There are lots of various reasons for replacement of a roof, leakage, rotted ceiling joists, many problems. First on the list you need to know how serious the problem is. Obviously, the one place to begin would be to move back and look at your roof from the street. Identify any sags, depressions, and loose tiles. If you don't see anything that stands out, your due for an inside inspection. Try to smell any mold or mildew, see defects to the outside, you need to get some assistance.
You will need to do some investigating beforehand. Has someone in the neighborhood had their roof fixed in recent past? You need to talk to them and find out which contractor they found and ask how satisfied they were. Look on the internet, and check roofers in your neighborhood.
First thing to expect is that not all contractors are the same, and you will need to get (several|many} estimates. Make note of|Write down} as much info as you can when talking to each one, and be sure you ask plenty of questions about roofing materials, how long the job will expect to take and any hidden costs.
What style of roof you have, sloped, and flat, what area of the country you reside in and what types of materials are used dramatically effect costs. If you reside in a region with weather extremes, severe cold, hurricanes, etc. effect costs.
You will need to speak with your contractor for the best materials, and then do some checking by yourself. You will need the longest lasting, so that you won't have to replace or repair as often. You may find the cost may be a bit more, but you could save hundreds even thousands in the long run.
Asphalt shingles are likely the most common and fairly cost effective materials,and are usually guaranteed to last 20-30 years. Wood shingles can stay viable up to twenty-five years, but require a lot of routine maintenance.
There are tin, tile, and terra cotta as well. While a stone roof is the longest lasting, it is also the most expensive, at up to $40 per square foot. You mostly find these on more high end homes, but depending on the quality of the stone, can survive for up to two hundred years.
If you want to do things right it is going to take a while. Even if you need someone to come in and repair a leak, you should get someone who is going to fix it properly the first time. When searching for a contractor some things to note. Make sure that they maintain a contractors license, are bonded and insured. Check with the local business directory and other places to be sure they haven't had any complaints. A really good barometer of a good roofer is how long they have been in business. The longer they have been in business the more competent they will be. Verify all referrals, and if the roofer is not able to give these out, find another one.
