Get matched with top roofers in Bynum, AL

Before hiring a roofing contractor, it's wise to ask several key questions. Inquire if they are licensed for roof replacement and repair and if they hold any special certifications. Ask if they will be completing all the work themselves or subcontracting parts of it. It's also important to understand the project timeline, whether they will remove the old roof or place new shingles on top, and how they will handle cleanup after the project is complete. Finally, ask about warranties for both work and materials, what recourse you have if issues like leaks arise, and if they can provide customer references.

Metal roofs do not inherently leak more than shingle roofs; when properly installed, they are generally less likely to leak. Asphalt shingle roofs are more susceptible to leaks due to factors like wind uplift, damage from extreme weather, moss growth, and ice dams. Over time, asphalt shingles also lose their protective grit, which reduces their waterproofing capabilities. In contrast, metal is a more resilient material that stands up better to heavy precipitation and high winds. However, metal roofs can develop leaks if they are poorly installed, have improperly sealed fasteners, or experience issues from thermal expansion. For this reason, professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial to ensure a metal roof's longevity and superior protection against leaks.

No, you can’t use your home’s square footage. You have to calculate your roof’s square footage, and then you may have to convert your square footage measurement to correspond with how the roofing material is measured. For instance, some roofing is sold in “squares,” which equals the total square footage of the roof divided by 100. Shingles are sold in bundles that may not correspond to the number of squares you need. Metal roofing is sold as sheets, so determine the amount of square feet each panel will cover and then divide the total square footage by the coverage area.

If you need to replace the roof over your attached garage, a roofing contractor can perform what is called a partial roof replacement that only affects garage roofing. However, it's important to keep in mind that only replacing a portion of your roof creates a situation where your roofing has two different lifespans. You will also miss out on the opportunity for a full roof warranty. In some cases, having two different roofs on your home could increase risks for leaks. When replacing the roof on a detached garage, homeowners have the option to make the project bigger by upgrading their home roof alongside their garage roof. However, this isn't necessary if your home has a newer, properly functioning roof. It is better to try to match the new garage roof to your home's existing roof instead.