What is the Easiest Roof to Build?

A Gabled Roof

What is the easiest roof to build?

For new roofing, roofing contractors choose from a variety of styles. The most basic and easiest roof style to build is the gable roof. This is your basic triangular-shaped pitched roof that’s extremely popular in the U.S. The uncomplicated design makes the roof easier to build and much more inexpensive than a more complex roof. These roofs shed water and ice easier than other roofs, have better ventilation, but can be vulnerable to serious damage in high winds. You can put pretty much any type of roofing material on them, ranging from asphalt shingles to clay or concrete tiles. While gable roofs are simple in design, there are actually a variety of styles to choose from. Colonial style homes, for instance, typically feature front gable roofs, whereas Tudor style homes typically feature cross gable roofs. When it comes to new roof construction in Grain Valley and Kansas City, MO, you can count on the expertise of United Roofing Services. We work with all types of roofs as well as roofing materials. Find out more about us and what we can do for you by calling 816-896-4195.

New roof options

With so many styles and materials to choose from, what are the best options for new roofing?

  • Asphalt shingles: Almost 75% of roofing in the U.S. is asphalt shingle. It’s inexpensive to install, and with good upkeep will last anywhere between 20 to 25 years. It is susceptible to wind and hail damage, but repairs are often inexpensive to make.
  • Clay or concrete tiles: Tile roofing is growing in popularity, especially in warmer climates. Tile roofs can often last more than 50 years and are aesthetically pleasing. Additional support may be needed, however, to handle the extra weight.
  • Metal roofing: Another choice growing in popularity. Though initially expensive to install, metal roofing will last up to 50 years or more and requires little maintenance.
  • Synthetic shingles: A lightweight alternative to slate tiles or shingles, synthetic roofing is highly damage- and fire-resistant and durable. 
  • Slate: Of all the roofing materials available, slate is the most durable and one of the most elegant of materials. It can last 70 years or more, but it’s extraordinarily heavy and costly. It requires professionals experienced with slate to install properly.

What is replaced when you get a new roof?

When you’re replacing your roof, a replacing typically involves tearing off the old roofing material—more often than not asphalt shingles—and putting in brand new shingles, along with new sheathing, underlayment, and flashing. Replacing a roof is different than installing new roofing on a new home. Putting up a new roof is starting from scratch beginning with the frame, and then adding the decking—the plywood panels that form the main foundation of the roof—before adding underlayment, sheathing, and shingles.

Do new roofs have a guarantee?

When you’re replacing your roof, your new roofing will typically receive a shingle warranty or manufacturer’s warranty of 20 to 50 years that just protects any faults in the roofing material itself. If you work with a highly rated roofing contractor like those at United Roofing Services will also offer warranties that protect you against any faults in the installation. With new homes, you usually have a builder’s warranty that lasts through the first year of ownership that covers any faults in construction that appear after you’ve bought the home.

Should I put a new roof on my house before I sell?

Normally, it’s not necessary to put a new roof on your house when you’re planning to sell, even if the roof needs some repair work done. You can make the repairs yourself or work the repairs into the price of the home, which normally will lower your sell price. On the other hand, if the repairs are extensive or the roof is well past its prime—around 20 years for most roofs—the extra money you spend on a new roof could be crucial to getting a fair price for your home.

Can you negotiate with roofing contractors?

Usually, when a roofing contractor gives you an estimate for new roofing, it will be fairly accurate and difficult to negotiate the price. Your best practice when you need a roofing contractor is to get bids from at least three contractors. You may be able to use the quotes to your advantage to negotiate a better deal, especially if you really like a particular contractor. Because roofers are pretty competitive you may be able to get your preferred contractor to lower prices or offer other incentives to use their services.

New construction roofing in rain

While putting up new roofing in the rain can be done, it’s usually best avoided, especially with new construction. Working in the rain can actually cause warranties to be voided, plus there are installation pitfalls as well. It’s especially tough to get shingles and other roofing materials to adhere properly in the rain. There’s also an obviously greater risk to trap moisture when it rains. Of course, in case of emergencies, it may be necessary to make a repair or replace a roof while raining. Even then, there are often effective quick fixes that can be performed while it’s still raining like adding patches with roof sealant and tarping the roof. Once the weather clears, regular repairs can then be made.

New technology for roofing

Many new technologies have come out for new roofing. Most are responses to demands for environmentally friendly roofing like recycled materials or solar shingles that have solar cells that work similarly to solar panels. 

Roofers Install a New Roof.

New construction roofing contractors

If you are building a new home and need new roofing in Grain Valley and Kansas City, MO, turn to the experts at United Roofing Services. We provide an extensive range of roofing solutions to fit any budget and meet any need. Find out how we can help by calling 816-896-4195.