Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Maintaining your roof is critical to protecting you and your home, but isn't always an easy task. La Plata can get warmer than many other parts of the country, which puts your roof at risk of heat damage.
No matter the issue, there's a roofing pro near you who can help solve it. Use our guide of La Plata's top roofers to find the right one for your job.
Quality customer service
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Free inspections
Reputation for timeliness
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Transparent pricing
Quality customer service
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Quality customer service
Customer education
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Locally owned
Services Offered
Free inspections
Preventive services
Quality customer service
Honors appointment windows
Transparent pricing
Locally owned
Services Offered
Quality customer service
Customer education
Transparent pricing
Reputation for timeliness
Transparent project updates
Free inspections
Services Offered
Free inspections
Quality customer service
Customer education
Transparent pricing
Honors appointment windows
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Preventive services
Quality customer service
Free inspections
Services Offered
Reputation for timeliness
Transparent pricing
Quality customer service
Free inspections
Transparent project updates
Services Offered
Customer education
Free inspections
Preventive services
Quality customer service
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Transparent project updates
Honors appointment windows
Quality customer service
Free inspections
Preventive services
Customer education
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:
For a project as big as roof replacement, cost matters. Below is the typical price range to replace a roof on a 1,500 square foot home in La Plata. We also compare prices for common roofing materials.
A new roof installation is a major home renovation that can run over twenty thousand dollars total. It's essential to research and find a highly reviewed and recommended roofing company for the job. Here are the top things to evaluate when hiring a roofer.
Though most homeowners don't think about their roof every day, it provides critical protections for your home. Remain alert for these common signs that your roof may need inspection and repairs from a professional roofer.
Your roof's age and material are key factors. The most popular residential roofing material is asphalt shingles, which typically last about 20 to 25 years before needing to be replaced. Have your roof evaluated if it’s reaching this age to determine if a full replacement is needed.
Leaks are a clear sign that your roof needs repair. Stains on ceilings, insulation, or walls, or in your attic often signal that water is getting through worn or damaged shingles. Even minor leaks should be taken care of promptly, as they can result in mold and more damage over time.
If you can see roof deck boards or sheathing under shingles, it shows that those shingles are considerably curling or losing their seal. This means it's time for replacement. Shingles should lie flat to stop water from getting into your home.
Inspect your shingles thoroughly from ground level or a steady ladder. Look for ones that are cracked or that no longer have their protective coating. Over time, storms can cause surface damage. To keep your roof in good shape, replace any missing shingles or ones that have gaping holes.
Roof flashing protects valleys, vents, chimneys, and other areas that pass through the roof. If the metal flashing is damaged, coming loose, or deteriorated, it can leak. Have any issues with roof flashing fixed right away.
A structural problem can lead to noticeable roof sagging or unevenness. If you notice unevenness, schedule a professional inspection. An unsupported roof deck will continue to deteriorate over time.
The best type of roofing material for your home in La Plata will depend on things like your budget and how often you're willing to do maintenance.
Metal costs more but is more durable, while asphalt will be cheaper up front but will require more maintenance. Wood roofs have better insulation than many other materials, which can be very beneficial in the winter.
Usually, roofing work is categorized as 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.
The best time of year for a roof replacement is fall or spring. If you start your roofing job in the summer, warm weather in La Plata can slow down work.
Your roof can impact the energy efficiency of your home. For example, a good roof allows you to use less energy to cool your home during the summer. Certain materials (such as metal) are more energy-efficient than others.
Usually, you should clean your roof about once a year. You might need to do an extra cleaning if there's a buildup of mold, mildew, moss, or leaves.
After your roof installation, check the roof's appearance. If parts are sagging or the roof isn't uniform, this is a sign that the roof was not installed correctly. Also, check that the flashing wasn't reused. Flashing is important to prevent leaks and water damage to your home. Lastly, you'll want to see that your contractor placed an underlayment between the shingles and sheathing of your house. This helps prevent leaks and extends your roof's lifespan.
