof could greatly decrease the property’s value, if the inspector or the Buyer isn’t comfortable with assuming the liability for an unlicensed contractor’s work.

The work could be lower quality

Obtaining a license means that a roofer meets minimum industry training standards and work experience. This is in place to protect consumers like you.

If a contractor is unlicensed, you don’t have any idea about their level of competency or experience. Low-quality roofing work and materials can backfire on you later in a big way.

We have severe monsoon storms every summer in Arizona. Imagine seeing your roof literally blown off in the middle of one of these storms because the unlicensed contractor that did the work either cut corners, didn’t really know what they were doing, or used subpar materials to get the work done and pad their profits!

Don’t settle for a simple handshake.  Get your roof work completed by licensed, professional, experienced contractors. If they cut corners by not paying for licensing, insurance or bonding, they’re likely cutting corners on the work too.

Protect Your Property

There are many things to consider when making the decision to do a shingle roof installation on your home.  Your property in the interior of your home depends on having a quality roof overhead.

Anytime the roof’s structure is in trouble, you need to take action right away to fix the issue.

This article will discuss 10 steps you can take to ensure your shingle roofing system is up to par for your peace of mind.

Shingle Roof Installation Tips

Should You Install Over Existing Shingles?

Like many home improvement projects, installing a new roof is expensive.

One way you may think you can save money is with a “roof over” or by re-roofing- this entails placing the brand-new shingles immediately over the age-old ones.

While it might seem advisable and allow you to save money in lower disposal and labor expenditures, the problems will probably outweigh the benefits.

Roof overs may actually reduce the life of brand-new shingles due to heat buildup and issues with moisture.

There are also possible problems with the underlying decking that are not seen and restored. Check your shingle warranty to avoid loss of coverage due to an ill-advised roof over.

Figuring Your Roof Size

For a shingle roof installation, contractors will measure your roof and offer you an estimate based on the number of squares of shingles needed. A square is a material needed to cover 100 square feet, so a roof with 20 squares has 2,000 square feet of surface area that needs to be covered.

Make Sure Its Ventilated

One element that contributes to the long life of your roof is the right amount of ventilation. Ascertaining your roof system has the necessary ventilation can modulate the attic temperatures in the summer and reduce moisture being developed in winter.

Request your contractor supply you with the kind of venting that is included with the roofing project to make sure your roof lasts through its warranty period.

The Wood Under the Shingles

Part of professional roof repair is not only removing all the old shingles but making any needed repairs to the underlying wood substructure.

Your contractor should address this and allow for these kinds of repairs if needed in your agreement.

Placing brand-new shingles over faulty wood is never advisable and will reduce the life of the brand-new roofing materials.

Protective Cover Under the Shingles

Shingles should never be affixed directly to raw lumber on the roof. Protective coverings made of felt or other materials offer additional heat and water shields needed to fully protect your dwelling. This is especially important in areas with heavy rains or icy temperatures.

Likewise ensure the contractor includes all the additional substances needed for a proper roof replacement like fasteners, flashing, and drip boundaries are a part of the estimate.

Make Sure It’s Inspected

A properly functioning roof system will protect your home and possessions for many years. Be sure you discuss what this assessment consists of and how your contractor will ensure that your brand-new roof is finished to your satisfaction.

Some roofing contractors will provide independent inspections and certifications for your complete peace of mind.

Don’t Forget About Wind Resistance

In evaluating the quality of the roofing materials and their installation, the warranty and performance relevant to the wind is a major factor in evaluating which product to purchase.

This is especially important in areas where monsoon storms, microbursts, or other severe weather patterns can cause severe wind damage.

Wind speed warranties can be as low as 60 miles per hour and can cover up to 130 miles per hour. Properly installed, acquiring shingles with higher wind warranties can be the difference between a brand-new roof and complete protection should you experience severe weather.

Thoroughly Research Your Contractor

Is your contractor licensed and bonded? Does your contractor have proper insurance? What warranties do they offer for materials and labor?

Do they secure the proper permits and follow all local, regional codes and regulations? How reliable are they? What work have they performed previously in your geographic area?

Your Warranty and Service After the Sale

One of the most important parts of any residence improvement project is the service you get after the project is complete.

Does your contractor offer a standard warranty? What does that include for products, labor, and parts? For what length of the period does the warranty have?

Is there an extended warranty available? What does that include and for how long? What does it cost? How do you request service calls? Is there a cost for service calls? Will the company be there over the next 10 years if you need them?

It’s Not Always About Price

The natural inclination is to find the lowest cost. While cost should always be a factor, the most important part of the decision should be appreciable value and your return on investment.

Will the contractor give you a fair estimate and one that handles the cost of quality products and professional installation?

Does the estimate encompass all facets of your roof replacement including ventilation, protective coverings, fasteners, permits, and inspections, flashing as well as removal and dumping of the old roofing substance and delivery of brand-new materials?

Does the estimate encompass all labor, project management, and coordination? Are there allowances for unforeseen expenditures such as repair or replacing the underlying wood structures? Peace of mind, quality substances, and complete project specs are as important and will provide you with a roof that lasts a lifetime.

It’s A Big Investment

A new roof is a big investment that typically can cost thousands of dollars. The materials you use will be a small portion of your investment.

Most of it will go toward the skilled labor involved. That means choosing an experienced roof installation contractor is the best route to protect your investment and ensure a proper job.

Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, roofing is a business that requires little more than a pickup, a ladder, and some basic tools start, so you have to be careful and diligent in choosing the right roofer for your project.

If you can get recommendations from a neighbor, friend, or someone you are familiar with, it's probably the best route to proceed.

Gather the names of at least two potential companies. Make sure each one has been in business for a minimum of five years.  Roofing corporations who do bad work generally won’t be in a business that long and are usually unlicensed.

Things You Can Do To Make Sure You
Choose The Right Roof Installation Contractor

Check Availability

Check the availability of your roofer. There’s no reason to waste time if they’re booked up for months. Make sure to get calls and addresses of past customers, and eliminate any contractor that is hesitant to provide them.

Inspect Previous Work

Do a drive-by inspection of a few of their recent projects. If it's a shingle roof, visually make sure that the spaces between individual shingle tabs, known as water gaps, line up laser-straight as they alternate shingle rows.

Make sure the shingles are trimmed in a clean path along the valleys where they overlap the flashing. On the ends of the roof, shingles should also be neatly trimmed so they align with the leading edge of the roof. Ragged paths mean poor work.

Likewise look for neat, tar-free flashing at the roof valleys and at the eaves.

Ask Past Customers Questions

If the roofs look like they stand up to scrutiny, call their past customers and ask them these questions:

Look For A Professional Appearance

When a roofing company comes by to estimate your job and work up a price quote, notice their look. If they aren’t clean enough to sit at your dinner table, do you really want them working on your property?

Make sure to detail the entire assortment of your expectations. Know who will be doing the work and who the main foreman will be. Always get everything in writing.

Proof of Insurance

If you like them, then it’s time to ask if they carry workman’s compensation coverage and at the least$ 1 million of liability insurance.

Get the name and contact information of the roofer’s insurance agent and ask the agent for their proof-of-insurance certifications.

After you’ve seen these documents, then it's time to talk about an estimate, which they should be doing for free.

Warranty

Make sure you get a warranty that takes care of leaks, flashing loss or failure, and any other labor-related issues.

A one-year warranty is a minimum you should get, but two or three years is what you should really demand. These same specifications need to be in the contract, which should also include what type of quality materials they will be using.

Make sure you ask for the highest-rated, longest-lasting shingles or tiles you can afford to pay for.

Manufacturers generally warrant their products for 20 to 30 years.

Some can be voided if shingles are put on over existing ones, so tearing off the existing layer of shingles might be required, which would be an additional expense. Asphalt shingle roofs should last 13 to 15 years on average, so a 20-year warranty is what you would want.

Tiles should last 30 to 40 years. Make sure to get the proper paperwork and proof of purchase required, in case you have to pursue any problems that arise in the future.

Tile Roofs are a Quality Choice

A tile roof adds a rich and elegant look to any residence, while giving it a durable, fire-safe protective layer that is also resistant to bugs and rot. It won’t grow mold, stain or lose any of its color as years go by. For these reasons, a tile roof installation is a great choice for your roof.

Tiles are generally made of concrete or ceramic clay, and come in a broad range of traditional and modern designs. Concrete tile is generally warranted for at least 50 years, while ceramic clay can be warranted for 75 years or more.

Average Costs for a Tile Roof Installation

What to Include

Other Costs

Do Your Homework

Explore The Options

If you have just acquired a new home in Arizona, you may be wondering what type of roof installation you should choose for your property. While it is possible to simply pick whatever the builder is offering for the lowest add-on fee, you can save yourself a lot of funds and heartbreak in the long run by looking at other options.

Roof Types and the Costs Involved

Asphalt Shingles

In the U.S., asphalt shingles are used on 70 percent of dwellings. They are immensely popular because of their low cost and longevity. Essentially, they can get the job done and last for 20-40 times as long as they’re properly maintained. However, asphalt shingles can be prone to cracking and breaking when faced with extreme heat. By keeping up with the appropriate upkeep, an asphalt roof can be a winning contender.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

In the past 15 years, clay and concrete tiles have become the more popular selection for new dwellings in Arizona. When scrutinizing why more new dwellings are choosing these type of roofs, it’s easy to see the reasons in our red-hot summer climate. Clay or concrete tile roofs have a much longer lifespan and its fair to be expected to last between 20 and 30 years. The tiles themselves will last much longer, but the underlayment is necessarily going to need replacement first. Tiles are strategically spaced so the roof can have optimum ventilation, which means it will cool down faster and last longer. They are also fireproof and will not rot.

Tile roofs require a structural engineer’s report to ensure no additional bracing is a requirement, if the homeowner is switching from a shingle roof to tile. How one’s home is made can determine how much weight the roof can handle. Having an engineer’s report helps ensure that the roof won’t be taking on too much weight.

Cost Considerations

For most homeowners, the costs of roofing is an essential issue. Clay and concrete tiles are often priced higher than asphalt shingles, but price is not ever the only factor. Unless you plan on living in your new residence for the rest of your life, you should consider shopping the price as well. Concrete and clay have the best price in this regard and can increase the appraisal value of your residence. When considering that the tiles can last a half a century with proper upkeep, it is clear why numerous homeowners pick the initial overhead of clay or concrete roofs.

So what type of roof will you choose? Although asphalt shingles have been used for most dwellings, concrete and clay tiles have made a lot of headway in the past decade or so. While present trends of concrete and clay tile roof in Arizona is likely to stay strong for the foreseeable future, make sure you do your homework. Feel comfy with your roof selection prior to beginning to work on the project.

First Impressions

When it comes to first impressions you only get one chance; that is why it’s called the first. Your homes first impression comes from its curb appeal and your roof installation can greatly affect it. This isn’t something most homeowners think about when it comes to home improvements and renovations.

The reality is that curb appeal can truly end up being the deal maker or breaker when it comes to selling your house. Without a doubt, one of your top priorities when it comes to improving your home should be the homes exterior, and your roof installation is an important part of that.

Why Your Roof is Important to Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Don’t Overlook the Look

Besides your home’s landscaping, windows, siding, your roof installation is beyond important when it comes to curb appeal. Your home’s roof installation is one of the main aspects of your home seeing that is covers about fifty percent of the home visible surface. The roof installation often goes unnoticed by homeowners as it is not something that requires constant attention. With your home’s roof, often yearly maintenance is enough to keep the roof functioning structurally as well as looking good.  Therefore it is often something that is overlooked with the overall curb appeal of your home. The time will come when your home needs a new roof installation to maintain curb appeal and maintain its structure.

Consult an Experienced Contractor

An experienced roofing installation contractor is the best source of information when it comes to your new roof installation. Many homeowners are inclined to select a roofing material based on their limited knowledge in roofing, the color of the shingles or even the price. An experienced roofer takes all of this into consideration as well as more important criteria such as durability, climate, weather conditions, and exposure. With this information they find a roofing material that will not only withstand the test of time, add curb appeal but also give you the best value for your new roof. Roofing contractors also have the added advantage of experience with different roofing materials and styles. Roofers have the ability to look at the exterior of the home and recommend products that will enhance the existing exterior.

Choose the Right Material

This is also true of homeowners that are looking into changing the exterior all together as well. There is more to roof installation than choosing between shingles, tile and foam roofing. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles just like tile roofing. Roofing professionals will perform a roof installation that enhances your homes curb appeal using appropriate materials that will stand the test of time taking into consideration natural elements that affect your roofs durability. More Information: Mikku and Sons Roofing offer a variety of roofing services throughout the greater Phoenix area, including roof installation of shingle roofs, tile roofing, flat and foam roofing and roof repairs.

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