Get matched with top roofers in Roselle, NJ

Roofing estimates and inspections are not the same thing. Roofing inspections (whether done with a drone or by the traditional method) help you find any damage or defects on a roof. You will pay a set fee for a roofing inspection and use it to get certification or to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary. Beware of unsolicited contractors coming to your home and offering a so-called free roof inspection—these are often scams.

Roofing estimates, on the other hand, are typically free and offered by a roofing company hoping to earn your business. Some roofing estimates are performed with drones, while other companies will still opt to send people up onto the roof. Either way, the estimate is for roof repair or replacement costs the company wants you to hire them for.

A roof pitch multiplier is an accurate way to calculate roof square footage, and it’s handy for purchasing the correct amount of materials. To determine your roof pitch multiplier, you'll need to calculate the roof slope, square it, and add it to 144. Next, find the square root of the total and divide it by 12. The answer is your roof pitch multiplier. Once you know the roof pitch multiplier, multiply it by the total square feet of your building to determine the total roof surface area.

When installed and maintained properly, a cedar shake roof should last up to 60 years. Severe weather and high winds will damage your roof, reducing its life span. Expect a shorter life span if the roofer didn't use top-grade material, didn’t have cedar shake expertise, didn’t create the proper ventilation, or didn’t use the correct fasteners. Keeping up with maintenance will help it last longer. It’s also a good idea to get roof inspections on a regular basis to help spot repairs before they become major issues.

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.