Choosing between roofing systems is a lot tougher today than it used to be. Now days you have a bewildering assortment to choose from. And there is one important factor that frequently gets overlooked.
It may sound strange coming from a roofing contractor, but I strongly suggest that you consider roofing systems that are do-it-yourself friendly.
I'm not saying you should do the work yourself, but you can save a lot of money by choosing roofing systems that are simple enough for the homeowner or handyman. The more people who can do the work correctly, the greater the competition. That means lower cost for you.
And the greater the complexity, the greater the chance for something to go wrong. For example, fussy flashing details are required on tile roofing systems to keep water from getting to the fasteners or splits in the underlayment. And when there is a leak, the problem is often hidden under the tile... somewhere.
On a shingle roof, it's a fairly simple matter to keep the water on top of the shingles. And when there is a problem, it's usually plain to see.
Another reason for choosing do-it-yourself friendly roofing systems is that the risk of personal injury and property damage is greatly diminished. For example, self-adhering low-slope roofing products eliminate both the fire hazard of torch-applied roofing and the burn hazard of hot asphalt.
And if finances ever dictate that you repair or replace your own roof, DIY-friendly roofing systems will make it a lot easier for you to save thousands of dollars.
Chapter Two of my new roofing guide discusses the pros and cons of all the major roofing systems. Don't spend a dime until you check it out. For details go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com
John C Bishop is the author of "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!"