You’re busy running a business, and you’ve got millions of things on your calendar. The last thing you should have to worry about is the roof protecting your business.
Sadly, storms, wear and tear, and time will all take a toll on your roof and lead to the need for replacing it.
Thankfully you won’t have to go it alone. MARS Roofing is ready to come alongside you and find the solution for your roof that fits both your business and your budget.
COMMERCIAL ROOF INSTALLATION VS. RESIDENTIAL ROOFING: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
One of the big hiccups that happen when business owners choose commercial roofing for their business is that they fail to realize that commercial roofing is quite different from residential roofing.
Residential roofs are designed to cover less space and provide a more aesthetically appealing final product. The materials themselves are long-lasting, but the cost per square foot is higher than commercial roofing products.
Long-lasting
Better curb appeal
Higher price per square foot
Commercial roofing is a different story; commercial buildings have a lot more wear and tear from the elements because they’re often larger than residential properties and are more exposed to the elements than homes. Commercial roofs rarely need to have good curb appeal and can be hidden from the view of those that are on the ground level around the building. Since commercial roofs are flat or low pitch, they require different materials as well..
Flat and hidden from view
More exposed to harsh weather and sunlight
Requires more frequent care and reroofing
TYPES OF COMMERCIAL ROOFING SYSTEMS
You’ll notice that a few of the different roofing materials on our list have both residential and commercial uses. When installing these materials in commercial settings, they’re almost always a higher quality, more durable material.
FOR FLAT OR LOW-SLOPED ROOFS
BUILT-UP ROOFING OR BUR MEMBRANE:
If you have a flat roof or low-sloped roof, then BUR membranes are perfect for your commercial roofing project. This roof material has been around for centuries and uses tar and gravel to create multiple layers over your roof. These layers provide enhanced protection for your roof.
Along with offering superb durability, BUR roofs are very affordable.
✅ Pros:
Durable
Affordable
Fast installation
Easy Maintenance
❌ Cons:
Shorter lifespan than other products
Requires regular maintenance
MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOFING
Modified Bitumen or mod-bit roofing is an excellent commercial roofing choice for flat or low sloped roofs. This system is an alternative to BUR roofing and provides an updated approach to the age-old roofing system.
These two-ply systems are made from reinforced roof fabrics and bitumen layers and then fastened to rooftops. These roofs are easier to maintain and require less maintenance than BUR roofs
✅ Pros:
Long lifespan
Durable in extreme weather conditions
Good for roofs that have foot traffic
❌ Cons:
Absorbs heat in the summer
More expensive than other flat roofing material
THERMOSET OR EPDM ROOF MEMBRANE
A Thermoset or EPDM roof membrane is a versatile, long-lasting, and easy-to-maintain commercial roofing type. Made from a single-ply rubber material, these roofs are very quick and easy to install.
One of their big benefits is their resistance to ozone and ultraviolet light. This material is also more flexible in cold temperatures and has reflective properties.
✅ Pros:
Great for cold climates
Fast install
An affordable option for flat roofs
❌ Cons:
Full replacement is needed more often than repairs
Not as durable as other material options
THERMOPLASTIC OR PVC & TPO ROOF MEMBRANE
A lightweight membrane that’s extremely durable and resistant to degradation in many forms. PVC and TPO roofing membranes are perfect for commercial applications that are faced with harsh weather or exposure to harsh chemicals.
✅ Pros:
Great for buildings that release oils through ventilation systems
Highly resistant to UV rays, punctures, and chemicals
❌ Cons:
More expensive than most other flat roofing options
GREEN ROOFING SYSTEMS
Many commercial buildings are opting for green roofs because of their environmentally friendly nature. These specially designed, eco-friendly rooftops use vegetation to provide insulation and reduce energy costs.
A flat roof is required to install a green roof system. Green roofs combine rubber membranes with soil and plants to offer a longer-lasting and more durable roofing solution.
✅ Pros:
Eco-friendly
Long-lasting and durable
Great curb appeal
❌ Cons:
Expensive to install and maintain
Certain structural requirements are needed
OPTIONS FOR SLOPED ROOFS
METAL ROOFING
Commercial buildings that don’t have low or no slopes are great candidates for metal roofing. Metal roofs are often one of the most durable roofing materials and can last for 50 years or more with proper care.
They’re also a great choice because they can reflect the sun’s heat, keeping your building cooler in the summer months.
✅ Pros:
Durable
Lasts up to 50 years or more
Little to no maintenance is required
❌ Cons:
Expensive
Longer install time
Great curb appeal
More sustainable than other materials
ASPHALT SHINGLES
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular residential and commercial roofing materials both because of their price and durability. This material won’t last nearly as long as metal roofing, but you’ll still spot it on many sloped commercial roofs.
These three-tab shingles are available in a variety of colors and styles to match the look of your building, and different designs are available to offer great customizability.
✅ Pros:
Inexpensive
Available in many styles and colors
❌ Cons:
Lack of durability
2-3 day install time
COMMERCIAL ROOFING PROCESS: NEW BUILDS
New builds will have a more straightforward roofing process than reroofing because there won’t be any material on the roof to start, thus making the project a bit easier and faster.
Steps to commercial roofing for new builds:
Inspection of the building envelope
Determine the best approach and material for the roof
Present the roofing plan and bid
Sign with the contractor to complete the work
Begin roofing your commercial building
FINDING A CONTRACTOR YOU TRUST
For commercial new construction, you likely won’t have a lot of say in who handles the different aspects of the construction project after you sign with a building company. Thus it becomes very important that you choose the right contractor when you begin your building project.
If you do want to have input into who roofs your new building, be sure to tell the project manager you’re working with. Here’s what to look for in a good roofing contractor:
More than 5 years in business
Positive online reviews
A professional website
Willingness to show you previous work
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIALS
The right commercial roofing material for your business and building makes all the difference. The climate where your building is located, the cost of materials, installation time, and the type of business you have are all important considerations.
As we’ve mentioned, there are pros and cons to every roofing material, whether it’s being used for commercial or residential roofing.
The best way to choose the right material for your roof is to consult and talk through your options with a roofing contractor.
COMMERCIAL ROOFING PROCESS: REROOFING
Reroofing is an extremely important part of owning a commercial building. Keeping your roof well maintained and replacing it when the time comes is essential to the health of your business.
The process of commercial roofing for reroofing is a bit more complicated than installing a new roof. You’ll have to take into account:
The current state of the roof
What material do you want to use
Removing the old material
How the installation will be carried out
As the building owner or manager, you won’t be controlling or performing many of these tasks. Instead, you’ll need to find and schedule a roofing team to help you with the project.
REGULARLY SCHEDULE ROOF INSPECTIONS
Even if you’re not reroofing your commercial building, it’s important to have regular roof inspections at least one to two times a year. Inspections will catch any damage or potential problems with the roof before they turn into a bigger issue.
Scheduling a commercial roof inspection should happen after any major weather events as well. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to roofing inspections. If you’re unable to catch the damage, it can lead to huge problems.
FIND A CONTRACTOR TO HELP WITH MAINTENANCE
If you’re not comfortable performing commercial roofing maintenance tasks or don’t have the time, it’s important to find a contractor that can help. Some building managers or maintenance crews will be able to handle more than others. But don’t stretch yourself too thin.
Get the help you need so that you’re confident your roof is performing as it should.
SCHEDULE YOUR REROOFING PROJECT FOR THE RIGHT TIME
Like with anything else in life, there’s a right time and wrong time to do things. The same goes for commercial roofing.
It’s best to wait for the commercial roof replacement season, which is typically from late spring into early fall in most of the country. However, this doesn’t include situations where getting the roof done is essential.
HOW TO ENSURE YOUR ROOF IS IN GOOD CONDITION
As the commercial building owner or manager, it’s your job to ensure that the roof is in good condition. This involves regular checks for damage and potential problems and scheduling commercial roofing maintenance as needed.
Here’s a list of tasks that you should regularly perform to keep your roof in good shape. Check for:
Clean and good performing gutters
Penetrations or missing materials
Areas with high watersheds facing degradation
The surface area of the roof is not performing correctly
Debris on the roof from storms or wind
If you’re able to get a good visual on your roof, then you’ll be able to perform the majority of an inspection without having to walk all over. Some roof inspectors even employ the use of drones to help perform inspections.
FINDING A TRUSTWORTHY ROOFING CONTRACTOR
When it comes time to find a roofing contractor, you want to make sure that you’re getting someone you can trust. This is especially important for commercial roofing projects.
There are many factors that go into choosing the right contractor for you, but as a general rule, here are some qualifications:
Licensed and insured
5+ Years in business
Real online reviews
A professional website
Referrals from other business owners
Responsiveness and customer care
As a company, the team at MARS Roofing wants to see the very best for your business. Whether you’re in need of roof maintenance or something bigger than that, we’d love to step in. Don’t settle for anything less than the best, choose Mars!
New to Rockville or lived in the area for years? It’s always fun to find some things to do throughout the area. Events, parks, and popular restaurants are all spots where we look for fun family activities.
At MARS Roofing, we’ve been living and working in the Rockville area for decades, and today we’re sharing some fun things to do in Rockville that we like to do with our families.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Whether you like to take your dogs for a walk or you have kids that need time and space where they can run around, finding a great outdoor spot for your family in Rockville is important. Here are a few of our favorite indoor and outdoor recreational spots.
LAKE NEEDWOOD
Spending the day outdoors at the lake is better than most any other activity, and Lake Needwood is the perfect place to do just that. With fishing, boating, and swimming all fun water activities, there is ample space for picnicking and hiking, or walking around the lake. Spending a lazy summer day or an adventurous autumn afternoon on the lake might be just what your family needs.
Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Cir, Derwood, MD 20855
Google Rating: 4.7 stars
MOVEMENT ROCKVILLE (FORMERLY EARTH TREKS ROCKVILLE)
Who doesn’t love rock climbing? It’s such a fun activity as a kid, but as an adult, you might feel like there aren’t many indoor places where you can try climbing without the dangers of climbing real rock faces. There’s where Movement Rockville comes in.
This state-of-the-art facility is filled with rock walls and terrain that varies in difficulty making it easy for beginners and experts alike to test their hands (and feet) at rock climbing all while staying indoors.
Address: 725 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Google Rating: 5 stars
HISTORICAL SITES
Rockville is home to some of the state’s best historical sites. If you haven’t been to any of them, then you’re definitely missing out. One of the benefits of living in a state like Maryland is the rich history and the many generations that went before us and made Rockville what it is today.
ROCKVILLE B&O RAILROAD STATION
The Rockville B&O Railroad Station is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved railroad stations in the United States. It was built in 1873 and served as a passenger and freight depot for over 125 years. Today you can still see some of those different areas in action and as monuments to the railroad.
Remember when you’re visiting this railroad that it’s still very much in operation and offers transit to customers traveling all over every day.
Address: 307 S Stonestreet Ave, Rockville, MD 20850
Google Rating: 3.3 Stars
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY
If you want a more in-depth look at everything that Montgomery County, MD, has been through in past centuries, then visit the historical society. Their museum is a great place to find information on many of the different historical sites throughout the community.
If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch a tour of the whole place and hear from one of the well-trained employees who live and breathe the history of Montgomery County.
Address: 111 W Montgomery Ave, Rockville, MD 20850
The Beall-Dawson House is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved colonial homes in Rockville. It was built in 1760 by William Beall, a landowner and merchant who served in the Maryland Assembly.
Today the home stands as a museum and a window into another era. Visiting this home is a great way to see how some of the more wealthy individuals of the time period lived.
Address: 103 W Montgomery Ave, Rockville, MD 20850
Google Rating: 4.3 Stars
GLENVIEW MANSION
The first part of the mansion, known as “Glenview,” was built in 1863. The 63-acre plot that the then-home is built on has been landscaped and is perfectly curated for this site. In 1926, the home grew and became a neo-classically designed mansion and one of the biggest homes in the area.
Glenview Mansion is truly stunning and worth visiting to see some of the beautiful landscape and architecture from that era.
Address: 603 Edmonston Dr, Rockville, MD 20851
Google Rating: 4.6 Stars
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
After a long day of running around and enjoying all the different historical sites, you’ll need a good meal. Here are a few of our favorites.
7 LOCKS BREWING
If you’re looking for a good microbrew, check out 7 Locks Brewing. They have some of the best beer in the area and serve up some delicious food to go right along with it.
With outdoor and indoor seating options available, you can enjoy drinks any time of the year with your friends and family.
Address: 12227 Wilkins Ave, Rockville, MD 20852
Google Rating: 4.6 Stars
STANFORD GRILL ROCKVILLE
Looking for a modern meal? Then the Stanford Grill is definitely worth checking out. They have everything from steak to seafood, and they offer a premium dining experience that everyone is sure to enjoy.
Patio areas, firepits, and wood-grilled foods all make this one of the best restaurants in Rockville.
Offering the cabin feeling right as you walk in, Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge is a beautiful restaurant that serves up some great eats. Clyde’s is definitely one of our favorite places to go for dinner, focusing on fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Visit this spot for classic comfort food in a nostalgic setting.
Address: 2 Preserve Pkwy, Rockville, MD 20852
Google Rating: 4.5 Stars
THE BEST OF ROCKVILLE
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list and found a few places that you can be excited to visit in Rockville. If you’re ever in need of roofing or siding services in Rockville, our team would love to lend a helping hand.
We provide premium services and free inspections. Reach out to schedule your free inspection today!
Keeping your roof maintained is one of the best things that you can do to help ensure that your home stays protected and that the roof lasts for decades to come. Neglecting important maintenance will only lead to trouble down the road.
In this post, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about keeping your roof well maintained in 2022. No matter the season, there are small things you can do to take care of your home and your roof.
However, it’s important that you regularly inspect your roof and check-in with professionals who can do a thorough inspection of both the exterior and interior portions of the roof.
When the roof isn’t being inspected for damages, here are a few of the things you can do to keep it well maintained.
CLEAR AND REMOVE DEBRIS FROM THE ROOF’S SURFACE
One part of roof maintenance that many people neglect is removing debris like:
Leaves
Pine needles
Twigs
These items can easily get caught up in the shingles or on your gutters which can lead to leaks later down the line.
You also don’t want sticks and leaves rotting on the surface of your roof because that trapped moisture will cause your roof to deteriorate faster.
CHECK ALL OF THE PIPE BOOTS AND VENTS ON THE ROOF
Another common issue that people forget to check are the pipe boots and vents on their roof. Pipe boots can crack over time and become damaged causing problems and leaks down the road. Vents can get clogged or be kept from circulating air through the attic the way that they’re supposed to.
Trapped air and moisture build-up are two of the leading causes of mold in attics and roof systems.
INSPECT FOR ANY ANIMALS GETTING IN
Check for any animals that have found their way onto your roof and inside. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, mice, and more – can all cause problems by tearing shingles or insulation, or even making nests in areas of your home that can lead to serious problems.
If you’re seeing evidence of animal activity in your attic or on your roof, call an exterminator to help and then get your roofer out there to fix all of the damages so that no more animals get in.
CHECK FOR LOOSE OR MISSING CAULKING AND FLASHING
One of the most common causes of roof leaks is when caulking and flashing have become loose or missing. This can be caused by weathering, age, or even just improper installation in the first place.
If you notice any areas where caulking or flashing looks like it’s coming loose, get a professional out to take a look and fix the issue. If you’re feeling confident, you could possibly DIY this fix but, be sure you know what you’re doing.
CHECK YOUR CHIMNEY IF YOU HAVE ONE
If you have a chimney, it’s important to check the flashing and mortar around it every year. Getting water in and around the chimney can cause serious problems. It’s also good to have a chimney sweep out to your home occasionally to make sure that there’s no problems with the inside of the chimney.
Clogs and smoke build-up in a chimney can lead to house fires.
CLEAN OUT YOUR GUTTERS
It’s a good idea to clean out your gutters on a regular basis, especially in the fall and spring when they’re more likely to get clogged with leaves, snow, and ice. Keeping all of the debris out of the gutters and making sure that they drain properly will make a big difference.
If water isn’t able to flow freely through your gutters, it will overflow and eventually find its way into your roof system and siding. If this happens a lot, you’ll be left with a headache and lots of problems. Talk with our Gutter Repair and Replacement experts for more info.
REMOVE SNOW AND PREVENT ICE DAMS
Another thing to keep in mind during the winter is removing snow from your roof to help prevent ice dams. Not every roof is going to have problems with ice dams, but if you know that your roof does, then it’s a good idea to check on it periodically and make sure that you can get ahead of it by removing the snow.
If you let a lot of snow build up on your roof, it will eventually turn into ice as it melts and refreezes. This can cause the gutters to back up with water and lead to some serious damage when it gets out of hand.
WHY IS ROOF MAINTENANCE IMPORTANT?
As you can see, there are a lot of things that go into keeping your roof in good condition. It’s not something that should be ignored and it’s definitely not a job that you should neglect if you want your roof to last for years to come.
Ultimately, the three things that you’re going to get out of regular roof maintenance are peace of mind, a long lifespan from your roof, and fewer future problems.
Our skilled team of MARS Roofing roofers are there for you to help make sure that your roof stays in good condition no matter what. We offer free roof inspections and can help to determine how long your roof will last.
It’s hard to know what roofing material you should choose for your home. There are so many different factors that can affect choosing a specific material.
But, one of the biggest reasons homeowners might choose a specific material is the lifespan. Today we’re going to break down material by material what you can expect and help you make an informed decision on your home’s next roofing material.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT WHAT YOU’LL CHOOSE
Before we dive right into the lifespans of all these different materials, it’s good for you to know that there are a few other reasons why you might or might not choose a specific material.
COST OF THE MATERIAL
The cost will be one of the #1 deciding factors on the material you choose. Obviously, the more expensive the roofing material, the more it will cost you upfront and in repairs down the road.
But, as with many things, cost does equal value in many ways. If you’re saving money on a material, it might not last as long or stand up to storms the same way a more expensive material would.
LOCATION OF YOUR HOME
Where you live geographically can also play a role in roofing material choice. If you live in an area with severe weather, you’ll want to choose a roofing material that can withstand hail, high winds, and other extreme conditions.
That’s not to say that people who live in mild climates shouldn’t worry about the material they choose – just that the considerations might be different. For example, a roofing material resistant to fire in one climate might not be as important in another.
Additionally, some states and cities will have restrictions on specific roofing materials, so be sure to check your local building code.
TIME SPENT INSTALLING
The time it will take to install a roofing material should also be considered. Asphalt shingles and metal roofing can be quickly installed in most conditions and temperatures.
But, other materials might need to be installed at a specific temperature. Other materials can take more than a week to install. If you’re trying to sell a home or move in then, you might not have time to spend ensuring that your roof is completed on time.
THE INTEGRITY OF THE ROOF STRUCTURE
Lastly, your home might only be able to handle a specific material. Slate and tile roofing is very heavy, and that extra weight might be too much for your home to hold. It’s a dangerous game if you’re pushing your roof past its limits and trying to put a material on it that isn’t made for that roof.
Check with your roofer and ask about the integrity of your roof. Sometimes it’s possible to modify the roof slightly and add some supports to help your home handle the weight more easily.
ROOFING MATERIALS AND THEIR LIFESPAN
Now that we have that out of the way let’s look into some of these different materials.
ASPHALT SHINGLES
Arguably, one of the best materials and products to come to homes throughout the world is asphalt shingles. These shingles have so much going for them, including affordable, fast installation, and long lifespan.
Lifespan: The average lifespan for asphalt shingles is 15-30 years, primarily depending on the quality of installed shingles and the weather they’re subjected to.
Average Cost: Asphalt shingles are reasonable, averaging around $1-$2 per square foot before labor and installation costs.
Time Needed for Installation: The time that you’ll need to install shingles will depend on how steep and difficult your home’s roof is. The average roof can be finished in 1-3 days.
STANDING SEAM METAL ROOFING
Standing seam refers to metal roofing made up of large sheets. These roofing materials are not only durable, but they’re also affordable. They’ve become very popular over the past few years because of recent advances and trends changing. They come in various colors and can be very attractive on homes, especially modern ones with large rooflines.
Lifespan: The lifespan for standing seam metal roofing is 20-50 years, depending on the quality of metal used and how it’s installed. Some metal roofs can last much longer when well maintained.
Average Cost: These roofs cost homeowners an average of around $50,000 or $6-$7 per square foot, depending on how large the roof is.
Time Needed for Installation: You can expect these roofs to take around 2-5 days to install. The projects are often fast, but they can take a bit longer if the roof lines are difficult to work with.
METAL SHINGLES OR TILES
For homeowners that want most of the advantages of metal roofing without having to deal with standing seam or the appearance of large panels, there are metal shingles. These shingles can look similar to that of asphalt or other shingles. But they’ll have the value and strength of a metal roof.
Lifespan: Like standing seam, metal shingles last for 30-50 years, with some roofs lasting twice as long when properly maintained.
Average Cost: The metal shingles or tiles are more expensive than standing seam and can run anywhere from $6-$12 per square foot, depending on the style you choose.
Time Needed for Installation: Installation time can vary, but expect your roof to be all finished in around 5 days.
CLAY TILES
Clay roofing tiles have been around for thousands of years, and they’re still going strong. They come in various shapes and sizes and add to a home’s aesthetic in big ways. This roofing material is pretty specific to southern states in the U.S. because they’re so heavy. Any added weight on top of a clay roof from snow or ice could cause problems.
Lifespan: Clay roofs basically last forever. These roofs can last for 50-100 years or more as long as they aren’t subjected to severe weather.
Average Cost: This roofing is difficult to install and lasts for such a long time. The average cost runs around $30 per square foot. That can make a simple roofing project pretty costly. But, you have the advantage of it lasting for a century.
Time Needed for Installation: Installation time for these roofs is pretty lengthy—plan for roughly a week and possibly more.
CONCRETE TILES
Concrete roof tiles are a great choice for homeowners who want concrete durability with the esthetic of clay roofing tiles. These tiles come in various colors and styles to fit any home. Concrete is how you can get different colors and even more styles than clay while still getting that long-lasting durability.
Lifespan: Concrete roofing tiles have a lifespan of around 50 years when they’re well taken care of.
Average Cost: This material is a bit cheaper than clay because it’s synthetic. Expect to pay around $15 per square foot.
Time Needed for Installation: These roofs can be installed around a week. Note that sometimes it can take longer if your roof is large or extremely steep.
SLATE ROOFING
Slate roofing has been a popular roofing material in the United States since colonial times. It’s heavy but durable and beautiful. The looks alone make it a popular choice, but one of the main reasons homeowners choose this roof is because it lasts forever.
Lifespan: Known as the forever roof, slate roofing lasts on average as long as 150 years and sometimes more than 200.
Average Cost: Despite being heavy and time-consuming to install, slate roofs actually aren’t all that expensive and run around $15 per square foot for some of the most expensive kinds.
Time Needed for Installation: You’ll likely need around 5-7 days to get this roofing material installed on your home.
SYNTHETIC/RUBBER SLATE TILES
This roofing material is a synthetic version of slate roofing tiles. It has similar durability and longevity, and look, but it’s much lighter and easier to install. You won’t quite get what you would out of a true slate roof, but it’s a much more affordable alternative that still looks great.
Lifespan: This material will last around 50 years on average.
Average Cost: Rubber tiles run around $3-$6 per square foot before installation and labor costs.
Time Needed for Installation: These roof tiles go on quickly and are easy for roofing companies to install. Expect around 2-5 days for installation.
RUBBER ROOFING
Rubber roofing isn’t common on most homes because it’s specific to low-slope roofs. But, if you can install it on your home, you might consider it a great option for you. More commonly, rubber roofing is used on commercial roofs or multi-family housing.
Lifespan: Rubber roofs require regular maintenance but won’t be fully replaced for 15-20 years.
Average Cost: These roofs are very cost-effective and cost less than $1 per square foot.
Time Needed for Installation: Rubber roofs can be installed in less than a few hours.
Cedar roofing shakes are one of the oldest roofing materials used in North America. They have a long lifespan and provide solid protection from snow, rain, and other harsh weather. Cedar roof shingles look gorgeous on cottages or homes with rustic aesthetics and modern homes that are looking for a more earthy aesthetic.
Lifespan: Cedar roofing is extremely durable and likely has a lifespan of around 40-50 years.
Average Cost: The cost of roofing shingles is around $17 per square foot but sometimes less.
Time Needed for Installation: Cedar shakes can be installed in as little as two days.
GREEN ROOFS
A green roof is a roof that has vegetation and a growing medium installed on it. This roofing option is becoming more popular as people seek more sustainable roofing options. Green roofs can help with insulation and roof longevity while providing shade, shelter for birds, and cleaner air quality in the surrounding area.
Lifespan: Green roofs have a lifespan of around 30 years. However, properly taking care of the roof could add decades to its life.
Average Cost: The average price for a green roof is around $11 per square foot before installation. Labor can be expensive for these roofs.
Time Needed for Installation: Most green roofs can be installed in around two days.
FINDING A CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST
At MARS Roofing, we can help you choose the right roof for your home. No matter the material that you’re looking into, give us a call, and we’ll offer you a free inspection as well as a second opinion on what material might be right for your home.
As a local roofing company, we’ve worked with a lot of the different materials used throughout Maryland. Reach out to us today!
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. And, as a homeowner, it’s going to be your responsibility to ensure that it stays healthy and safe from storms and damage.
But ultimately, there’s only so much you can do to keep it in good condition. So, when things happen, and your roof needs work done, who will you turn to and trust? It’s essential that you know about some of the common roof scams on the market and how to avoid them.
1. STORM CHASERS
When roofers talk about storm chasers, we’re not talking about the people that drive around looking for cool tornadoes. We’re talking specifically about roofers that drive around, sometimes far outside their service area, to pressure homeowners into working with them.
After a big storm, there’s likely a lot of damage done to several roofs throughout your community. Sometimes that damage can be easily fixed, and other times an insurance claim could lead to a full roof replacement.
PROBLEMS WITH STORM CHASERS
They aren’t local, and you likely won’t have any references.
Sometimes will leave jobs unfinished or take payment and run.
They won’t be around to check on the job after it’s completed.
2. CHEAP BID WITH “UNEXPECTED COSTS”
If a roofer approaches you with a bid that seems far too good to be true, then it probably is. Home projects aren’t cheap, and repairing your roof is no exception. A lot of work has to be done, and the materials used for roofing aren’t cheap by any means.
One common roofing scam or home improvement scam is to bid a job low and then find different problems or unexpected costs that lead to more costs for the homeowner. By doing this, the contractor will secure your business and money and then add more charges later on.
3. A ROOFER THAT CAUSES DAMAGE
If you’re not home and not watching the roofer‘s every step, you have to be able to trust them. A local company that has a reputation for excellence and a long-standing business is much easier to trust because you don’t have to worry about them damaging your property.
Unfortunately, some roofers will actually purposefully cause damage to your roof so that they can get paid to fix it. This is a really poor representation of the roofing industry, so we hope you don’t get the wrong impression. But it’s good to be aware that some individuals don’t always have the best intentions.
4. INSURANCE FRAUD
Working with insurance really isn’t as difficult as some make it out to be. But, it is important that if you let your roofer help with insurance that you still have a good idea of what’s going on with it.
Roofers can easily commit insurance fraud by exaggerating damages, quoting two different prices, or lying about the material that’s going to be used for the roof. Thankfully, your biggest concern only needs to be that you’re aware of what’s going on with insurance. Keep an eye on it and make sure that your roofer is telling you the same things as the insurance company.
5. ASKING FOR PAYMENT UPFRONT AND LEAVING
This roofing scam is a little rarer, but it does happen. Usually, this happens when the roofer asks for an unusually high amount of money upfront and jumps town, leaving you with no way to get ahold of them.
This is yet another reason why it’s so important that you vet and know your roofer before you choose them to work on your home. Ask if they have a website, social media, or other real customer reviews.
6. ROOFERS THAT WORK WITHOUT A LICENSE
Along with being a bit shifty, some roofers will save money by not working with a license. Avoiding the costs of a license might seem great in the short term, but it can lead to many problems for you as the homeowner.
One potential problem is property damage or an accident on your property that you end up responsible for. If that happens, it could cost you a significant amount as you may need to pay for the medical bills and damages out of pocket.
It’s always important to ask your roofer if they’re fully licensed and insured.
7. HIGH-PRESSURE SALES TACTICS
Some roofers will use high-pressure tactics to try and get the job. They may promise you a great roof at a low price or try to scare you into getting the roof done as soon as possible. While yes, they do need to sell the roof, they also need to respect that it’s your home, and you need to make a decision that’s best for you.
Don’t let high-pressure sales get to you. Instead, communicate firmly with the person you’re talking to and tell them that you need time to make the right decision.
8. USING CHEAP MATERIALS
Last but not least, you’ll need to watch out for poor quality or cheap materials. Sometimes you might get a competitive bid, but the roofer will turn a better profit by only providing you with a subpar roofing job and cheap materials.
Make sure that you ask your roofer about the type of materials they’re going to be using and get a sense of what the roof will be made up of. You shouldn’t be expected to know all about roofing materials, but you can Google the brand’s name to find reviews from customers.
At MARS Roofing, we want to do everything to be an honest, trustworthy, and upstanding roofing company. Sometimes that means helping to educate our customers and other potential customers, and other times it just means that we need to continue to provide good work.
If you’re looking for a Maryland roofing company that’s trustworthy, local, and professional. Reach out to MARS Roofing! We’d be happy to help with your next roofing project.
