What types of services do roofing companies generally offer?

There are almost as many roofing services as there are roofing companies. Every company probably has a little bit different scope of services, but most offer some combination of the following: tear-off and re-roof, re-cover with synthetic materials, repair of leaks and broken tiles, repairs to skylights and fascias, cleaning and resealing of the roof surface, installation of drainage systems to prevent water buildup on the roof from becoming a problem in future years, evaluation of the condition of your current roof for potential moisture problems or pest infestation, and replacing missing shingles.

Tear-off and re-roof

This is a full roof replacement generally not including the wooden decking beneath the roof. Old shingles and underlayment will be removed and they will be replaced with new shingles, underlayment and flashings. Things like roof ventilation and metal drip edge might also be added to comply with current codes.

Re-cover with synthetic materials

In addition to installing single-ply materials like asphalt and a granulated slag (G-Slag) roof, some companies will also install synthetic materials like rubber, plastic, and synthetic fibers. While these are generally more expensive than asphalt shingles, they will last longer (some claim up to 50 years versus around 20 years for asphalt), they can be more environmentally friendly, and they can be installed in areas less suitable for asphalt, such as coastal areas.

Repair of leaks and broken tiles

If you have a leak, a good roofing company should be able to find it, figure out what caused it, and fix it. Most roofing companies will also clean your roof before they leave to make sure that any dirt or debris that caused the problem is gone.

Repairs to skylights and fascias

A roofing company may also do work on any other structures on your roof, like skylights and fascias (decorative roofing along the edge of the roof). They can check for damage or leaks and make any necessary repairs.

Cleaning and resealing of the roof surface

Some companies offer soft roofing, which is basically roof cleaning and resealing. The roof cleaning alone can reduce the amount of dirt and dust on your roof and surrounding areas, reducing the amount of maintenance you have to do. The resealing will help keep rainwater from leaking through the roof and into your attic.

Installation of ice and water protection systems

Some roofing companies will also install ice and water protection systems on your roof. These systems are designed to divert excess water from your roof so it doesn’t flow into your home.

Installation of drainage systems to prevent water buildup on the roof from becoming a problem in future years

If your roof is already leaking due to water buildup, a roofing company can install a drainage system to help combat the problem. However, if you want to prevent the problem from happening in the first place, it might be wise to talk with a roofer about drainage systems before you experience a problem. It’s easier to make the decision to spend the money on a drainage system before you know you need it than after you’ve already had a leak and need to spend the money to fix it.

Replacing missing shingles

If your roof is missing shingles due to wind damage, individual shingles can be installed to fill in the gaps created by missing shingles. This is generally a simple repair only taking between 1-4 hours depending on the severity of the damage.

Summary

Ultimately, the best roofing company for you will depend on your budget, the work they do, and your experience with them. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations, and make sure you ask them about the quality of their work, communication, and clean-up. It’s also a good idea to check out reviews online and on social media. If a company has tons of negative reviews, it could be a sign that they are not a good choice for you. Roofing is a major investment, so make sure you find a company that you feel comfortable working with. You don’t want to be stressed out during or after the job is done.