When your roof needs attention, it’s not always easy to know who to turn to. When an investment in a new roof is on the line, you want transparency regarding the facts so you can make a knowledgeable decision.
What They Aren’t Telling You
However, there are some things that roofing companies in NJ may not tell you. To get quality work now and peace of mind for years to come, make sure you do enough research to become an educated consumer. As you speak with roofers, you may find they don’t always tell you one or more of the following.
Quality Materials are Important
From a distance, different kinds of shingles may look alike, even when they are not. In New Jersey, weather extremes test asphalt shingles in many ways.
Year after year, they must retain their flexibility, keep their protective granules and lay flat in high winds – all while maintaining their curb appeal. The Timberline series of architectural shingles have become the best-selling residential roofing product for many reasons.
The Timberline HD series offers an “enhanced shadow effect” that simulates the look of wood shakes. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has given Timberline shingles a Class-A fire rating, the highest rating possible.
Design and Installation Matter
Roof slope, directional orientation, tree proximity, architectural design and many other factors impact residential roofing systems. A roofing contractor that is willing to customize your new roof to address your unique needs may be a better choice than a roofer that uses a standard “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Consider that improper installation is one of the primary reasons for roof leaks and failures. There is no substitute for a highly experienced crew working under close supervision.
Finally, if you are considering a solar installation now or in the future, it is important to work with a roofer that knows how to work around solar panels.
Warranties Aren’t All the Same
A manufacturer’s warranty is often most relevant many years after a new roof is installed. Some roofers won’t tell you that warranty coverage varies and that some manufacturers are not as strong as others.
In 2011, GAF revolutionized the residential roofing industry with the introduction of its Lifetime Limited Warranty. The following year, the New Jersey-based industry leader introduced its Lifetime Roofing System.
GAF offers various warranty packages, including the basic package Systems Plus, a more detailed package Silver Pledge, and a premium warranty called Golden Pledge. A new residential roof is designed to last many years, which means that the company backing the warranty must be a solid, established enterprise.
Although companies come and go, note that GAF has been around since 1886. It is easier for homeowners to have more confidence in top companies like GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in North America.
Certifications Indicate Quality & Experience
Major roofing manufacturers usually offer better warranties when they have confidence in the roofers installing their products. For example, GAF has its Master Elite certification program.
Fewer than two percent of roofing contractors achieve Master Elite status with GAF, an industry leader headquartered right here in northern New Jersey.
Roofing is Not a “One-Size-Fits-All” Business
There are a vast array of roofing products and warranties offered by manufacturers. It is important to find a local roofing contractor with the knowledge and expertise to match a high-quality roof system to your unique requirements.
For example, relatively more exposure to the sun might point you toward higher R-value insulation combined with highly reflective shingles to reduce cooling costs. The Timberline Cool Series of architectural shingles reflect more of the sun’s ultraviolet rays back into the atmosphere.
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) estimates that cool roofs may cut cooling costs by 7-15 percent. The Asphalt Institute notes that GAF was the very first manufacturer to introduce shingles with enhanced solar reflectance and thermal emittance.
On the other hand, a deeply shaded roof might warrant materials and roof maintenance that address consistently moist conditions. For example, such roofs need to be monitored for moss buildup.
Properly installed, high-quality shingles, moisture barriers and roof decks better resist the constant threat of moisture intrusion and possible leaks. As you compare roofing companies in NJ, you’ll find that some only sell what they like to sell, regardless of what your special situation may require.
That is, everyone gets the same materials and the same standard pricing, which is not what’s best for homeowners. Just as architectural styles vary, so too do roof designs. Don’t invest in a “one-size-fits-all” installation that will inevitably underperform. Instead, invest in a solid, customized roof system that can last for decades.
Customized Roofing Solutions
At CRS, we find the right roof for each unique home. Since 1977, our residential roofing solutions have given homeowners peace of mind in Bergen County, NJ and throughout the surrounding area.
We offer the many different services area homeowners require, including annual roof inspections, routine maintenance and cleaning, emergency and other repairs, re-roofing and full roof replacements.
CRS is proud to be a GAF Master Elite Contractor, which qualifies our customers for the best warranties when we install GAF Timberline Architectural Shingles. Whatever your roofing need, please contact us to arrange a roof inspection today. Estimates are always free!
