by Lacy Enderson

Created on: May 26, 2008   Last Updated: April 04, 2012

So many roofing choices and you know nothing about of any of them. This is where the contractor comes in handy. A quality conscious, certified, contractor/roofer has the answers to your roofing questions. Use his expertise.

Start by choosing the proper roofing material for your home remembering that most cities require a roof pitch of at least 3 to 12 in order to use shingles or shakes. A lower roof pitch requires alternate roofing material such as; tar & gravel, bitumen and roll roofing.

Although roof shingles are by far the most attractive, they do not properly seal. Shingles on a low pitch roof will leak. Unless you are planning on sealing the roof first with a rubber roofing material or a peel and stick adhesive, it's best to stay away from shingles. With that said, most homes have a higher pitch, so shingles and shakes are acceptable.

When driving down a street it is the beautiful cedar shake rooftops you'll notice. If you have a contractor who specializes in quality, the life expectancy of a shingle roof can be anywhere from 20 to 40 years.

One of the best shingle roofing materials is the asphalt composition shingle. These shingles are made of an organic or fiberglass base with a topcoat of asphalt, covered with minerals, for weather resistance. This shingle comes in a wide variety of colors to fit any aesthetic need, and the great thing about asphalt shingles is they can be overlaid with new shingles as long as the initial layer remains in good condition.

With so many roofing material options available it is important to do your homework. Don't be fooled into the first plan of action you receive. Make sure to get several opinions from different contractors. Obtaining advice on material and contractors from your local hardware store is a highly recommended suggestion.

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