Get matched with top roofers in Rochester, MI

Building code allows 24-inch on-center spacing for roof trusses. However, you can install them on 12- or 16-inch centers to handle large loads or other exceptional circumstances. In cases such as covering a wide span or supporting alternative roofing materials, where a structural engineer needs to evaluate or create a design for your trusses, the plans will indicate the spacing. 

The cost to install roof heating cables typically ranges from $500 to $2,000, with an average of around $1,000. On a per-foot basis, you can expect to pay between $8 and $15 per linear foot. Key factors that influence the final price include the size and complexity of your roof, roof pitch, the type and length of the cable, the price of the system itself, labor fees, and whether any additional electrical work is required. Generally, smaller roofs will cost less than larger ones. The total cost usually includes both materials and professional installation.

It’s always a good idea to have a lawyer review any legally binding contract before signing, including roofing contracts. Most contracts have straightforward language that’s easy to understand, but getting advice from an attorney before signing could save you from being locked into a contract you don’t want to move forward with. Having a lawyer review your contract can also help protect you if your roofing professional defaults on their side of the agreement.

Whether a metal or shingle roof is better for you depends on your preferences. Standing seam metal roofs require little to no maintenance, but if you install a screw-down metal roof where the fasteners are exposed, the gaskets on the fasteners will dry rot and need to be replaced. Generally, screw-down metal roofs need to be re-screwed every 15 to 20 years.

Metal roofs are energy-efficient and have extended warranties, while asphalt shingles are less durable than most. They tend to lose color and get damaged over time, and absorb heat from the sun.