Upstate House

Take a moment to appreciate your roof. Through rain and snow, hail and wind and blazing sun, it keeps you, your loved ones and your belongings cozy. When was the last time you showed it some love? Whether you climb up there yourself, hire a pro, or send up a drone, it’s important to get a visual on your roof’s well-being every year or so, before minor problems morph into major messes.

“Keep an eye out for moss, and for shingles that are loose, curling up or missing, and flashing [the material used where the verticals meet the horizontals] that doesn’t look neat and clean,” says Patrick Sheeley, owner of High Falls-based Sheeley Roofing. “Generally, if your roof is over 15 years old, it may be time to have a professional take a look.”

You’ll also want to get professionals involved if you’re contemplating adding structure up there, such as a solar array or a green roof setup. “If you’re planning to install solar, it’s a really good idea to put a new roof on first,” says Sheeley. “You don’t want your roof to come to the end of its useful life before your solar panels do.”

To find the right contractor, Sheeley suggests starting with anyone in your circle who’s recently re-roofed for word-of-mouth wisdom from trusted sources. “Word-of-mouth referrals are always most reliable. A good internet presence and positive reviews are also good indicators,” he says.

Beware low bids from people cutting the wrong corners: Just about every town requires a permit for roof work, and reputable contractors won’t advise skipping that step. They’ll also be properly insured, with workers’ compensation and liability policies that specifically cover roof work. “Always ask a prospective contractor if they’ll be getting the permit and if it’s included in the estimate,” says Sheeley. “When a homeowner signs a contract with us, they’re asked to sign a building permit application at the same time.”

A variety of factors will come into play when you’re deciding whether to use asphalt shingles or splurge on metal, which is costlier but can last over twice as long. A roof made of steel or galvalume (a patented zinc/aluminum blend) can easily maintain its integrity for 40 years or more, whereas shingles typically need replacing after a couple of decades.

“Metal does get you out of the asphalt cycle, where you’re ripping off old shingles and putting them in the landfill every 20 years,” says Sheeley. “Metal is 100-percent recyclable. Modern shingles are excellent quality products and we’re proud to install them, but if you want a roof that will last for generations, standing-seam metal is the clear choice. There’s a myth that metal is loud in the rain; that may be true in an old barn. On a house with typical insulation and interior construction, it may sound a little different but it won’t be loud.”

Metal roof installation is a highly skilled trade, and requires snow guards that keep gutters from getting slammed with masses of slippery slush. All in all, it’s a good choice for a forever or heirloom home. Keep in mind that whatever material you choose, lighter colors will keep your home cooler.

The right contractor can help you sort this and other issues, then waste no time in getting you cozy again. “Having your roof done can be stressful,” Sheeley says. “Somebody’s literally pulling the covers right off of your life. A good roofing contractor will put you at ease and take the time to address all your concerns, from the initial phone call to the final clean up.”