Get matched with top roofers in Seaford, NY

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.

If you choose tile for your roof, take the time to hire a true tile professional. Look at trusted online review sites to find a top-rated roofing contractor. This helps you zero in on great contractors while avoiding ones who bait and switch you with fluctuating bids.

After you’ve narrowed down a few great candidates with reasonable bids, there are some important questions to ask roofers before you hire. Be sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured before signing a contract. Once you find a roofer who checks off all your boxes, you’re ready to get your project started.

A roof's ability to handle snow depends on its strength and the snow's weight, as wet snow is much heavier than dry, fluffy snow. While designs in snowy regions often allow for 35 to 50 pounds per square foot, a general guideline is that a typical roof can withstand about four feet of fresh snow, two feet of packed snow, or just one inch of ice. Factors like the roof's age, slope, and support structure also affect its capacity; newer, sloped roofs generally hold more weight than older, flat ones. Ice and ice dams add significant, dangerous weight. Because capacity varies, it is best to contact a professional roofing contractor or the original builder to determine the maximum snow load for your specific home.

The principal, common, and auxiliary rafters are the most frequently used types of rafters. Principal rafters are large and typically appear toward the edges of the roof. Common rafters are smaller than principal rafters. Some people may use a mix of common and principal rafters. The auxiliary rafter is not common, but it provides extra reinforcement for a principal rafter on a large building.