Get matched with top roofers in Surry, ME

Generally, hailstones that are one inch in diameter or larger can cause significant damage to a roof. However, smaller hail can also cause damage, particularly when accompanied by strong winds, if it strikes an aging or poorly maintained roof, or if hailstorms are frequent in your area. Hail that is ¼ inch (pea-sized) or smaller poses a minimal risk of immediate, permanent damage, but cumulative impacts can cause deterioration over time. The extent of the damage also depends on the roofing material; hail-resistant tiles like slate or certain types of asphalt shingles can withstand impacts better than other materials. If you are concerned about potential damage after a storm, it is always a good idea to have a professional roofer conduct an inspection.

It’s possible for a roofing estimate to change after the initial assessment, but in most cases, it shouldn’t. There’s always the risk that something unexpected will happen that causes prices to go up, like discontinued materials or your roofer discovering previously hidden damage to your decking when ripping off the old roof. However, experienced roofers should account for these circumstances in their initial estimates. Roofing contracts are binding, so always check your contract for language about how and why your numbers could change.

Though cedar shakes often get confused with shingles, there are a few key differences between wood shakes and wood shingles. For one, cedar shingle prices are lower, although shingles are less durable than wood shakes. Cedar shakes are thicker than shingles (shingles range from about 3/8 to 1/2 inches thick, compared to 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick for shakes). Wood shakes are handmade, while shingles are usually machine-made. Also, wood shakes work better on steeper roofs than shingles do. While the cost of cedar shingles is more budget-friendly, there are many great reasons to choose shakes.

Walking on any roofing material is dangerous, so you should avoid it if you can, but if the need arises, you should know that you can walk on a concrete tile roof without damaging it. Try to step on the bottom portions of the tile that are supported by the lower layer, and distribute your weight evenly across both feet and hands, if possible.