Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Caring for your roof, while important, isn't always simple. Damage to the roof of your Essex home can result in loss of energy efficiency, water damage, or pest infestations.
No matter the issue, there's a roofing professional near you who can help solve it. Use our guide of Essex's top roofers to find the right one for your job.
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Free inspections
Customer education
Quality customer service
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Transparent pricing
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Quality customer service
Transparent project updates
Customer education
Preventive services
Transparent pricing
Free inspections
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Transparent project updates
Free inspections
Customer education
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Customer education
Free inspections
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on roofers to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Cost is a major consideration when replacing a major piece of your home like your roof. Below, see the average price range for roof replacement on a 1,500 square foot home in Essex, as well as price differences between various popular roofing materials.
A new roof installation is a major home renovation that can cost over twenty thousand dollars total. It's essential to research and find a top-rated, trusted roofing company for the job. Here are some important considerations for hiring a roofer.
Though most homeowners don't think about their roof every single day, a roof plays an important role in keeping a home safe and secure. Be on the lookout for these signs that your roof might need professional attention.
The age and material of your roof are important. Asphalt shingles, the most popular roofing material for homes, typically last about around 20–25 years. If your roof is approaching or past this lifespan, have it inspected to see if complete replacement is necessary.
One of the clearest signs of roof trouble is water leaks. Stains on your ceilings, walls, or insulation, or in your attic likely indicate water seeping through damaged or worn shingles. Even small leaks can be an issue, as they can facilitate mold growth and further damage your roof.
If you can see roof decking or sheathing underneath your shingles, it means those shingles are curling substantially or losing their seal and need to be replaced. Shingles should lie flat to keep water from getting into your house.
Inspect your shingles closely from a steady ladder or while on the ground. Look for shingles that have cracked or no longer have their protective granule layer. Storms can cause roof damage over time. To keep your roof in good condition, replace any shingles that have become detached or have gaping holes.
Roof flashing creates a watertight seal around vents, valleys, chimneys, and other areas where water can leak into your home. Cracked, peeling or deteriorated flashing can allow leaks. We recommend quickly addressing any problems with the roof flashing that come up.
An uneven roofline may indicate a structural issue that requires professional evaluation. Without properly addressing and resolving the issue, a sagging roof will continue to worsen.
The best type of roofing material for your home in Essex will depend on a number of factors, such as your budget and how often you want to do maintenance.
Asphalt is less costly, while options like metal are more expensive but last longer. You also might choose a material like wood for its environmentally friendly nature.
Generally, roofing work is considered home improvement, in which case your roofer needs to have a license from the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). To be licensed with the MHIC, a contractor needs to have at least two years of work experience and hold general liability insurance.
Roof cleaning generally costs about $352 in Essex. The total cost will depend on the square footage of your roof, how many levels it has, its material, and how thorough the cleaning will need to be.
Your roof does impact the energy efficiency of your home. For example, in the summer a good roof helps you cool your home more efficiently. Certain roofing materials, like metal, provide superior insulation compared to other types.
Some roof replacement costs may be covered by your home insurance if you use one of your insurance company's preferred contractors (if it has any). It might be easier to get some costs covered if the damage was caused by a covered weather event like a tornado. You should reach out to your home insurance company to learn whether either of these situations apply to you.
The signs that a roofer did a good job are: the shingles all have a uniform appearance, the roof is not sagging, and the flashing and underlayment were properly installed.
