Getting a new roof installed on your home is a major project and diving into this type of project could be a major frustration for a homeowner especially when they don’t understand some of the options that are available. This guide will help you spend your money wisely when you choose to get a new roof in Ann Arbor Michigan. Most homeowners replace their roof because they have to, not because they want to which means that when you need a new roof, time isn’t on your side with these options.
Key Options You Need to Know when Getting a New Roof in Ann Arbor Michigan
As with any type of roofing project you’ll need to hire a qualified roofer to install the new roof. Depending on some of the options you may even need to hire a roofer that is qualified with the roofing materials that you will be using for the home. The most common type of roofing used in Ann Arbor Michigan is asphalt roofing shingles but there are other options that you may want to consider.
The Market For Roofing Materials
Majority of the time roofing is sold by what they call the “square”. A square is normally enough roofing to cover 100 square feet. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material used in the United States. The most common shingle used has a fiberglass mat between two layers of asphalt. The top layer has tiny stones embedded in it and this normally helps protect the rest of the shingle from the sun’s rays.
The next type of shingle we are going to talk about is basic three tab shingles. These types of shingles have slits in the front of them. This makes the shingle appear as if it’s three shingles. This is considered a little more fancier than the traditional shingle. Another upgrade would be architectural shingles. These aren’t just considered an appearance upgrade, but they’re a lot more durable than a traditional shingle. This type of shingle also creates a more textured look to your home’s roof which some people may prefer.
A great thing about shingle roofs is that they are pretty inexpensive and just about every professional knows how to install them. Shingle roofs are also pretty fire resistance. They even come to withstand winds up to 130 MPH and include a wind warranty. Most modern day shingles have zinc or copper embedded in them to help prevent algae growth.
The downside of having a shingle roof is that you can normally only get 20 years out of it. You’ll also need to keep it clean and remove moss and debris from it. The upside to it is that most types have a reflective coating on them. This could be a lot more energy efficient, and bring your energy bill down. The typical cost per a square foot is anywhere from 2-4 dollars.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are a lot nicer than the standard shingle. This type of shingle could add a nice antique look to your home. Everyone got wood shingles because of the style they add. Now-a-days they aren’t popular though, because the quality has decreased. Also because they are a pretty dangerous fire hazard. As with standard shingles, these need to also be installed over spaced boards so that the roof can dry.
Wood shingles and shakes perform very well in a dry climate area. If you live in an area that receives a lot of hail you might want to even check out some thicker shakes. Some shakes even offer up to a 50 year warranty.
The downside for wooden shingles and shakes is that a lot of buildings prohibit them because they are not fire-resistant. Also if you have thin shakes on your roof, you could receive hail damage quickly depending on where you live. You also have to periodically clean them. The average cost per a square foot is typically 5-12 dollars. This price may differ depending on where you live.
Metal Panels and Tiles
Metal roofing is one of the fastest growing materials used now. Used to you would only see it on farm buildings, but now everyone is switching to it. You have two basic kinds, standing seam tiles and panels. Typically panels come 16 inches wide and 20 feet long. This is so that they reach from the ridge to the gutters without a seam midways. If you choose to go with metal tiles they can often mimic the wood tiles without having to sacrifice the quality of your roof.
Most metal roofs come with lifetime warranties. This is one of the main reasons why everyone is switching to them. Also they last a very long time. They do however cost more than other types of roofs though. But if you look at the money you will save in the long run, you’ll see that it’s very much worth it. The average cost per a square foot is 3-11 dollars. This style roof also will require cleaning quite frequently.
Whatever type of roof you need it’s always best to talk with a certified and licensed contractor to replace your roof. Be sure to call A2 Roofing in Michigan today to get a free quote on your new roofing project. Call (734) 548-9915 for more details and get a free consultation about your roofing project.
