Most homeowners want a Reno roofing material that is high quality but not too costly. They also want a roof that requires little to no maintenance, basically a roof that will last for a lifetime. That is the ideal roof, but most roofing materials have a certain lifespan and will need to be replaced or repaired after every ten years. Homeowners should be careful in choosing roof materials so they can save on the cost of replacement. East Fork Roofing, a roofing company in Reno and surrounding areas, lists out the pros and cons of different types of roof materials.
There are a variety of roofing materials available on the market. These include asphalt shingles, cement and tile roofing, metal roofing and more. In selecting the kind of roofing material for your house, it should be based on these factors:
Knowing the pros and cons of available roofing materials that your roofing company in Reno has to offer will help you in your selection. Here are some of the most popular roof materials in use:
This is the most common roofing material in Reno and comprises for almost 80% of the housing market.
Pros: They are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market. They have great wind and fire resistance and are moderate in weight.
Cons: Their lifespan is relatively short and they require a lot of maintenance. Asphalt shingles aren’t very durable or eco-friendly. If you are looking for a roofing material that needs little to no maintenance and lasts, asphalt shingles aren’t for you.
For a neat and clean look, composition shingles are great as they are affordable, too.
Pros: This type of roofing material comes in a variety of colors and brands. They are versatile and adaptable for different applications. Composition shingles are easy to install. In some applications, they can be put over the existing roof. They are low maintenance and most brands offer fire protection.
Cons: Composition shingles can be blown off in high winds and the material is easily scarred when hot. It also does not look like a tile or a shake. If you want a decorative roofing material, this is not for you.
Wood shakes are usually made from cedar but can also be made from other types of wood.
Pros: Wooden shingles give a unique and natural look, and it will add character. They are eco-friendly as they are made from natural and recyclable materials. It offers energy benefits like insulating the attic and allowing the house to breathe through ventilation. Wooden shakes are also relatively affordable.
Cons: Wooden shakes have low fire resistance unless specially coated or treated. This roofing material also has a shorter lifespan and needs more maintenance. The installation for this kind of roofing is more complicated than other roofing materials.
Clay tiles are a type of roofing material that is heavy and are atop most stucco homes. It’s a good choice for homes with a Spanish, Italian or Southwestern design.
Pros: Clay tiles are fired in a kiln, which can add to the energy efficiency of your home. It has a long lifespan, won’t rot, won’t be damaged by insects, not combustible and is low maintenance. It’s also available in many colors and has an attractive look.
Cons: Clay tiles are expensive and they can be broken in severe storms. They are also very heavy so they can be difficult to install. Also, because of their weight, it sometimes requires new reinforcements to the roof before they can be installed. Another con is that the colors might fade away.
Slates are shingle-like slivers of rock and they are used as a roofing material on upscale houses. It is an expensive material but offers a very clean and natural look in many different patterns.
Pros: Slates have a very long lifespan just like clay tiles. It also has good fire protection and is low maintenance. Slates have a very strong composition so they are invulnerable to rot and insects. Another benefit is that slates come in different colors and sizes.
Cons: Slate tiles are heavy and will sometimes require extra support, which can be expensive. They are also breakable so it’s not recommended for non-professionals to walk on it.
This kind of roofing material has become more popular, especially in modern houses. Concrete tiles are lightweight and are manufactured from different fiber-reinforced cement products. Some are coated with enamels, thin metals, or plastics.
Pros: They are long-lasting and very durable. They are also great fire-resistant materials and cost relatively cheaper than clay tiles. Concrete tiles can also fit in a variety of home designs and aesthetics.
Cons: The material may be less expensive compared to clay tiles, but it is still more expensive than asphalt shingles. Concrete tiles can break and crack during heavy winds and may require roof reinforcement due to its weight.
There are so many Reno roofing materials available on the market and most of them promise they can last up to 50 years. Be careful when selecting your roofing materials, especially from suppliers that don’t have a proven track record. If you are looking for a reliable roofing company in Reno with quality roofing contractor services, check out East Fork Roofing, a roofing company in Reno today!
After Roof Replacement
Additional After Photos
Today's featured roof was replaced by East Fork Roofing, LLC during the early part of August 2017 in Gardnerville, NV.
The original shake roof was past its lifespan, so East Fork Roofing removed it and had it disposed of. After that, we looked over the plywood that was underneath and found everything to be well. Once that was done, new charcoal colored metal drip edge, 15 lb felt and asphalt shingles were installed. The client liked the look of wood, but wanted the benefits of composition shingles, so they chose Malarkey Highlander's "Weathered Wood" color blend. (You can learn more about Malarkey's Highlander line here at their website.)
Is it time to upgrade your shake roof to composition shingles? Call East Fork Roofing for your Reno roof replacement estimate 775-800-ROOF (7663).
Roof replacement is a major project and also a big investment. And it means that you need the best roofing contractor for the job. Yet, knowing the right roofer to hire for your home can be a challenging task. You make a couple of phone calls, but more often than not, it’s not enough. When you find yourself in need of the best roofing Reno or Sparks contractor, here are some tips.
Make sure to find a professional roofing contractor
When looking for a professional roofer, insurance is a must. Make sure they have liability insurance, and worker’s compensation. To further check the validity of their insurance, you can call the insurance carrier. Doing this step will ensure that the services and cost of the roof are covered by the insurance.
Find a contractor that can guarantee you they can complete the work they promised to do. One of the ways to do it is to ensure that they have a permanent address and phone number. Visit their offices to see if they have the equipment and employees to finish your project.
When choosing a roofer, a local Reno roofing company would be a better choice. It doesn’t mean that they should be only local. They must have a reputation for delivering quality services in your local community. Knowing the roofing contractor's reputation will help you avoid potential problems. If you are in the Northern Nevada area, East Fork Roofing is the perfect choice for Reno roofing services.
Cheaper rates shouldn’t be your basis when hiring a roofer. Those who do work cheaper will only give you what you pay for. Make sure that price is not your sole criteria when looking for a roofing Reno company. Otherwise, you will end up spending more money to fix your problems. If you hire a reputable and insured roofing contractor, you won't have these issues.
There are some “we were in your neighborhood” roofers who knock on doors and try to sell you. These are some of the roofing companies in Reno, NV that you must avoid. They will tell you that you have storm damage but don’t give in to their antics. Instead, choose a roofing company in Reno with a reputation of having many satisfied clients. When you encounter these "storm chasers," it’s better to ask for a recommendation from your agent and make sure not to sign anything before you are sure.
Agree in writing with your roofing contractor
Make sure that you and the roofing company agree to everything that you want to happen in the project. Make sure that all the details discussed about your agreement are documented. Get in writing the timeline, completion date, size of the crew and other details. Also make sure that both parties adhere to the agreement.
All reputable contractors must have a safety plan. So make sure that your potential roofer also has one. East Fork Roofing is a Reno roofing company that develops safety plans that will guarantee that projects will be completed.
While it’s okay to choose a company who has been in the roofing industry for a year or two, it's advisable to work with someone who has been doing the job for at least five years. If a roofing company has been in business for several years, it means that they have more experience. This also means better workmanship and better quality services for your roof.
When trying to choose from the right roofing companies in Reno NV, East Fork Roofing is your best choice. East Fork Roofing has been serving the Reno-Sparks and surrounding areas since 2005. They are a family owned business specializing in residential roofing. We have a Reno roofing team who always strives to deliver high quality services. We are also proud to say that we are a HomeAdvisor screened and approved Reno roofing contractor.
