Installing a new roof is financially and practically one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home. Though it may not be as flashy or expensive as a full kitchen remodel, a new roof is responsible for protecting everything underneath it: a job no kitchen could ever live up to! If you're looking for a roofing contractor, Phoenix, AZ is not a bad place to be. Not only does the area have a large number of certified roofing contractors, Phoenix is also blessed with weather that will allow a properly installed roof to perform up to its fullest potential. Unfortunately, no single Phoenix roofing company is going to be right for every job; since finding a good contractor can sometimes be frustrating, and choosing a new roofing material can be stressful, here are a few helpful hints to put you on the right track to the best roof possible.

Phoenix Roof Installation and Replacement
As you might expect, different climates present unique challenges to roofing. The sun and UV radiation, of which we naturally have a ton, can cause deterioration particularly to West and South-facing sides of your roof. One of the biggest dangers to your roof, however, is also one the least obvious: winter rain showers. Sudden and/or extreme temperature changes cause expansion and contraction of many roofing materials, which leads to a shorter lifespan and even cracks and other structural damage. Foam roofing systems are the best option, as they are largely immune to this danger. Extreme winds and hail, though infrequent, can also be some of the most damaging, so for a roof that's going to last for decades, you'll also need roofing that has a high-impact resistance.

Cool Roofing Installation in Phoenix
The Valley of the Sun will, of course, always be known for its sun and heat. Cool roofing refers not to the latest roofing fashion trends, but various coatings, membranes, and treatments that allow your roof to reflect the heat and radiation of the sun away from your roof and home. A good idea in a number of different places, in Phoenix, cool roofing is a no-brainer. Various cool roof applications provide varying levels of comfort, energy efficiency, and roof protection with accompanying installation costs. Be sure to discuss the relative merit of each system with your roofing contractor before the project begins.

Phoenix Roofing Systems: More than just a Roofing Material
Roofs can be made from a number of different materials. In Phoenix, asphalt shingles, traditional tile, and foam roofing are the most popular. These materials have different and distinct advantages, but roofing material is just one part of a quality roofing system. It's impossible to overestimate the importance of roof ventilation, insulation, and flashings. Ventilation is critical to preventing the buildup of both heat and moisture that can wreak havoc on roofs and insulation. Quality flashings create watertight seals around chimneys, vents, and wall junctions to prevent all-too-common flashing leaks.

Phoenix Roof Installation Contractors and Cost
The importance of a roof installation is tied to an increasing importance of finding the right contractor for the job. The roofing industry is known for some of the best contractors in the larger home improvement industry and some of the worst. ServiceMagic's process of screening contractors helps insulate you from some of the more overt scams, but you'll still want to take full advantage of our section on contractors' ratings and reviews. Talk to at least three contractors, possibly more. Along with the average cost of $7,000 for asphalt roofing and $15,000 for more high-end roofing, you're also likely to find a wide range of estimates. Be suspicious of bids that are remarkably higher or lower than the competition. There may be legitimate reasons for the differences, but you'll want to steer clear of contractors who cut corners or price gouge.

When hiring a roofing contractor, Phoenix AZ residents will have no shortage of companies to choose from. The more estimates you get and the more roofing companies you contact, the better your chance of finding a contractor that fits not only your budget, but your other expectations, too. Installing a new roof is often a lengthy process, and the contractor you choose is going to be a part of your day-to-day life throughout the project; hiring someone who provides a good bid but doesn't seem to click with you in other respects is often a mistake! Make sure to meet with each company you are considering to see how well you communicate. Nine times out of ten, the best projects (roofing or otherwise) are built not on the lowest estimate, but the best communication between contractor and homeowner.