When a homeowner is ready for a new roof, there are several things to consider. These include selecting a roofing contractor, deciding on accessories and products,

and choosing the color and style. Factors in decision-making include what the type of material construction, the pitch of the roof, the budget and the climate.

Roofing Accessories & Products

There are different types of shingles and accessories available for roofing systems. The homeowner should look over the types of shingles on the market and decide what type of protection they are looking for, what types of warranties are offered and what they can reasonably afford. Asphalt shingles are one option, while slate roofing and shake shingles are others. Roofing accessories include attic ventilation items, such as attic intake and exhaust vents, louvers, snow guards, house fans and roof caps.

Shingle Styles and Colors

Shingle colors and materials were once very limited. There was little personal creativity and style involved in what the roofing system looked like. Shingling is now available in nearly every color imaginable, but different shades may be offered more readily in some parts of the country than others. Deciding whether the color of the shingles should blend or contrast with the color of the rest of the house is a matter of personal preference. Shingle designs vary greatly with the type of material chosen. Slate shingles, for example, work well with Georgian style homes, due to their classic look and use of columns. Wood shake shingles are popular with Spanish Colonial architecture, featuring stucco fronts with a steep roofline and side gables.

Roofing Contractors

While putting shingles on a roof sounds like a simple task, most people find it is worth the investment to have it done by a professional. Finding the right roofing contractor requires asking the right questions and looking at examples of the work previously done by the roofers under consideration. The homeowner should make sure that the roofing company is fully licensed and insured to practice in that particular state. Check with the local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to find out whether the roofing contractor is in good standing. Look at photos or at the actual structures where previous work has been done. Ask the roofers under consideration whether their employees have ongoing professional training in their specialties. All of these factors combined will likely lead to a quality installation of a roofing system that will look attractive and last a long time.