Are you considering having a new roof installed in the Beaverton, Oregon area and don’t know where to start? Here’s some useful information to help you get going.

The roof of a home or any other building is one of the most essential components of the structure. Installing a new roof is a significant investment, and the choices you make will impact the structure for years to come, so it’s worth taking the time to investigate your options and choose carefully.

First, determine what you expect your new roof to do.

Obviously you expect your roof to protect the interior of the building and its contents from the effects of weather, birds, debris and intruders. And you expect your roof to help keep the inside of the building comfortable by holding in heat or cool air, as needed. Basically a roof should provide security, comfort and safety.

Beyond this, however, what are your priorities? Do you want a sturdy, stylish roof that will last for many decades? Do you need a roof that blends seamlessly with a cherished historic home’s appearance while providing modern protection? Do you want a simple economical roof to (literally) cover the basic requirements for a relatively short period of time? Do you want a roof that can be easily modified to accommodate add-ons such as sky-lights? Knowing exactly what you want of your roof will help you and your roofing installation professional determine the best options for you.

Determine what general roof style you want to have installed.

In the Beaverton, Oregon region, the two most common roof styles are low-slope roofs and steep-slope roofs. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages which a roofing expert can explain in detail. If you plan to do much of your routine roof maintenance yourself, a low-slope roof may be the safest option. If style and weather protection is a higher priority, a steep-slope roof may be a better choice.

If economy is your top priority, you may think about installing a flat-roof system, which is generally less expensive than a sloped roof, although it may not provide as much in the way of style, longevity or protection.

You might even want to look into installing a “green” roof system — an option that is rapidly gaining popularity, especially in this area of Oregon.

Think about what roofing materials you would prefer.

Again, a professional roof installer can give you expert advice about the pros and cons of various roofing materials. Your choice of roofing materials will be a major factor in the overall cost of your new roof, as well as determining the cost of future upkeep and repairs.

The two roofing materials chosen most often here in the Beaverton, Oregon area are wood and asphalt shingles. Generally-speaking, asphalt shingles are the most economical, although wood is also relatively affordable while adding to a stylish appearance.

For durability and longevity, high-quality buildings often have slate or concrete roofing tiles. These tend to be somewhat more costly than asphalt shingles or wood, but they last longer and impart a particularly high-class, luxurious appearance to any home.

For optimal protection against weather and fire damage, you may want to opt for a metal panel roof installation. Metal panel roofs are so tough and durable that you can expect them to last 50, 60 or even 100 years.

Choose your roof installation professional carefully.

To ensure that your expectations are fully-met and your new roof installation is a full success, you’ll
want to choose a good, reliable professional roofer who will provide top-quality service with prices that fit within your budget.

Fortunately there are a number of expert, affordable roof installation businesses in the Beaverton, Oregon area. You should try to find a company that specializes in the type of roof and materials you have chosen. Because they are familiar and experienced with the kind of roof you’ve chosen, these experts can install your roof quickly and efficiently with a top-quality outcome. These companies can often offer a good price on materials as well.

Of course you should do a background check on any roofer you’re considering. Check online for references and reports, and take a good look at their website (if they have one). Visit the local business office to make sure that it’s a legitimate company (this is one of the reasons it’s best to choose a roofer located in the Beaverton area). This will give you a good idea of how professional and considerate the employees are, and whether they are willing to answer your questions and concerns. Ask about warranties, liability insurance and references. It’s well worth spending time to check out the roof installer who will be responsible for such an important component of your home or other building.