As the highest point of the house, your roof endures extreme weather conditions; it keeps water out and protects your home.
A well-chosen, properly installed roof should last for years without fail. Investing in quality roof repair services now can increase your home's value and deliver long-term returns.
Choosing the right roofing material is important as it affects both durability and installation costs. Factors such as roof pitch, size, style of your home, and budget all play a role in the selection process. With many roofing material options available, each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials for a reason–They are designed to protect a home through decades of exposure with minimal upkeep. They also come in various colors and styles. This way, you can find one that complements your home’s exterior.
Shingles with higher asphalt content last longer due to their increased density. Asphalt shingles are fairly durable. However, they can still be damaged. You should assess your roof after major storms.
Three major categories of asphalt roofing shingle products are available: Strip (3-tab) shingles, Dimensional (Architectural) shingles, and Luxury shingles. It is important to understand the difference to make the best decision for you and your home.
Strip Asphalt Shingles
Also known as three-tab shingles, strip shingles are the most basic asphalt shingles. Prior to the 1970s, strip shingles were the predominant roofing shingle on the market.
Today, strip shingles are mainly used on budget-friendly home builds. They are also commonly chosen by homeowners replacing shingles on roofs with strip shingles.
Strip shingles are made from a single layer of asphalt and have a flat appearance. The exposed portion of the shingle is notched to create three tabs. The tabs are lined along their lower edges. This makes them look like one large piece.
Pros
Lightweight
Most economical means to cover a roof
The flat profile makes it hard for the wind to lift or get under the shingles.
Damaged shingles can be easily replaced
Wide variety of colors and styles available
Cons:
If strong wind gets underneath, their lightweight design makes them more susceptible to damage
Over time, the oils in the shingles rise to the top. The elements then wash or dry them away, making the shingles weak and brittle.
Largely obsolete, replaced by Architectural shingles on modern homes
Dimensional (Architectural) Asphalt Shingles
In the 1970s, manufacturers began producing thicker shingles that came to be called dimensional, or architectural shingles. Dimensional shingles have become the most prevalent asphalt shingle roofing material and feature a thicker layer of asphalt. The effect is a shingle with a thicker, “3D” appearance.
Dimensional shingles are engineered to replicate natural slate or wooden shake.
Pros:
Stronger and thicker than strip shingles
Longer service life span than strip shingles
6 nail installation method provides durability
Most dimensional shingles are rated for 110-130 mph. Suitable for use in high wind and storm-prone areas
Improved warranty protection
Cons:
On low sloped roofs, the higher profile makes them more susceptible to wind damage
Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than slate tiles
Luxury/Premium Asphalt Shingles
Luxury shingles are the highest quality laminated shingles. They offer a differentiated, multi-dimensional appearance. In recent years, ultra-dimensional shingles have become popular for their thickness, premium protection, and high-quality aesthetic.
Pros:
Mimics the look of old-world wood shake and slate roofing.
Very durable because of their thickness
High quality shingles can last a lifetime - up to 50 years
Cons:
Expensive
Specialty Asphalt Shingles
Many manufacturers now deliver a variety of specialty products that exist across all asphalt shingle types. These include shingles that resist hail, reflect heat to keep homes cooler, and fight algae.
If you are interested in learning more about any type of asphalt shingle roofing products, call us anytime. We’d be happy to discuss solutions that fit your home and budget.
Wood Shingles And Shake Roofs
Wood shingles have protected homes for centuries. They are crafted from cedar, spruce, hardwood, cypress, or treated pine. While beautiful, wood roofs require more maintenance than asphalt ones.
People often ask about the difference between wood shingles and wood shakes. Wood shakes split from logs to create a rough, rustic texture. On the other hand, wood shingles are machine-cut to size and tapered for a smoother look.
Pros:
Curb appeal
Environmentally friendly
Energy efficient
Resistant to wind
Certain wood shingles (e.g. cedar) are natural pest deterrents
If chemically treated, offers resistance to moisture and is fire resistant
Does not lose form or structure in high humidity or moist conditions
Versatile (can be installed in countless ways)
Cons:
Certain woods absorb and retain moisture (which can cause mold and mildew to grow)
Wood is flammable by nature. They still pose a fire threat even if treated.
Over time, they can fade or discolor, which some people find appealing.
May crack, which can lead to water damage
Susceptible to pests
Can be more expensive than other types of roofing
Requires special skills to install
We regularly provide roof repair services and install new wood roofs. Call us to learn more. One of our roofing professionals will assist you.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing has a long history on homes, farms, and commercial buildings. They are engineered to last decades longer than most materials. Its large, interlocking panels resist uplift from high winds.
With a lifespan of 50-100 years, metal roofing stands out as the strongest and most durable option. When installed correctly, metal roofing can withstand:
Rain and Moisture
Pests
Snow
High Winds
Hail
Mold, Mildew and Algae
UV Exposure
Pros:
Durability
Low maintenance
Eco-friendly (metal roofs are recyclable)
Multiple styles, colors, and materials available
Fire resistant
Energy efficient (metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat)
Can be installed directly over an older roof without removing the old roofing material
Cons:
Expensive in the short-term
Not suitable for complex or curved roofs
Can be loud (especially in heavy rain or hail)
Falling branches and large hail can cause dents (which are costly to repair)
Metal expands and contracts (panels can loosen over time)
Older metal roofs may be difficult to color match
Water collections may cause rust (if installed improperly)
Slate Roofs
Slate—the king of roofing materials—is highly valued for its luxury aesthetic and durability. Architects have admired slate for centuries for its clean lines and timeless look.
The cost of slate roofs varies depending on the roof size and type of slate used. Slate roofs last longer than any other material. Proper maintenance can enable them to last up to 100 years. However, without regular care, they may deteriorate after 30 years.
Pros:
Increased home value
Curb appeal
Eco-friendly
Durability
Cons:
Expensive
Requires regular maintenance
Complex and lengthy installation
Slate pieces can break if handled improperly prior to installation
Limited styles and color options
Heavy (many homes don’t have the structural support to take the weight)
Other Roofing Types:Energy-Efficient Shingle Roofs
ENERGY STAR-rated shingles deliver the protection you expect while boosting your home’s energy efficiency. These shingles can lower your roof’s surface temperature by up to 50 degrees and reflect solar energy. They assist in reducing heat transfer into your home and decreasing the need for air conditioning.
An energy-efficient roof also reduces UV damage and extends its lifespan. Many cool roof products qualify for energy rebates and incentives.
Clay Or Concrete Tile Roofs
Clay and concrete roofing materials are grouped together because they are both masonry materials with similar installation methods. The tiles overlap or interlock with adjacent ones.
These roofs work well in warm climates with low rainfall. Typically found on Spanish-style homes, clay and concrete tiles are unsuitable for areas with freezing temperatures and regular rainfall.
Composite Shingle Roofs
Composite roofs consist of a number of different materials used in the manufacturing process. One of the most common types of composite roofing material is created to simulate the look of slate. Composite shingles carry some of the industry’s longest warranties due to their durability and longevity.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs require a flat roofing material to prevent leaks when the pitch is too low. Rubber membrane roofs seal low-slope or flat roofs. Examples are such as those over garages and porches–where traditional roofing won’t work.
Other flat roofing options include rolled asphalt, TPO, EPDM, and Torch. Installing flat roofs can be complicated. For this reason, hiring an experienced professional is necessary for roof repair services, replacements, or installations.
Roof Designs
A home’s roof design is generally contingent on the region’s climate. There are hundreds of types of roof designs that exist today. The following contains some of the most common roof designs:
Gable Roof
Gabled roofs are one of the most common types of roof designs. This type of roof has two slopes on each side and meets at its peak. Gabled roofs can be steep or shallow–depending on the structure of the building.
In addition to classic gable roofs, other popular variations include a front gable roof, cross gable roof, and Dutch gable roof.
Pros:
Low Maintenance
Weather-Resistant (suitable for regions with snowfall)
Cons:
Energy-Efficiency (not as energy efficient as other types of roof design)
Gambrel Roof
Like a gabled roof, a gambrel roof has two slopes on each side, with a shallower slope above each one. Gambrel roofs are also known as “barn roofs”.
Pros:
Additional space in the attic or on the top floor
Weather-resistant (suitable for regions with snowfall)
Cons:
Complex construction
High maintenance (versus gabled roofs)
Mansard (French) Roof
Mansard roofs have slopes on each side with a shallower pitched or flat roof area on top.
Pros:
Larger appearance (the steep slopes make the home appear much larger)
Added space (that can be used for storage), Curb Appeal
Cons:
More expensive than other roofing types
Not ideal for areas that receive heavy snowfall
Hip Roof
Hip roofs have a simple design and come in several variations. A standard hip roof features two trapezoidal faces on the long sides and two triangular planes on the shorter sides. All four sides slope towards a central ridge and extend outward to the house's exterior walls.
Pros:
Stable construction
Wind resistance
Drainage
Versatile (can be used on any style of home)
Cons:
Expensive
Complex installation
Risk of leakage
Shed Roof
While commonly found on barns, this type of roof design has become popular with modern/contemporary homes and on home additions. A shed roof is a flat roof on a single profound slope.
Pros:
Contemporary aesthetic
Cost effective
Effective water shedding (because of the steep slope)
Natural sunlight
Versatile roofing options
Cons:
Susceptible to high winds
Little (or no) attic space
Lower interior ceiling heights
Limited style options
Roof Maintenance
Many people think roofs don’t require maintenance. However, that’s far from true. Regular care helps extend your roof’s life and protects your investment. Routine maintenance can save you thousands in future roof repair services.
Soft Wash
Periodic roof repair services and cleaning are key to maintaining your roof’s health. Soft wash cleaning is a safe, cost-effective method that won’t damage gutters or shingles and can extend your roof’s life. It gently removes dirt, algae, mold, and other growth using a biodegradable liquid soap formula.
Soft washing also works on driveways to remove moss or clean siding and decks. Honey-Do-Men strongly recommends avoiding pressure washing for your roof or aluminum siding. Doing so can cause serious damage and isn’t effective against mold, mildew, or algae.
Honey Do Men highly recommends that you never use a pressure washing method to clean your roof (or Aluminum siding) as it can cause significant damage. In addition, pressure washing is not an effective deterrent against mold, mildew and algae growth.
Pros:
Does not damage roof
Curb appeal
Helps keep algae and moss from growing back
Uses 90% less water than pressure washing
Can extend the life of your roof by preventing deterioration
Less expensive than replacing roof prematurely
Cons:
If not done properly, can damage the roof and the vegetation
Requires more time and effort than pressure washing
Not suitable for all types of roofs
COMMON ROOFING PROBLEMS
Common roofing problems include:
Roof Leaks
Roof leakage is common in regions with fluctuating weather conditions and temperatures, such as New York and Connecticut. Roof leaks can be caused by a multitude of factors including:
Ice dams
Neglect
Age
Loss of missing shingles
Clogged gutters
Blistering
A blistering roof is the result of water damage to an asphalt shingle. The heat from the sun can cause shingles to expand and contract. This can lead to stretches and tears.
Ponding
Water accumulation can lead to damage when not drained. It can also lead to algae growth, which can cause even more damage.
Faulty Installation
Roofs that aren’t installed properly will eventually fail. Issues like incorrect shingle installation or misplaced nails can lead to costly problems. Examples include interior leaks, siding damage, and reduced energy efficiency.
Damaged Flashing
If you don’t check your roof’s flashing annually, it can get damaged and lead to interior leaks.
Wind Damage
As roofs age, they become more prone to damage. Regular inspections are important to make sure all edges are securely attached.
The Benefits of Roof Replacement
A roof replacement is an intimidating project for virtually every homeowner. However, roof replacement is one of the most important steps you can take towards your home's structural integrity and safety. A sturdy new roof offers many other (often overlooked) benefits:
Energy-Efficiency
Curb Appeal
Weather Protection
Increased Home Resale Value
Reduced Insurance Rates
Why Choose Honey-Do-Men for Your Roof Repair Services?
Honey-Do-Men specializes in roof repair services. We have extensive experience handling everything from minor fixes to full replacements. Our team works with all types of materials, from asphalt shingles to slate and metal roofing.
We also offer gutter services, siding repairs, and exterior painting to keep your home looking great and functioning at its best. Finding roof repair services or need a complete upgrade? We can provide reliable, high-quality solutions to protect your home.
Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs—we’ll help you find the best option for your home and budget.
David’s team at Honey Do Men did a fantastic job in our bathroom. Once all the materials arrived they started...Read More
Dave CosmoClient
What an awesome job replacing our front door! Chris, Kip and Silvio were great at managing some of the unexpected...Read More
Paul PlutzkerClient
Thank you Honey do men. I’ve waited 2 years to get my basement redone and couldn’t be more pleased with...Read More
Blair ElefantClient
I had the pleasure of working with Honey Do Men on a tv mount install and hanging multiple items of...Read More
Alejandra KingClient
David’s team at Honey Do Men did a fantastic job in our bathroom. Once all the materials arrived they started promptly and completed everything in the timeframe, as promised. It was unlike prior contractors I experienced, where they don’t show up for days. We knew when they were coming and what they were working on next.
We are very happy with the quality and professionalism of this team. We would be more than happy to do our next house project with Honey Do Men and would recommend them to anyone we know.
Dave CosmoClient
What an awesome job replacing our front door! Chris, Kip and Silvio were great at managing some of the unexpected issues we faced. The team helped us work through them and the installation went smoothly. Excellent communication and support throughout the entire process. Highly recommend Honey Do Men for any home repair/renovation you may have. Thank You!!!
Paul PlutzkerClient
Thank you Honey do men. I’ve waited 2 years to get my basement redone and couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I included a before pic for comparison. It’s night and day. From the beginning working with Vince was great. He guided me through the process, answered all of my questions and concerns. Then Angel came with his crew and did a fantastic job. I am very excited to be able to use my basement as an enticing living space, not just for storage. Thank you again for a job well done! 😀
Blair ElefantClient
I had the pleasure of working with Honey Do Men on a tv mount install and hanging multiple items of varying sizes and weights. They were extremely professional, polite, clean and precise in the work itself and took the stress out of what could’ve been a quite difficult process. I’ll absolutely use them again!
The lifespan of a roof depends on various factors including the material used, climate conditions, and maintenance. Asphalt shingle roofs, the most common type in the US, typically last around 20-25 years. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, while slate or tile roofs can endure for over a century with proper care.
Some common signs that your roof may need replacement include: missing or cracked shingles, curling or buckling shingles, leaks or water stains on the ceiling, algae or moss growth, and excessive granule loss in asphalt shingles. If your roof is approaching its expected lifespan or shows any of these signs, it's advisable to have it inspected by a professional roofer.
Roof replacement costs vary depending on factors such as the size and slope of the roof, the material chosen, and the region's labor rates. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 for a standard asphalt shingle roof replacement. However, costs can be higher for premium materials like metal or slate, or if structural repairs are needed.
The decision to repair or replace a damaged roof depends on the extent of the damage and the overall condition of the roof. Minor issues like a few missing shingles or small leaks can often be repaired without needing a full replacement. However, if the damage is extensive, such as widespread shingle deterioration or structural issues, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to opt for a roof replacement rather than multiple repairs. Consulting with a professional roofer can help you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.
Alejandra King ClientDavid’s team at Honey Do Men did a fantastic job in our bathroom. Once all the materials arrived they started...Read More