Assessing a new roof is something you need to consult with a professional.  You may know that your home is due for a new roof, but the only way to make that determination is to have a professional roofing company inspect your current roof and evaluate its condition.  

A new roof is going to involve a lot of materials and labor.  You have to consider wood, shingles, asphalt, roofing paper, and the labor involved to install it.  You can estimate your job from the type of shingles you prefer and the scope of work to be done.       However, until a professional roofer walks your roof, inspects, and analyzes it you will never know the full details.  Reputable professional roofers will not recommend a new roof unless you need it so let a pro make the call.

Once the contractor has made the determination you need a new roof whether from age or storm damage it’s time to start considering what you want in terms of a finished roof.  Not all shingles are the same and not all shingles are priced the same.  A professional roofing contractor can help you select the best shingles, type, color, and shingle manufacturer for your roofing needs.  

Roofing isn’t cheap.  It’s labor and materials intensive.  Every roof is different from the next one so don’t base your roofing job on your neighbors.  You may have wood rot and underlying issues that are not known until your roofer begins to tear into your existing roof.  Every step is determined by the age of your current roof, any leaks, damage to existing underlying roof decking, gutter slope, drainage, and more.  

A professional roofer will provide a price per square which translates into 100 square feet of roof space.  The roofing contractor will need to consider the cost per square based on the cost of the shingles you choose, additional protective measures for the roof, overall supplies, and the labor.

Your shingle choice will play an important factor in the overall cost of the job.  Asphalt shingles are typically the cheapest and as you move up the ladder tile and slate are on the higher cost end.  

Keep in mind that your roofer will most likely need to remove your existing roof which will factor into the labor cost of the total job.  If there is wood rot underneath the existing shingles your roofer is going to have to replace those sections with new wood.  This will increase the labor cost, but you don’t want to put down new shingles on a roof deck that has any wood rot, or humidity damage.  Most professional roofers can assess this in their quote.  

Once you select a shingle style and color the roofer can order the necessary materials for the job.  An asphalt shingle roof is going to be somewhere in the ballpark of $5,000+ however if you choose to go with a metal roof it’s going to last longer but the initial investment is going to be more than asphalt shingles.  Metal roofing is much more durable and sustainable than asphalt shingles.  The cost will depend on the quality of metal you choose for your roof.  

Slate, tile, and wood shake roofs are going to be more expensive because of the labor and cost of the actual materials.  Each roofing product as its advantages and drawbacks from installation to maintenance and lifecycle.  This is ultimately a homeowner’s decision.  

When choosing colors for roofing materials lean into your roofing professional.  They know what look, texture, and feel accompany the tenor and tone of a home.  The last thing you want to do is spend thousands of dollars on a roof that is going to hurt you on a resale of the home.  You want the roof to coordinate with the rest of the look and feel of your home.  It should complement the home and not detract from it.

At Gilstrap Roofing we have been advising roof installation and installing new roofs in the Upstate of South Carolina since 1935.  We are a local and family-owned business that takes great pride in our record with the BB and other local ratings.  We treat your roof like it was our own.  Call, or contact us today for all of your roofing needs.

Brian Gilstrap, President  

Gilstrap Roofing

Greenville, SC 29611

864.269.1232

office@gilstraproofing.com

More and more homeowners and commercial companies are considering metal roofs when building or re-roofing. There are many things to consider when thinking about a metal roof. Consider your options such as shingles, wood, and tile roofing.

Metal roofing has many positives and advantages compared to other roofing options. A metal roof will last as long as you own the home. It is resistant to mildew, water damage such as wood rot, insects, snow, and ice. It can withstand higher winds than traditional shingle roofing. Metal roofing is also more fire-resistant than traditional roofing materials. Warranties range from 20-50 years and most carry a paint finish warranty of 25+ years depending upon the manufacturer and the process they use to produce the metal roof product.

While asphalt shingles typically weigh 750 lbs., per 100 square feet a metal roof weighs anywhere from 50 to 150 lbs., per 100 square feet. Metal roofing is lightweight and causes less stress on the attic and roof decking.

Easier Installation
Metal roofing is easier to install and takes less time than traditional roofing. Metal roofing panels typically come in sections that are 12”- 36” wide. The ease of installation cuts down on time and contractor labor costs. Professional roofing companies can install metal roofing fairly quickly and get your roof “in the dry” following storm, hail or wind damage. Because it’s a lightweight material a metal roof requires less support underneath if you are building which results in fewer materials.

Heat Reflection
Metal roofing reflects heat from the sun which saves energy for your air conditioning throughout the day. When metal roofing is installed over foam insulation it can reduce heating and cooling costs.

Fire Reduction Risk:
Metal roofing materials are non-combustible which means you will have a Class-A fire rating. However, the sub materials used in the roofing could ignite in extensive heat. The majority of metal roofs installed on top of wood shingles have a low Class-C rating.

A metal roof usually requires a minimal roof pitch which means you can go lower without leaks or water damage. Typically the minimum roof pitch is 3-in-12. This is also an advantage when it comes to rain and snow. The pitch and the way the panels of a metal roof come together promote snow and ice melt instead of trapping them in ice dams which can occur upon traditional asphalt shingle roofs. The pitch and design promote melting or expelling of moisture so your roof remains dry.

Metal roofing is more expensive than traditional roofing, but the investment typically pays for itself in the years of service. Keep in mind that the sound of rain against a metal roof isn’t for everyone. And while a metal roof is highly resistant to the elements it can still be dented, or damaged by significant hail storms, or falling branches.

Ultimately, the decision to install a metal roof or asphalt shingles is up to the homeowner.

At Gilstrap Roofing we’ve been serving the roofing needs of the Upstate in South Carolina since 1935. Call us today and let’s discuss the best roof for your new home or replacement roof. We will not install a roof that we do not recommend as it relates to your specific circumstances and application. We want to make sure we have the right roof for your unique needs. Our name is on every job and we want to make sure it’s the right roof for you!

We offer comprehensive roofing services, completed by our professional team of skilled technicians, giving you peace of mind that your roof will last. As a family-owned business with a Better Business Bureau A+ rating, we care about our workmanship.

Brian Gilstrap, President
Gilstrap Roofing
Greenville, SC 29611
864.269.1232 Email: office@gilstraproofing.com