Get matched with top roofers in Avenel, NJ

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.

There are several pros and cons of flat roofs. One disadvantage of flat roofs is that you lose potential attic space because it's flat. Flat roofs tend to pool water and because they lack an angle, any leak in the roof—usually due to a bad seal—has the potential to let in a lot of water. They don’t work well in climates with snow. Flat roofs are also structurally weaker than sloped roofs.

After you've chosen the best roofer for you, schedule an inspection and review the final contract. Your roofing company should be able to provide options for scheduling the work and a potential timeline for obtaining the permits and starting the job. Remember to always request everything in writing before work begins.

You should plan on waiting as long as it takes for the roof deck to dry out completely if it gets wet. In most cases, this will take about 24 hours, but it could take longer if you have shading on your roof or cloudy weather after the rainfall that prevents the sun from drying the material.