Everything You Need To Know About Getting A Roofing Estimate in Maryland!
Is your Maryland home in need of a roof repair or replacement? This article will take you through the process of getting a roofing estimate in Maryland. It will help you determine when you should repair your roof, and let you know when repairs may not be enough and a new roofing system may be needed.
If you're a Maryland homeowner living near areas like Annapolis, Bowie, Gambrills, Silver Spring, Bethesda, or Baltimore, and your roof has seen better days, read this article to learn more about taking the first step towards repairing your roof and getting an estimate that fits both your needs and your wallet.
Know Your Options
Did you know that there are two options you can consider when getting a roofing estimate? These options include:
- Replacing the entire roofing system
- Replacing the roof's surface material
However, replacement of only the surface material may not always be the best choice. Particularly if the surface material has been replaced once before, it may be time to consider replacing the entire roofing system.
Try to learn everything you can about your roofing system, including important roofing terms and lingo, before deciding whether to repair or replace your current roof.
To Repair or Not to Repair? That's the Question
Before calling contractors for a roofing estimate, determine whether your roof is in need of repair or replacement by considering the following:
- Appearance: If you notice flaking paint, ceiling stains, discolored or peeling wallpaper near the ceiling in your home, it may be time to replace your roof.
- Maintenance Cost: Maintenance is required on all roofs, but when the cost of maintaining your existing roof begins to exceed the cost of replacing the roof, it's time to consider a replacement.
- Age: If the shingles on your roof are more than 20 years old, it's time to replace them. If the shingles are less than 15 years old, you may be able to repair them.
However, the best way to determine whether your roof should be repaired or replaced is to get estimates for both projects. If the cost of the repair is more than the cost of the replacement, it's time to replace your roof.
Choose Your Roofing Material
The next step to take is deciding what type of roofing material you want to use. There are a lot of materials to choose from, so when making your decision, consider the following criteria:
- Cost
- Life Cycle
- Appearance
- Material/Style
The following table lists possible roofing materials. Depending upon the location of your home, all of these options may not be available to you. Prices are listed in the table accordingly:
$ - Least Expensive
$$ - Moderately Priced
$$$ - Most Expensive
Roofing Material |
Description |
Cost |
Life Cycle |
Asphalt Shingles |
Roofing material used most in the United States. Shingles must be reinforced with organic or fiberglass material. |
$ |
15-20 years |
Wood Shingles |
Commonly made from cedar wood, and only appear in certain regions of the United States. |
$ |
10-40 years |
Tile Roofing |
Made from either concrete or clay, and heavier than other roofing materials. Home’s structure may need to be reinforced if another material was previously used. |
$$ |
20+ years |
Slate Roofing |
Virtually indestructible, and has the longest life cycle of all available roofing materials. |
$$$ |
30-100 years |
Commonly used in commercial construction. Lightweight material that is both fire and weather resistant. |
$$ |
15-40+ years |
|
Synthetic Products |
Mimics the appearance of other roofing materials, but do not necessarily share the same properties. |
Varies |
Varies |
The style and appearance of all of the roofing materials listed in this table can be altered to match your needs as a homeowner.
Shop Around
Your roofing estimate Maryland will vary depending on the material you choose, the contractor you hire, the location of your home, and even the time of the year.
Never be afraid to seek out multiple estimates, but don't always go with the lowest bid. If an estimate seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Try using an online roofing estimate calculator to establish a baseline of approximately how much your project should cost. This will be useful for comparison purposes.
Lastly, make sure the contractors providing you with estimates are licensed and bonded, have proof of insurance, and are financially stable.
For more tips on choosing a contractor for your roofing project, please visit the National Roofing Contractors' Association.
Which Contractor Should I Choose?
With so many contractors to choose from you may be asking yourself this same question. You want to make sure you hire a contractor who can perform the roofing project that is required for your home. A contractor who is dependable, certafied, and professional.
If you live in Maryland - specifically in areas near Baltimore, Annapolis, Bowie, Gambrills, Silver Spring, or Bethesda - Cunningham Contracting, Inc. is that contractor.
Cunningham Contracting, Inc. is the best roofing contractor in Maryland, providing residential roofing and commercial roofing services for small and large jobs.
We provide fast and friendly roofing services with the highest level of craftsmanship available. Whether it's a simple roof repair or a complex re-roofing operation, we have the resources and expertise to the get the job done right and in a timely manner.
"...I was so impressed with their service.." “Two years ago, I called Cunningham Contracting to get a free roofing estimate and I was so impressed with their prompt service and reasonable pricing that I hired them to complete my entire roof replacement. I was so happy with my new roof that I called them back this past year to replace my siding as well! I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone who needed their home's roof repaired or replaced.” Lucy Sullivan, Gambrills, MD |
Special Offer For The Next Three Weeks Only!
Get $250 Off a Full Roof Replacement - call (410) 721-8757 for details.
Follow the simple steps below and get your project started today!
- Contact Cunningham Contracting, Inc. by calling (410) 721-8757 to schedule a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation or fill out an estimate form via our website.
- Receive Expert Advice and set up a convenient time for our In-Home Estimator to visit your home to determine the exact specifications and job costs.
- Schedule Installation once you've determined you're ready to move forward.
What else is there to think about? Act now!
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