No one wants to have the one house on the block that sticks out like a sore thumb. Take a wander down your street and have a look at what you see. It can be hard for the untrained eye to know what to look for, so here is a quick guide to the different types of roofing in Kansas City.

When you see a roof made from asphalt that is totally flat, this probably signifies an older roof. This is the classic 3-tab shingle that was popular over the past several decades. These shingles are very affordable, but typically only last 20 years or so.

These shingles are also made from asphalt, but they are called “architectural shingles.” They have a 3-D effect that most homeowners find very aesthetically pleasing. They also come in a wide range of colors from white and green to blue and brown, so you’re bound to find a shade that appeals to you. These shingles can survive up to 40 years, depending on the weather and manufacturer. We like to go with GAF/ELK and CertainTeed, as these two brands stand by their warranties.

Cedar Shake is not too popular in Kansas City, but you may see an older home or two that has it. People buy this type of roof for the historic look, but they generally only last 15 years or so. Wood is susceptible to insects, hail and rot, which makes it not the best choice for KC homeowners.

Metal is strong, durable and lightweight — lasting 50 years or more. When you buy a metal roof, you are pretty much set for life! Yet, not everyone likes the look of metal for a residential home. You’ll see a lot of commercial buildings, garages, barns and sheds with metal roofs, but not as many homes.

Tile is another style of roof that you may see in Kansas City, but you won’t likely see very often. These tiles look breathtaking, but they are easily cracked and shattered by hail or cold weather. Sometimes you will see a roof that looks like it’s made from tile, but it’s actually made of metal. While it’s heavy and expensive, a goof tile rough lasts 50 years in warmer climates.

Some homeowners opt for slate due to its gorgeous look and durability. Unlike shingles, this material is fireproof. Slate is the most expensive type of roof you can buy and it may require additional roofing structures to hold up the hefty weight of the stone.

We come across many different types of roofing in Kansas City. Maybe you are looking to construct an all-new roof or perhaps you just need to re-roof the old roof. Either way, knowing what you want ahead of time can help move your project along quicker.

Roofing Styles

• Flat – These old roofs are not very popular in modern day, but can be easy to put up. On the downside, it can also accumulate water or dirt. It also costs more to service a roof without drainage.
• Sloping – This is the most common type of residential roof, as they let water and debris run right off.
• Gable  –  Homes that appear to have “multiple roofs” are called gabled and they are very popular too.
• Salt Box – A salt box roof is short on one side and long on the other, allowing water to run down an uneven side.
• Gambrel – Barns often have this type of roof that is almost octagonal around the top.
• Mansard – This roof often extends down below the uppermost windows on the home and is a historic style.
• Pitched – Steep a-frame roofs can be dangerous to roof, so not many contractors are willing to touch them. However, Eclipse Roofing specializes in this type of roofing job.

Roofing Materials

• Asphalt – These are by far the most common type of shingle. They are affordable, durable and last up to 40 years.
  
• Cedar Shake – These shingles are very attractive, but only last 15-20 years and are susceptible to insects and rot.
• Tile – This material is also very handsome, although it is heavy and more expensive. A good roof lasts 50 years.
• Slate – Durable, waterproof and fireproof, slate is a gorgeous look, but is the most expensive type of material.
• Metal – Metal is strong, durable and lightweight. It can last 50 years, but not everyone likes the look of it.

We specialize in affordable, long-lasting asphalt shingles that come in multiple shapes, colors and styles.

Roofing Brands

• GAF/ELK – Founded in 1886, GAF/ELK is the largest manufacturer of shingles in America with $3 billion in annual sales. They have received many positive accolades from builders and contractors alike. Their Timberline shingles are an especially popular type of roofing in Kansas City.
• CertainTeed – Founded in 1904, CertainTeed is a leading manufacturer in shingles within North America, employing more than 6,000 employees at 65 manufacturing facilities across the country. They are another name we trust. You’ll see their Landmark line of architectural shingles around Kansas City quite often.

We deal with only the best manufacturers and are certified to install their products, so your warranty will be upheld. Please call to schedule a free estimate for your KC roofing job.

Looking for average roofing costs in Kansas City? We recommend calling three different contractors for free estimates to get the most accurate portrait of the local competition. However, before you pick up the phone, you may be wondering if you’ll have enough dough in the bank to cover it or if you need to take out a small home improvement loan — and that’s understandable.

Ballpark Estimate For A New Roof In KC

The cost of a new roof in Kansas City can range from $2,000 to $25,000, according to HomeAdvisor.com. They add that a good baseline figure is around $10,000. Unfortunately, Kansas City prices are slightly above the national average.

D.I.Y.?

People who are particularly handy around the house may opt to buy the materials and do it themselves for a much lower price than a professional installation. Truth be told, CostHelper says you can probably slap a fresh set of asphalt shingles onto a one-story ranch home for $680 – $3,700, depending on the square footage. However, you are also voiding the manufacturer’s warranty on the shingles you buy and risking the liability of injury. Besides, roofing is back-breaking work! So, for $1,700 – $8,400, many homeowners feel it’s worth having the professionals install a new KC roof.

Materials

The materials you choose can also affect the price of your roofing job. Asphalt is the least expensive option and will generally last 25 to 50 years, depending on the brand. Wood shingles or shakes are beautiful, but require a good amount of maintenance, are not fireproof, and don’t last as long — plus they cost an average of $6,800 – $20,000 to install. Tile roofs are more durable and distinctive-looking, but are also in the same price range as wood. Metal rooftops are very durable and even longer lasting than asphalt, but the cost can range anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000, depending on the type of metal used.  Though classic-looking and long-lasting, we’ve seen slate roofs cost as much as $84,000!

Give us a call at (913) 262-4700 for a free estimate on your Kansas City roof!

The average professional roofing job costs between $1,700 and $8,400 for asphalt shingles. It’s a big investment! The good news is: If done correctly, your new roof can last 25 to 50 years or more. The bad news is: It’s an industry that attracts shysters and sub-par craftsman in droves! There are very few laws regulating the business, so it’s up to the consumer to conduct due diligence when hiring a contractor. To find the best roofers in Overland Park, KS, you will need to begin with a few key criteria.

What The Best Roofers Have In Common:

1. They’ve Been In Business For 5+ Years.

Sadly, there are many fly-by-night companies that set up shop for a short period of time, rip a bunch of people off, and run with their plunder. You want to make sure your roofer has been in business as long as he says. To run a business for at least 5 years takes a certain level of customer service and professionalism.

2. They Are BBB-Accredited With “A” or “A+” Rating.

The Better Business Bureau will tell you how long a company has been in business. They can also tell you whether any formal complaints have been filed against the roofer — and whether the outcome was positive or not. Businesses who are not  just listed — but accredited — by the BBB uphold a certain standard of excellence.

3. They Are Fully Licensed & Insured.

In order to be accredited by the BBB, a business must be fully licensed and insured. That means they are legally allowed to do business in the state and that they possess enough insurance to pay for any employees who may be injured on your property while completing a job. Ask to see these certificates. You do not want to take a chance with liability!

4. They Offer FREE Estimates.

A company that charges a service fee just to give you a quote is not legitimate, plain and simple!  Sometimes a person sounds fine on the phone, but is much different than you expected when you meet. You shouldn’t have to pay money to a company you may not want to do business with. Besides, you may not need a whole new roof. A good roofer will tell you when you can skate by with repairs. Free estimates are the industry standard. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

5. They Possess Factory Certification

Shingle manufacturers can deny you full warranty benefits if the contractor is not certified by their trainers. They don’t want to be liable for mistakes made during the installation that may have damaged the shingles beyond repair. In fact, this is one of the reasons many homeowners opt to have professionals install roofing materials, rather than doing it themselves. Make sure your roofer is certified before finding out the hard way that your new roof’s warranty is void!

Call 913-262-4700 for the best roofers in Overland Park, KS.

Johnson County roofers have their work cut out for them. At least four tornadoes have touched down in Johnson, Jackson and Cass counties this afternoon. You may have seen one of these terrifying twisters if you were in Johnson County, near:

• Interstate 435 and State Line Road
• 151st Street and Roe Avenue
• 137th Street and Metcalf Avenue or
• 167th Street and Nall Avenue.

Oak Park Mall is now being converted into a shelter for nearby residents. This latest batch of funnel clouds is said to be part of a raging storm system that stretched from eastern Kansas up to Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan and even Wisconsin.

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