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Know Your Roofs: Sloping Roof Types

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Roofs can be categorized into two categories depending on their general shape, flat roof or sloping roof.  Flat roofs are more common in commercial buildings while sloping roofs are more common in residential properties.  Sloping roofs can have a variety of shapes and styles depending on the home’s needs and aesthetics.

Pitch of a Roof

The pitch or slope of a roof is mathematically understood as the rise over the run and written as   4/12, 4:12, 4 in 12, or 4 over 12 where 4 is the rise and 12 is the run.  The normal pitch of a roof is somewhere between 4/12 and 9/12, anything under 4 is considered a low slope while anything over 9 is steep.  Any pitch roof lower than 2/12 is a flat roof.

So what pitch should you choose for your roof?  Your architecture will be the best resource in determining the pitch of your roof.  They will factor in many details including materials used in building the house.  They will also consider the climate you live in.  A roof that is too flat in colder climates will not allow snow to slide off of it, possibly causing the roof to collapse due to the weight of a snow.  If a roof’s slope is too steep though, it can cause a hazard of snow falling off the sides too quickly and on top of people below.  An experienced architect will be able to determine what pitch is right for the design of the house as well as its functionality.

Types of Sloping Roofs

Believe it or not there are many different types of sloping roofs, each having their own pros and cons.  We will go over the most popular types here.

Gable Roofs

The most popular slopping roof is the gable roof, which has two rectangles of the same size that join at the edge creating the slope.  The result is a pleasing and balanced roof that can be found in many different kinds of materials.  The biggest pro of the gable roof is it is a simple design making it easy to construct and less expensive.  The steepness of their slope allows for water and snow to be easily shed and the space created for an attic or vaulted ceilings within the home.  The alternative of the steep pitch is it is more liable to wind and not ideal to ares of the country that experience tornadoes. 

Salt Box Roof

The salt box roof does not differ much from the gable roof except for that one of the roof panels is longer than the other resulting in a steeper pitch with a more distinct look.  This style of sloped roof was most popular in the Colonial era and not seen today as much in newly constructed homes.  You will see it most option on garages, sheds, or outbuildings.  A pro of the salt box roof is the distinguished look it gives to a home in both modern and rustic environments.    Since the slope is near the end of the home, the roof’s pitch needs to meet the walls that frame the rear which will also give you an interior ceiling that slopes.  Consider the slope of that interior ceiling when planning your home because it will hinder you from storage areas like attics.

Gambrel Roof

The Dutch origin of the gambrel roof allows for two different slope pitches on the same house.  While it has two twin roof panels like the gable roof, they are not straight creating an upper slope angle that is wide and a lower, steeper slope angle.  The effect is that the second levels of the home are spacier while still having the appearance of a sloped roof.  The gambrel roof is most often seen larger homes, are easy to frame, and boast excellent drainage.  The biggest con to the gambrel roof is its frequent demand for maintenance.

Mansard Roof

Similar to the gambrel roof is the mansard roof, but with four sloping sides resulting in a slope on all sides.  The steepest angle being present at the lower slope and the wider angle on the upper.  Mansard roof designs automatically leave room in your home for attics that can be converted into extra bedrooms or loft areas easily.  These sloping roofs are more complex to build thus costing more in labor and materials. 

Pyramid Roof

Another four sloping sided roof, is the pyramid roof.  As its name suggests it forms a pyramid shape.  A pyramid roof is best for smaller structures and are more and more popular in contemporary architecture.  A big pro of the pyramid roof is it results in a more energy efficient home because the roof overhangs on all sides providing shade in the warmer weather months. The pyramid roof is the more expensive sloped roofing type since its shape results in more surface area than others but less space for attics and storage.

Sloping roof types can have many different factors and options to choose from.  Be sure to consult your architect or EMA Construction’s qualified roofers when deciding which type will fit your home best. 

How to Pick a Shingle Color

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The best advice when choosing a shingle color for your roof is to pick the one you like the bes, you are going to have to live with the decision for 20 to 30 years or more! No matter if your roof is metal, slate, or asphalt, there are a number of color choices to pick from in different shades and hues.

Here are some tips to picking the color of your roof’s shingles:

Consider The Climate

Your roof’s color can alter the temperature of your attic by 20 to 40 degrees and effect your home’s overall heating and cooling. The greatest difference is found when comparing dark vs. light roofing colors, while the in-between grays and browns do not show as big of a difference in tempature. Typically lighter shingles reflect sunlight more and keep home temperatures down while darker shingles absorb heat and help warm a home during the colder months.

Know Your Home’s Style

Your home’s style is an obvious sign as to which shingle style and color you should lean more towards. There are a number of companies today that offer roof planning tools to assist in finding the best roofing option for different styles of homes. These are typically software based and involve providing a picture of your home or similar style selection to view different colored roofs. When shopping for your roofing material make it a point to inquire about these helpful tools to assist in your roofing decisions.

Complement The Colors of Your Home

The color of your roof plays an important role in the overall tone of your house. The goal is to complement the colors of your home rather than to match them exactly which can leave your exterior feeling monotone and boring. Brick, paint, and existing siding colors should all be considered before deciding on the color of your shingles. Place the samples on your roof where these elements meet together in order to compare all the colors of your home at once.

If the other elements of your home are busy with multicolor tones, then consider a single shingle color that will not be too overwhelming to the eye. In comparison, if your exterior is already feeling monotone, a vivid, multicolor shingle can add some visual interest and curb appeal. Typically, dark gray or black shingles work well with blue or white colored homes for the more traditional feel while green, red, or yellow painted homes allow more flexibility to choose between brown, gray or black shingles.

View Different Shingle Samples

Examine your top shingle choices in person. Compare your choices with your current roof shingles to see how they might differ or vary. View your samples in both the sun and shade to make sure you like the color in all forms of lighting.

Consider Your Neighbors

Your surrounding neighbors can potentially be greatly impacted by your choice of roofing style and color. It is important to consider how your home’s roof will complement your neighborhood as well. This is both for the good of your overall neighborhood as well as the resale value of your home. If you plan to sell your house, an eye-catching brightly colored roof may deter future buyers. On the other hand, try not to clone your closest neighbors with home style and roofing color creating a duplicate feel in the neighborhood. It is best to be harmonious and not clash while still staying individual.

Conclusion

Take your time choosing the color of your roof’s shingles, it is just as important as any other exterior element of your home and will outlast most of the other choices you make. EMA Construction’s qualified roofers are able to advise you on the different color options and what compliments your home best.

DIY: Minor Roofing Problems That You Can Handle

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Re-roofing a house is a major undertaking and should be handled by a roofing professional in most cases, but minor maintenance and repairs are doable by skilled DIYers.  The most common roofing problems homeowners can solve themselves are minor leaks and broken shingles.  We’ve shared some DIY tips as well as safety information below.

Minor roofing leaks are most often caused by a torn shingle or shingles or a small hole in the flashing.  The most obvious sign of a leak in your home are water signs running across your ceiling.  The hardest part of a roof leak is finding the source, the rest is pretty simple.  Small leaks can lead to greater problems such as mold, rotten wood, or insulation issues so its key to find and fix it quickly.

The first step to finding the source of the leak in your roof is to look at your roof uphill from the stains for any penetrations.  Penetrations can be anything that projects through the roof itself such as plumbing or roof vents and chimneys.  The leak is typically right above the penetration or to the left or right of it.  If your house has an attic, the best way to look for the leak is to search for evidence such as water stains, mold, or black marks in the attic itself with a flashlight.  If you are having difficulty finding the source of the leak, get on your roof with a garden hose while someone else is inside the home looking at the ceiling where the water marks are noticeable.  Keeping track of the roof section by section, run the water over the roof for an extended period of time while the person inside looks for the water vapors on the ceiling.  This option takes time and patience, but it will give you at least an area to inspect even closer for the leak. 

Once you’ve found the source of the leak, look in the area for any damaged, curled, or missing shingles.  With curled shingles, simply straighten them back out.  During the cold months, a blow dryer is the best tool to assist you in heating up the shingle in order to be able to straighten it correctly.  The blow dryer won’t damage the shingle or cause a fire hazard.  Once the curled shingle is straightened, apply asphalt roof cement or compound around the exposed edges.  If the shingle lifts easily out or breaks or crumbles, then it needs to be removed, to remove the shingle follow these steps:

  • Scrape any leftover cement from where the old shingle was
  • With a utility knife, round the back corners of the new shingle
  • Place the new shingle in place and hammer in 1 1⁄4 inch (3.2 cm) galvanized roofing nails into the upper corners.  Finally cover the nail heads with roof cement.

If none of your shingles appear to be damaged, inspect connecting surfaces on your roof like your chimney or vent pipes.  If there is any damage to the caulking around the connecting surfaces, reapply where necessary. 

  • Using a putty knife, remove the old caulking so your new caulking can attach cleanly to the roof or flashing.
  • Clean and dry the area.
  • Place the new caulking around the same line where the old caulk was previously.  Let it dry.

If larger repairs exist, the flashing around your chimney, etc. may need to be replaced entirely.

If your leak is only present during the winter months on warmer or sunnier days, then this is most likely due to an ice dam and is in need of professional assistance.  To learn more about ice dams and how to prevent, click here.

With over 20 years of experience, EMA Construction’s qualified roofers are able to advise you on any roofing issues, big or small.  If you are ever unsure of your roofing skills or unable to find the source of a leak in your home, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional for assistance.  Feel free to call us at (513) 278-8362 or email us with any of your roofing concerns.

How to Finance a New Roof

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After researching, weighing the different options, and choosing the right roofing contractor the next step comes with financing.  A new roof can be expensive and overwhelming to figure out how to afford all the materials and installation that comes with it.  Luckily, if you haven’t stashed away enough cash to pay for a new roof, there are a variety of options to obtain its financing.  EMA Construction can help you find the right financing option for you and your budget.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

With a home equity line of credit, your home is used as collateral and the loan can be stretched out for a certain number of years with low monthly payments.  Home improvement has become the number one use of HELCOs so it makes sense for most homeowners to use the credit to pay off their new roof over time.  According to mortgage broker, Ted Rodd, generally speaking, a home equity line of credit is faster and less expensive than refinancing.  There are other contributing factors to consider such as your current mortgage rate, the value of your home and how much you owe on it, and your credit scores so make sure to consult a mortgage broker before taking out the equity on your home.

Home Improvement Loan

If you wish to not use your home as collateral to finance your new roof, a home improvement loan is an option that will keep your home’s equity intact.  Instead, a home improvement loan can be backed by your personal income or credit history to pay for financing.  Similar to HELOCs, home improvement loans are low in interest and don’t have many other fees associated with them, but are harder to qualify for and are unsecured.  To qualify, most home improvement loans require an excellent credit history, a substantial income, and a history of good savings. 

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Title I loans

A FHA Title I Loan is a loan insurance program covered by the National Housing Act taken from the bank or other lenders from their own funds.  Property owners who qualify for this type of loan typically have good credit and low home equity.  The basis of an FHA Title I loan is to make a home more livable and useful, it can be used to pay for a contractor’s materials and labor and can be used for energy-conserving home improvements, such as a new roof.  These types of loans are typically easy to obtain by simply filling out an application with a lender of your choice.  To find an FHA-approved lender in your area, call HUD’s Customer Service Center toll-free: (800) 767-7468 for a list of lenders in your state.

Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)

Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) can help finance your new roof if it is energy efficient.  The database has lists of policies and incentives by state for energy-efficient improvements to your home, for more information click here to visit their website.  Also research the Department of Energy for tax credits and rebates when refinancing an energy-efficient roof.

Credit Cards

If you are personally organized and careful with your spending and qualify for a zero-interest credit card, you may use it towards your new roof.  It is suggested to break the financing costs into 12 monthly payments and the card should be used solely for the purpose of a new roof.

If pulling from your savings to finance a new roof for your home is out of the question, then consider researching further the above financing options to find one that will work best for you and your family.  Either way, EMA Construction’s qualified roofers will be able to assist you in your decision for the best possible outcome.  No one should feel the burden of home improvement repairs.

Tips and Tricks: Winter Home Maintenance

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It’s that time of year again when sweaters, boots, and hats are coming out of storage to bear the winter weather. Preparing your house for the snow, rain and wind is just as important. Before heading into the cold season take the time to do some preventive winter maintenance on your home. Prevention is much easier and cost efficient than treating a problem during the height of the season.

 

  1.  Inspect Insulation. Adding insulation in your attic is the best way to prevent ice dams. When heat escapes into your attic, due to poor insulation, it warms up the ice and snow sitting on your roof. If it refreezes, it can cause an ice dam, which can create water damage from leaks or in severe cases collapse your roof. Insulation is the first line of defense against freezing temperatures and strong winds; it is important to inspect and upgrade your insulation where necessary to prevent further damage to your home. Ensure that your pipes are wrapped as well to prevent freezing and bursting.
  2. Evaluate your roof. Another way to prevent the formation of ice dams is to do a thorough inspection of your roof. During the evaluation, specifically look for cracks in the roof itself as well as the siding. Replace any damaged shingles or panels. Leaks during the blizzard months can quickly turn into major home issues so hire a licensed professional if need be or review our article on How to Hire the Best Roofing Contractor.
  3. Clean your gutters. Clear your gutters of leaves, sticks, and any other debris that could block melting ice and snow from draining properly. Do this at least twice during the fall as leaves tend to build up at different rates during the changing of the season. Also make sure your gutter’s downspouts are directing water away from the foundation of your house.
  4. Trim the trees around your house. Trim your trees and any dead branches that could potentially damage your home or injure someone. Branches get weighed down by snow and ice during the winter months and can become a major hazard to any roof or gutter nearby. Its best to take care of long branches near your home during the fall months.
  5. Test your central heating system. Before winter actually begins and you need to turn on your central heating system, give it a test run. Consider hiring a licensed technician to perform the test, it is far more expensive for them to make a house visit during an emergency situation.
  6. Clean your fireplace. Routine cleaning is a safety measure for any wood-burning fire place or stove due to the buildup of creosote (from past fires) inside the chimney walls. These cleanings are best performed by a certified chimney sweep. Gas fireplaces should also be cleaned to check for any debris, like an old bird’s nest, from blocking the chimney.
  7. Check your supplies and equipment. The first winter storm can arrive quickly and sometimes without notice. Check your key equipment, such as generators and snow blowers, for service and any needed repairs to ensure they are working properly before you need them. Make sure you have items like snow shovels, roof rakes, and ice salt on hand. Remove snow as quickly as possible after storms.

By completing these preventive measures before the harsh winter begins, your winter home maintenance will be stress free for you and your family.  If you encounter any emergency situations during the winter months, EMA construction’s qualified roofers and staff are here to assist you.

Benefits of Metal Roofing

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Whether you’re building a new home or putting a new roof on your current home, you’ll be considering what type of roofing material you want to use.  EMA Construction offers a variety of options, but in this article we’re going to give you a closer look at the benefits of metal roofing.

Longevity and Durability

Longevity and durability are key factors for many homeowners and understandably so.  With an investment of this size, you want something that will be long-lasting and attractive.  When installed properly, a metal roof should last 40 to 70 years depending on the material.  Metal roofs seal out water, endure high winds (some up to 140 mph), and are resistant to snow, mildew, insects, and rot.  They are also noncombustible, which is why they have been given a Class A fire rating (the most resistant) compared to wood shingles which are Class C.  Metal roofs do not corrode, crack, and depending on the metal, are resistant to impact.  Additionally, they require very little maintenance after the initial installation.

Style

When selecting a roof, you’ll want to consider the style of your neighborhood and the climate in your region of the country.  Many customers and installers alike are surprised when they discover that metal roofs can be made to match or imitate a wide variety of styles including cedar shake, slate, tile, shingle, and standing seam vertical panels.  Since metal roofing offers lots of options, can match different architectures, and can be painted to blend with almost any style of home, it is a great choice regardless of the style of your home.

Weight and Ease of Installation

It may not come as a surprise that metal roofing can be significantly lighter than other materials.  If you were to compare with tile, which weighs in 750 pounds per square,  or concrete tile at 900 pounds per square, metal roofing is considerably lighter ranging from 50 to 150 pounds per square.

Metal roofs can also be simple to install and not just because of the lightweight material.  Some types of metal roofing materials can be installed over the existing roof without a messy tear-off or additional structural support. In some cases, homeowners can reduce the amount of support for the roof.  Many contractors enjoy the speed and ease of roofing installation.  The materials are light and generally easy to work with.  Homeowners might also appreciate an expedited installation if your existing roof is damaged in a storm and you find yourself in a hurry to protect your home from the elements.

Environmentally friendly

For many shoppers, environmentally friendly is important for two reasons.  First, for customers who are concerned with waste.  Second, for customers who want energy-efficient homes.  Metal roofing offers benefits for both.

Metal roofs typically have 25% to 95% recycled content, depending on the material used.  They are also 100% recyclable at the end of their life. In contrast, many shingle tear-off waste ends up as waste.  According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year.  In constrast, the recycled material of steel in a metal roof is about 56% from production to installation to reuse – far superior to asphalt. And, as mentioned before, a metal roof can often be installed over your current roof, without creating unnecessary waste of what is already there.

For energy efficiency, metal roofs make excellent insulators.  They keep your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and as a result have the potential to save customers a lot of money.

Want to learn more about metal roofing from EMA Construction?

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How to Hire the Best Roofing Contractor

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Every roof slowly deteriorates over the course of time as it is buffeted by the weather.  Eventually, you’ll find yourself in need of a new roof or roof repair.  It is often tempting to make a choice of roofing specialists and contractors based entirely on financial criteria.  What looks like good value at first glance can often turn into a money pit of hidden charges and extra costs further down the line. In order to help you in this process, we’ve compiled a list of things to look out for and a checklist for how to acquire a professional contractor.

Unprofessional work can have a multitude of related problems which include, but are not limited to:

  • If if the roof does not provide an adequate waterproof barrier, damage will likely be caused to the structure directly below the roof, the home and its contents.
  • Inflated costs and charges are a common ploy used by some who will try to charge the client as much as possible. Playing on the fact that new problems can be uncovered during a regular roof installation, as well as the knowledge that many people will not want to find a new contractor mid-job, problems and their solutions can be exaggerated to the point of exploitation.
  • Work may be left unfinished for a length of time, or in some cases, abandoned altogether before completion, which leaves the home exposed to the weather and the damage that this could bring, as well as the increased inconvenience and disruption to your normal lifestyle.

These problems can be avoided by using the following 6 point checklist below to help acquire reputable and fully-qualified tradesmen:

  1. Obtain several quotes from various companies and local skilled workers as this will give you a good idea as to what a competitive price and timeline is for the work you have.
  2. Ensure that the company is legitimate by checking tax numbers, business address, and contact details as well as their website, and a search into any associations or regulatory bodies that they advertise on their site.
  3. Perform a web search against their company name to find any online reviews from other customers.  Read both positive and negative reviews to get a good idea of what is normal conduct for the company.
  4. Ask the contractor for a list of references made up of clients of recently completed work.
  5. Check which official guilds or associations have authority in your area both locally and nationally and then make inquiries to them with regards to your chosen contractor.
  6. Read through the detailed contract and warranty carefully and look for specific materials which are to be used, the daily working hours and number of workers and clean-up specifications as well as the price quoted for the job.

There is always a small chance you will come across a contractor who will try to provide either an unprofessional service or an ineffective product, but acting with due diligence and spending time researching your available options will greatly help to inform you in making the correct decision and could actually go a long way to saving you money in the long term.

Pros and Cons: Roof Repair vs. Replacement

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Many homeowners face the decision of whether it is better to repair or replace a damaged or old roof.  It is important to make the right decision so you get the maximum life out of your home and value for your dollar. When you realize that there is damage to your roof you have a decision to make. In order to help you make this decision, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option.

EMA Construction replacing a roof in Fairfield, a suburb of Cincinnati, OH.

Installation of Atlas Weatherwood dimensional shingle, featuring a 35-year warranty and 130 mph wind rating, and lifetime algae resistance.

Repair

This is a more affordable way to repair visible roof damage. If your roof has taken damage due to storms, high winds, or fallen tree limbs then a shingle replacement is relatively easy. Damaged shingles can be removed and replaced by new shingles. Issues may arise in that you won’t have spare shingles lying around. A patch may not be sufficient in matching the existing roof shingles. However, when dealing with minimal damage this repair could lengthen your roof life for a number of years.

It’s important that you use a qualified roofing professional, even when making small repairs. This will ensure that your system is waterproof. You may self-repair and think it looks good, but leave yourself open to further damage.

Partial Replacement

Perhaps your roof hasn’t taken enough damage to require a full replacement but is a bit too far gone for a simple repair.

A partial roof replacement is possible if the damaged is confined to just one side, or area of the roof. This will cost significantly less than a full roof replacement but offer a more appropriate fix than a repair. It is also easier to reroof a section and blend new materials with the old roof.

However, a partial replacement could result in more expense in the long run. This is because repairing a small area is a complicated process. The entire roof is a sealed system, so ensuring that that is maintained in a partial roof replacement can be tricky. When the sealed system is compromised there is no guarantee that other areas of the roof won’t fail, despite the damaged area being repaired.

This is why it’s vital that a professional roofer completes the repair or partial replacement, this ensures that the overall integrity of the system is maintained.

Full Replacement

Whether your roof has taken serious damage or is simply showing signs of wear, a complete roof replacement may be in order.  Because roofing costs are affected by square footage it can be cheaper to do the entire roof at once. It really is dependent on the damage that your roof has sustained, though. It’s important to consult a fully qualified roofer as there can be hidden damage to the truss system or roof deck.

Conclusion

There is no simple answer as to which is best for your roof, which is why it is helpful to receive a professional consultation.  EMA Construction’s qualified roofers are able to advise you on whether a full replacement, partial replacement or a simple repair is best for you. We recommend based on your needs and make sure you’ll get the most life out of your roof and best value for your dollar.

8 Signs of a Reliable Roofer

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If you’re hiring a contractor to work on your home, it goes without saying that you want to work with a company that’s reliable. This is especially true of roofing contractors — you don’t want to be stuck with a half-finished roof, nor do you want someone to take your money and run.

Here are some indicators of reliability that you can look for when you’re interviewing roofing companies:

  • Longevity. How long have they been in business? Are they rated by the Better Business Bureau, and are they a member of any local business or trade organizations?
  • Professionalism. If you have a roofing company come to your house for an estimate, is the employee dressed professionally and does he or she treat you with respect?
  • Punctuality. Did they show up on time? A roofer who isn’t prompt when they want your money will probably not be prompt if they already have it!
  • Flexibility. Some roofers will ask for a partial payment up front, but if the roofer demands a substantial (or full) payment in advance, this will certainly cause concern for many homeowners.
  • Clarity. Does the roofer answer your questions, tell you what to expect, and address your concerns without being dismissive or evasive?
  • Honesty. Does the roofing contractor make an effort to act as a resource by giving you honest recommendations, even if that means they won’t make a whole lot of money? Trustworthy roofers will tell you if you don’t need a new roof, and are willing to sacrifice short-term profit in order to build a relationship with their customers.
  • Low risk. Is the roofer fully insured, and do they offer a warranty on labor? If they do offer a warranty, make sure to ask about the details, and specifically whether any restrictions apply. You can also ask them for examples of times when they’ve had to honor a warranty. How does the process work, and are they willing to come back to your house to talk about a concern you have after the project is done?
  • Supervision. Is there a foreman or manager who will either remain on site or inspect the work when it’s done?

To summarize, the best roofing contractors are the ones who leave little to chance. They have a track record of successful roof installations, a process for completing projects, and a willingness to communicate with homeowners along the way, even after the work has been done.

How to Find a Reliable Roofer

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When a homeowner wants to find a reliable roofing contractor, they often call one or two of the bigger roofing companies in town, based on name recognition or an ad they saw on TV or a billboard.  But as with many other industries, the best roofers are not always the most reliable roofers.

Here are five ways to find a reliable roofer:

  • Recommendations from friends.  You probably know many people who have had work done on their roof in the recent past.  Recommendations from people you trust are one of the best ways to find a reliable roofing company, because you know the opinion is authentic.
  • Rating services.  Your local Better Business Bureau, as well as contractor rating and review services such as Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor, can be great resources when researching roofing contractors.
  • People who work with roofers.  Certain organizations and professionals interact with roofing companies on a regular basis.  These include real estate agents, home builders and remodelers, and apartment rental and property management companies.  You might even get some recommendations by calling a local or national contractors association or a shingle manufacturer.
  • Yard signs.  Many roofing companies will leave a yard sign in front of houses they’ve worked on.  This can give you an idea of which companies your neighbors trust, although it’s always helpful to talk to people and not go on reputation alone.
  • Social media.  You can find and read reviews of roofing contractors on Facebook, Google+, and Yelp.  In addition, look for contractors who interact regularly and in a positive way with their customers and the community, on those sites as well as Twitter and LinkedIn.

Once you’ve gathered the names of a few recommended roofing contractors in your area, the next step is to call around.  Don’t hesitate to talk to several companies, rather than going with the first one that picks up the phone.

Even if you go with a roofer that comes highly recommended, it’s still a good idea to make sure they’re a good fit for you.  In our next article, we’ll review some things you can look for and ask when talking to a roofer, to get a better sense of their reliability.