At MARS Restoration, we know that your roof does more than just keep out the rain — it defines your home’s curb appeal, protects your family, and plays a major role in your home’s energy efficiency. That’s why we offer expert roofing services of four top-performing roofing materials: asphalt shingles, metal roofing, cedar roofing, and slate tiles. Whether you’re dealing with coastal humidity, freezing winters, or the occasional Nor’easter, we help Maryland homeowners find a roofing system that delivers both beauty and durability.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your home? The right roofing material depends on a mix of local climate conditions, budget, style preferences, and long-term goals. Here’s what to consider when making your choice.
1. Understand the Demands of Maryland’s Climate
Maryland weather can be a wildcard. From humid summers to icy winters and unpredictable storm systems, your roof needs to withstand a wide range of conditions. This makes durability and moisture resistance top priorities. For example, metal roofing is excellent for shedding snow and resisting rust, while asphalt shingles offer strong wind protection at an affordable price point. Slate and cedar are also weather-tough but may require more maintenance depending on your home’s exposure and tree coverage.
2. Consider Your Home’s Aesthetic and Architectural Style
Your roof should enhance your home’s appearance, not clash with it. Asphalt shingles are available in a bunch of colors and styles to match most suburban and traditional homes, while cedar roofing gives off a charming, rustic appeal ideal for cottages and Cape Cod-style homes. Slate roofing, with its high-end, natural stone finish, is perfect for historic or stately homes, especially in areas like Annapolis or Frederick. If your taste leans modern or farmhouse-inspired, a standing seam metal roof can add sleek character and long-lasting performance.
3. Weigh Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Investment
Budget matters, but so does longevity. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable upfront and can last 20–30 years with proper maintenance. Metal roofing costs more initially, but its 40–70 year lifespan can offset the need for future replacements. Cedar and slate roofs are premium materials, often lasting 50 years or more, and may even increase your home’s resale value. Consider not just the price tag today, but how your roofing decision impacts your home’s value and maintenance costs down the line.
4. Know Your HOA and Neighborhood Requirements
Some Maryland neighborhoods, especially in communities like Potomac or Columbia, may have guidelines about roofing materials or colors. Always check with your homeowners association before selecting a system. Our team at MARS Restoration is familiar with local building codes and HOA requirements and can help you navigate the approval process quickly and efficiently.
5. Choose a Trusted Local Roofing Partner
The right roofing system won’t perform well without expert installation. That’s where we come in. At MARS Restoration, our licensed and insured team brings years of experience to every project. We’re proud to serve homeowners across Maryland with personalized service, detailed roof inspections, and high-quality workmanship using materials we trust.
Ready to Upgrade Your Roof?
Choosing a new roof is a big decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. Whether you’re leaning toward the budget-friendly durability of asphalt or dreaming of a timeless slate roof, MARS Restoration is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s find the roofing system that fits your Maryland home perfectly.
Let’s get something straight: your home is likely the biggest financial investment you’ll ever make. And your roof? That’s your first line of defense in protecting that investment. So when it’s time to repair or replace it, you better believe that who you hire matters—a lot.
If you’ve been wondering how to find a reliable roofing contractor or what questions to ask a roofing contractor before signing anything, you’re already taking smart steps. Being proactive is one of the best ways to avoid costly mistakes—and keep your finances on track.
Too many Maryland homeowners rush to hire the first contractor who gives them a price they like. But listen, that’s not how you protect your investment. That’s how you lose it.
Ask the right questions. Get clear answers. And if you don’t? You walk away. That’s what financially empowered homeowners do.
Let’s dive into six essential questions to ask your prospective roofer—questions that can save you time, money, and headaches.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured in Maryland?
This is non-negotiable. Any contractor who steps foot on your property should be licensed to operate in Maryland and carry both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Ask for documentation. Don’t settle for verbal assurances. If they can’t provide proof, that’s a red flag—and a reason to walk.
Why it matters: If something goes wrong—say a worker is injured on your property or a ladder crashes into your neighbor’s car—you could be on the hook. Insurance protects everyone.
2. What Warranties Do You Offer—and Will You Put It in Writing?
Warranties aren’t a nice bonus—they’re your financial safety net. You want two types:
A manufacturer’s warranty on materials
A workmanship warranty on labor
Ask how long each one lasts, what it covers, and most importantly, get it in writing. A contractor’s word means nothing if you can’t prove it later.
At MARS Restoration, we offer lifetime warranties on both materials and labor—because we stand behind our work.
3. Can You Share References or Verified Reviews?
You wouldn’t invest in a stock without researching the company first. So why invest in a roofer without checking their track record?
Ask for references. Read online reviews. Look for consistency in how customers describe their experience.
And remember: if a contractor gets defensive or dodges this question, that’s your cue to say “Thanks, but no thanks.”
Still thinking through your options? Make sure MARS Restoration is on your shortlist. We’ll answer every one of these questions openly—and invite you to verify our work with Maryland homeowners just like you.
4. How Will You Protect My Property During the Job?
A roof replacement is a construction zone. Don’t assume your contractor will protect your gutters, siding, landscaping, or driveway—ask how they plan to do it.
Look for answers like:
Use of tarps to protect plants and exterior finishes
Magnetic nail sweepers for post-job cleanup
Daily debris management
Bottom line: You shouldn’t have to deal with a mess or damage when the job is done. MARS Restoration treats your property with the same care we give our own homes.
5. Who’s Supervising the Project and Managing Communication?
You need to know who’s in charge. Who do you call if something goes wrong? Who’s answering your questions?
Ask:
Will there be a dedicated project manager?
Will the crew be company employees or subcontractors?
How will I receive updates?
A reliable roofing contractor has structured systems and designated contacts. If the answer sounds vague, it probably is.
6. What’s Included in the Estimate and How Does Payment Work?
This is where too many homeowners get burned. An estimate should be detailed and transparent—not a scribbled total on a napkin.
You should see:
Material types and quantities
Labor costs
Tear-off and disposal
Cleanup
Payment schedule
And let’s be clear: Never pay in full up front. A typical structure might include a deposit, a mid-project payment, and a final balance upon completion.
Want tips for finding a roofing contractor who’s honest about pricing? Look for someone who answers this question clearly and backs it up with documentation.
Bonus Tips for Finding a Roofing Contractor in Maryland
Stick with local contractors—they know Maryland’s codes, climate, and permitting requirements.
Check their rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Ask if they offer 24/7 emergency repairs (you’ll want that if a storm hits unexpectedly).
Look for roofing pros who offer storm damage assistance—without using misleading insurance claims language in marketing (it’s the law!).
MARS Restoration checks all the boxes, from expert crews and lifetime warranties to fair, transparent pricing.
Protect Your Roof, Protect Your Wallet
Let’s be honest—hiring a contractor is a risk if you don’t do your homework. But with the right questions, you flip the script. You take control. You protect your home and your money.
We’re here to make that easier for you. At MARS Restoration, we believe in empowering homeowners through education and honest, high-quality work.
Ready to get answers? Give us a call at 240-319-7311 or email info@marsrestoration.com to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation.
