Knowing your best roof alternatives is essential when requesting a residential roof installation. A professional Austin roofing contractor will be able to walk you through most of the process of a residential roof installation. Still, if you want to get ahead of the process, this article may help you.
On this page, we’ll cover the main types of roofing materials that roofing contractors use in Austin, TX, how the roof inspection process works, and how much time Texas homeowners have to wait for their roof repairs and installations.
What Are the Four Main Types of Residential Roofing?
There are plenty of options for your residential roofing needs in Austin, TX. However, there are four primary options that every Austin roofing contractor suggests for almost every project.
Let’s cover each of these options below:
Asphalt Shingles
This is the most common roofing material for people looking for affordability. Overall, these shingles look more natural than metal or wood and are easier to install.
You may not need to spend that much money if you need a roofing repair for an asphalt shingle roof. In essence, if you’re going for your first roofing project or are simply looking for an affordable material, asphalt roof shingles are the way to go.
Another great thing about this material for your new roof is that it’s available in different styles and colors, making them perfect for those who want more creativity with their property.
Unfortunately, this material also has some downsides compared to other roofing materials, including:
- They last between 15-25 years with proper maintenance, making them one of the least durable materials on the market.
- They can be easily damaged by debris, hail, and strong winds.
- They’re not environmentally friendly.
- They don’t perform as well under extreme weather conditions.
Metal Roofing
Metal flashing (and roofs, in general) are perfect for those who want to make their existing roof more sophisticated. An excellent thing about getting a new roof with metal is that they’re much more resistant to extreme weather conditions and are also simple to fix through professional roofing repairs.
As with roofs with existing shingles made of asphalt, roofs with metal shingles also provide several different styles and colors that people can choose from. If you’re unsure of what option to go for, the roofing company you choose can help you develop the best idea.
Finally, these new roofs made of metal are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, which is excellent news for everyone!
Now, let’s take a look at the disadvantages that come from coating your entire roof with metal shingles:
- They’re much more expensive than other options.
- These roofs can be noisy and can dent.
- If you don’t install them with professional roofing services in Austin, TX, you expose yourself to trapped condensation, which leads to mold and mildew.
- Metal materials can contract and expand thanks to constant temperature changes.
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Tile Roofing
Whether you go for flat roofs or other variants, tile roofing may have crossed your mind. Many people use tile for their roof installation because of its durability.
If you provide a frequent roof inspection service to the roof and also provide proper maintenance, your roof in Austin, TX, can last up to 50 years.
Another reason people go for this type of roofing is that it looks good in most properties and is energy efficient/environmentally friendly.
Now, if this is a roofing material that will last for decades with the appropriate preventative maintenance, what are its disadvantages?
- It’s one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market.
- It’s heavy, so it needs a sturdy roof framing and deck. Otherwise, your home in Central Texas could suffer from structural problems in the future.
- You can need to hire someone with premium-quality workmanship to install this roof in the Austin area, as it has special instructions.
- The material itself is fragile and can break easily.
Wood Shake/Shingles
Finally, we have these roofing materials. Overall, they’re affordable, beautiful, and durable, so what’s the catch?
- You must provide frequent maintenance with the best roofers in Austin, TX.
- Shingles and wood shakes aren’t as resistant to severe weather conditions as other materials.
- These materials aren’t easy to find in some areas.
- You may have to pay a higher roof installation cost, as they need a specialized installation process.
How Do I Estimate The Cost Of A New Roof?
Hiring a professional company will most likely help you address all your roofing needs much more comfortably.
Many factors affect how much you’ll pay for your service, which we’ll cover in this section.
Here’s everything you should keep in mind when estimating the cost of a new roof in Austin, TX:
- Labor Costs
- Your Roof’s Current Condition
- The Type of Roof You Want
- The Pitch Elevation of Your Roof
- Your Current Location
- The Roof’s Size
- The Time of the Year
Unfortunately, you can’t calculate an accurate cost without the help of a professional, as they’re the ones who have all the information you need to calculate everything.
Thankfully, most of these companies offer free estimates to help you develop the right roofing project for your home. If you’re serious about your roof installation process, then make sure you’re contacting a reputable company first.
How Long Does It Take To Roof A 2,000 Sq Ft House?
It mainly depends on the professionals you hire, the materials you will use, and what service you request.
Generally speaking, installing a 2,000-square-foot roof with the best materials can optimistically take one to three days. Still, your roofing professional will always give you an estimate of how long the project will take.
How Long Does It Take To Roof A 3,000 Square Foot House?
Logically, roofing a 3,000-square-foot house will take longer than smaller ones.
In essence, you can expect your roofing professional to take between three and five days to finish everything, although some factors could make the professional take the whole week.
Typically, people recommend requesting roofing services in the fall, as the mild temperatures make it much easier to install your roof without any problems.
If you work with a trustworthy roofing professional, you can expect your roof project to be done within a few days.
How Do You Know If You Need A Roof Repair Or Replacement?
Many signs can tell you you need to repair or replace your roof.
Overall, you should always check for signs of damage to your roof, exterior walls, vent pipes, and others. Storm damage, for example, can wreak havoc on your roof, so if you’ve recently gone through one of these events, we recommend you schedule a roof inspection right away.
Some specific things you should check before requesting repairs or installations include the following:
- Leaks or seepage
- Paint blistering
- Ceiling stains
- Mold or mildew
- Higher utility bills
While you can do all of that yourself, we recommend you do your inspection with a professional. That way, you can assess the damage more accurately.
Bottom Line – Schedule Your Next Roofing Project Today
There’s nothing better than knowing you have a healthy and sturdy roof over your head. While replacing a roof can be expensive sometimes, the investment is always worth it.
If you’re considering installing a new roof on your property, talk to a professional to get a brief overview of all available options!