Choosing the Right Roofing Contractors

If you’re in the market for a roof, chances are you’re going to get estimates from several roofing contractors in Queens.  A roof replacement is one of the most important home improvements you can do, and in New York you have plenty of options, so it’s important you find the right roofer.  After all, your roof protects everything underneath.  That’s why it’s important to know exactly what materials and methods your roofer is using.  It’s good to get multiple estimates from several roofing contractors in the Queens area so you can properly evaluate all options, but it’s even better if you know the right questions to ask so you can better evaluate each contractor.  This article will tell you what questions you should be asking as a homeowner when considering roofers. 

Ventilation – More than just staying cool

Ventilation is one of the most important aspects of roofing.  This is what separates a roof with no warranty to a roof with a 50 year warranty.  Excessive heat in the attic will warp shingles, rot wood, crack rafters, and could even lead to mold.  That’s why it’s critical that a ventilation system is installed with a roof.  Make sure you ask your roofing contractors what they do about ventilation.  Most will install a ridge vent, but in most cases that’s not enough.  The ridge vent is the exhaust, but you need a place to bring cool air into the attic for ventilation to occur properly. So be sure to ask if they are going to install soffit vents or some other air intake system.  Without it the ridge vent is useless. 

Roofing Contractors Material – Underlayment

What’s underneath your shingle is important because it’s the last layer of protection between the outside and your wood sheathing.  Most contractors are still using tar paper, which is not the best material to use.  Years ago tar paper was made of much better material, but at this point its been relegated to construction paper dipped in asphalt.  It’s paper thin, tears easily, and most importantly it traps moisture.  Any condensation and vapor that get’s trapped in the attic cannot permeate through the tar paper, thus getting trapped onto your wood sheathing.  This can cause leaks, lifting shingles, and wood rot.  There are better underlayments than tar paper available on the market.  Five Borough Remodeling uses a state of the art permeable underlayment that’s waterproof on top, but permeable through the bottom, ensuring your deck stays dry and doesn’t trap moisture. 

Roofing Contractors Material – Shingle

Make sure you confirm that your roofer is doing a full tear and not a layover.  Adding a layer of shingles is never a long term solution to a roof issue, and up until about 10 years ago it was the thing to do in Queens.   It’s not unusual to find 3 layers on a Queens home.  If you want the roof done correctly, you’ll have to tear off all of the existing layers and start from the wood underneath.  Ask what type of shingle they’re using.  At this point, all roofing contractors should be installing with an architectural shingle, not a three tab.  If a roofer is using a three-tab shingle, chances are he’s trying to cut corners to cut costs.  Ask what the warranty is on the single, and also the wind rating.  These are all important questions when it comes to your shingle. 

Obviously your need as a homeowner will vary depending on your budget and your plans for the future, but your goal should be to get the best value for your dollar.  So be sure to ask the right questions, and you’ll know what are your best options, and what roofing contractors are delivering the best value.

5 Boro Remodeling – The Best Roofing Contractors