Massachusetts Roofing - Common Questions & Answers
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How do I know if I need a new roof? Missing, cracked or curling shingles, Stains on interior walls or ceilings, Leakage in the attic after heavy rains, Blistering or peeling paint, excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts. Shingle, sheathing or siding decay, High energy bills
to name a few. Can my roof be repaired or must it be replaced? It's usually best to have an experienced roofer inspect your roof when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof. You also need to take into consideration the age of the roof. Are your “20 year” shingles more than 15 years old or were they installed just a few years ago. If the roof is well within it's lifespan and you aren't seeing other warning signs chances are good you can simply repair and/or replace those shingles that are causing a problem. How long does it take to replace a roof? Replacing a roof, whether on a commercial or residential building, is a labor-intensive project and, depending on the type of roof, could take anywhere from a few days to 2 or more weeks. The time involved is substantially affected by the weather, as well. Wind, snow, rain, or even just the threat of one of these and may slow the process considerably. If my roof leaks, will I need to have it totally replaced? In limited cases, no. Leaking can occur because some flashing's have come loose or because a section of the roof has been damaged. A roof failure, on the other hand, is generally irreversible and occurs from a large portion being damage by a severe storm, hurricane, tornado or high winds, choice of materials, or from the installation of a roof system inappropriate for the home or building. What are my options if I decide to re-roof? You have two basic options: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of your existing roof system, or re-cover the existing roof system, involving only the installation of a new roof system. If you've already had one re-cover installed on your original roof system, check with a professional roofing contractor. In many instances, building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete replacement is necessary. How long can I expect my roof system to last? Most new roof systems are designed to provide useful service for about 20 years. Some roof system types, such as slate, clay tile and certain metal (e.g., copper) systems, can last longer. Actual roof system life span is determined by a number of factors, including local climatic and environmental conditions, proper building and roof system design, material quality and suitability, proper application and adequate roof maintenance. Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities and financial obligations manufacturers will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lives. Can I do the work myself? Most work should not be done yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace roof systems. You can damage your roof system by using improper roofing techniques and severely injure yourself by falling off or through the roof. Maintenance performed by home and building owners should be confined to inspecting roof systems during the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles and cleaning gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must inspect your roof system yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof system), if possible. What will a new roof cost? The price of a new roof system varies widely, depending on such things as the materials selected, contractor doing the work, home or building, location of the home or building, local labor rates and time of year. To get a good idea of price for your roof system, get three or four proposals from reputable contractors in your area. Keep in mind that price is only one factor, and it must be balanced with the quality of the materials and workmanship. For each roofing material, there are different grades and corresponding prices. There also are a variety of styles and shapes. You need to look at the full product range and make a choice based on your budget and needs. Within the roofing profession, there are different levels of expertise and craftsmanship. Insist on a contractor who is committed to quality work. |
 How can I estimate how much roofing I'll need? Knowing how much roofing material you'll need will make it easier to compare bids from contractors.
Roofs are measured in 100-square-foot areas, or squares. A square of three-tab shingles is typically three bundles, while for laminated shingles a square is usually four bundles. To gauge your needs, multiply the overall length and width of each section of your roof to determine the square footage, adding 10 percent to allow for waste. Then divide that number by 100 to determine how many squares the job will require. If you don’t want to go on your roof to get accurate measurements, you can estimate the roof surface area by using the length and width of your home as the basis. Increase each of these dimensions by the amount the roof overhangs the exterior walls on each side of the home. Since the roof might have distinct sections and because most roofs are pitched, you'll want to increase the number you calculate. Adjust the calculated area by about 5 percent for a low-sloped simple roof to about 40 percent for a complex roof design with a steep slope. When you get bids, be sure the contractor includes the cost of the underlayment (roofing felt), which creates a moisture barrier for the wood sheathing and rafters underneath. And don't forget to factor in adding an ice-and-water shield, which runs along the eaves and the valleys where two wings of the roof intersect, as well as new drip edges and metal flashing, which are often needed around pipes, chimneys, and the like.  Why Choose Best Massachusetts Roofing Co. for Your New Roof or Roof Repair?
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Our skilled roofing contractors install quality roofing throughout eastern MA & RI service area, including the southeastern MA communities of New Bedford MA, Fairhaven MA, Acushnet MA, Mattapoisett MA, Marion MA, Wareham MA, Rochester MA, Lakeville MA, Freetown MA, Taunton MA, Middleboro MA, Fall River MA, Somerset MA, Swansea MA, Seekonk MA, Westport MA, South Dartmouth MA, North Dartmouth MA, and Dartmouth MA; the South Shore MA communities of Mansfield MA, Bridgewater MA, Stoughton MA, Brockton MA, Plymouth MA, and Carver MA; the Cape Cod MA communities of Bourne MA, Falmouth MA, Sagamore MA, Sandwich MA, Barnstable MA, Dennis MA, Centerville MA, Osterville MA, Hyannis MA, Yarmouth MA, YarmouthPort MA, Harwich MA, Brewster MA, Orleans MA, Wellfleet MA, and South Wellfleet MA; and the RI communities of Providence RI, Pawtucket RI, Cumberland RI, Woonsocket RI, Cranston RI, Warwick RI, Bristol RI, Barrington RI, Warren RI, Jamestown RI, Little Compton RI, Tiverton RI, Portsmouth RI, Middletown RI, and Newport RI.