Weathering a storm with a leaky roof?

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3 Tips – Choosing the Right Shingle Roofing Materials for Your Home

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You have several options to consider when it’s time to invest in a new roof. In order to make your decision process easier, we’ve come up with three tips to guide you.

1.      Assess your Home’s Street Appeal
Did you know that about 40% of your home’s visual appeal comes from your roof? How your roof appears from the street can affect the market value of your home. Like house paint or siding, the shingles you choose for roofing can add character to the exterior of your house. Roofing shingles can add a nice textured look that will make your home stand out, especially if the roof is the only unique feature you can highlight.

2.      Choose the Right Roofing Material
Here’s a list of some of the most common roofing materials.

  • Asphalt shingles
    The most common roofing material is the asphalt shingle, and you may be surprised by the number of choices you have within that category!  Designer asphalt shingles add to the unique look of custom homes with a wide variety of colors and textures. Standard asphalt shingles are an economical choice.
  • Natural and synthetic slate and shakes
    For a distinctive roof, choose from hand-quarried slate to synthetic shakes made with post-consumer and natural materials.
  • Standing seam metal
    Many farmhouses in the central Shenandoah Valley and throughout the eastern U.S. have long-lasting standing seam metal roofs. For an enduring, period look, choose this type of roof.  Standing seam roofs are available in a variety of colors.

3.      Choose the Right Color
Most roofing materials are available in many color choices. Consider the color of your home’s siding, and the style of your home when deciding on a roofing shingle color. Valley Roofing & Exteriors will work with you to help you choose the proper color. We have technology that can let you see your home with multiple colors and styles so you can make an educated decision.

How to choose the best Harrisonburg roofing contractor: 5 key qualities!

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So you’ve made the big decision to replace your roof. Now for the next two big decisions – who will do the work, and what kind of roofing will you choose. For this post, we’ll talk about five key qualities of a good roofing contractor.

1.      Inspections
Ask each contractor you talk with if they offer roof inspections, and what the inspections entail. Some contractors make a cursory inspection prior to giving a roofing estimate, then tack on charges later when special problems are revealed. A thorough roof inspection gives you the information you need before the project starts. Look for a contractor that pays attention to details by inspecting the attic for proper ventilation and sheathing integrity and by pointing out potential and existing problem areas.

2.      Reputation & Experience
You want an experienced contractor with a good, solid reputation. When you call to schedule an estimate with a roofing contractor, be sure to ask for references from local customers. Choose a roofing company that’s known for backing up its workmanship and products.

3.      Workmanship
Ask contractors about their installation methods and materials. Good contractors offer quality products and know how to install them correctly. Roofing systems with proper underlayment and flashing details, as well as quality shingles ensure that your roof will shed water as it should, without leaks or drips. Ask about company memberships in roofing associations that promote best practices in roofing. Two well-known organizations are The Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals and National Roofing Contractors Association. Also, look for contractors that have been certified and trained by the shingle manufacturers.

4.      Quality Materials
Choose a contractor who can provide you with samples and thorough product information on the roofing materials they use. Look for contractors that provide a material scope from one manufacturer, as there are often system warranties that accompany the materials.

5.      Supervision
Ask about supervision during the roofing installation process. Are the people who will actually install your roof certified and well-trained? Are they licensed and insured to do the work? Who enforces quality control during each roofing project? A good roofing contractor should be happy to answer these questions to your satisfaction.