Orange County

Your roof is in desperate need of a makeover. But the last thing you want is a botched job. We're sharing how to choose the best orange county roofing company!

Have you taken a good look at your roof lately?

If your shingles are curling, cracked, or missing, that means it's time for a new roof.

It's not a home repair you should put off too long. Though it is understandable if you've been procrastinating. 

Finding a great roofing company can be a little daunting! Especially if you don't know what to look for or the right questions to ask. 

Your roof is in desperate need of a makeover. But the last thing you want is a botched job. We're sharing how to choose the best Orange County roofing company!

When it comes to picking out a new roof for your home, or even a roof for your new construction home, it pays to look at things through a buyer’s eyes. Even if you’re planning to stay in your home for several years, you never know what will happen. So whether you’re renovating or building a brand new home, take time to think about what today’s buyers are looking for when choosing a roof.

Not sure what buyers in your area like? Talk with a local realtor, or ask your Orange County roofing contractor what other homeowners in the area are doing. Getting an idea of the current trends will help you make the best possible choice when it comes to choosing a roof for your home.

Here are some of the considerations to make when you’re looking at your roofing choice as a buyer would:

Whether you’re looking to replace your roof, do some minor repairs, or subcontract the roof of your new-build home, you need to take some specific steps to find a great contractor. The contractor who does your job can make all the difference in the world. A great Orange County roofing contractor can make for a smooth, easy process of getting your job complete. But a bad contractor can result in not only headaches along the way, but shoddy workmanship that costs more in the long run.

So before you rush into signing a contract, follow these five tips for finding an excellent roofing contractor:

1.Go local

Your best bet when it comes to hiring a contractor is to go local. Local contractors, more than large companies or even installation crews from big chain hardware stores, understand the local markets. They’re more likely to understand what materials and techniques work best in your area. Plus, they’ll follow the current trends, so you can be sure that your roof looks up-to-date if you’re going for a replacement.

Also, local contractors are more likely to offer personalized, in-person service. This can make the whole process of getting your roofing project completed much easier.

2.Check for licensing and insurance

In Southern California, roofing contractors should be licensed by the state. They should be able to provide you with a license number, and you can cross reference that with the state database to ensure that the license is up to date. While not all licensed contractors are necessarily excellent, this is a good baseline to begin with.

So it’s time to replace the old roof on your home? Or maybe you’re doing a new build, but can’t decide what type of roof to put on your home.

With all the options on the market today - from metal to asphalt to clay and concrete tile - it can be difficult to pick a roofing material that will work best for you and your home. Luckily, a few steps can get you through much of the choosing process up front. Here are the steps you should take to eliminate some roofing materials right off the bat so that you can do your due diligence and choose the roof that will work best for your particular needs.

First, eliminate the impossible

The first thing you should do is eliminate any roofing types that are completely unsuitable for your home and the Southern California climate. On this second point, most types of roofing material can be made to suit the climate in SoCal. However, you’ll see cedar shake shingles less often here because the dry weather and sun exposure may weather them more quickly.

You should also look into the types of materials that your roof can support. Heavier materials, such as concrete and clay tiles, take a stronger supporting structure and underlayment than lighter options. While you can often retrofit a house to support these materials, this could add significantly to your costs. So ask your Orange County roofing contractor whether your current structure will support all types of materials, and you may be able to eliminate some options off the bat.

If you’re getting ready to hire a contractor to work on your roof, you’ll definitely want to do your homework. Your roof is one of the most important systems in your home. After all, it’s what protects everything else in your home!

Before you hire a contractor, make sure you’re getting the best Orange County roofing company by finding out these details about the company in question:

1.Licensing information

The first, and simplest, step to take when hiring a roofing contractor is to find out about the company’s licensing information.

Hiring roofers in Orange County is a big deal for a homeowner. Getting your roof repaired or replaced can cost big money. And you want to be sure you’re spending your cash wisely and well. So before you sign a contract with a roofer, ask these 9 questions to be sure you’re hiring the right roofing company:

1. Are you licensed?Roofers in Orange County should be licensed by the state. A license doesn't guarantee excellent work, but working with an unlicensed contractor is sketchy, at best.

2. Are you a member of any roofing associations? Again, the fact that a roofing company is a member of a roofing association doesn't guarantee that they do good work. But those who are association members tend to be more up-to-date on the latest methods and products on the market. Association membership can prove that a roofing company is serious about its work.

Orange County Roofers

Roofs and roof repairs cost homeowners a huge chunk of change - between $4,000 and $15,000 for a full replacement. So you definitely want to be sure to get your money’s worth when hiring an Orange County roofer. Here’s how:

Know How They Charge

Typical roofers charge according to “squares” - ten-by-ten sections of roof. The average roof has between 28 and 32 squares, which may or may not need replaced, according to your needs.

When it comes to actually replacing a roof, Orange County roofers will start by charging for the removal of the old roof. And your costs will depend on how many shingle layers are on the old roof. And if your roof is extra high or extremely steep, expect to pay more.

The Orange County roofer will also charge for installation of the new underlay and shingles. And, of course, you’ll have to pay for the actual materials used to complete your new roof or roof repairs.

Know Your Options

When it comes to roof repair and replacement, you’ve got plenty of options. For instance, you could have the roofer install new shingles over the old ones, instead of removing the old shingles. This is cheaper, but it also reduces the lifespan of your new shingles. However, if you’re on a really tight budget, this is an option to consider.