Nestled in the heart of New Jersey, Harrison Township has a vibrant community with many residential and commercial properties. Like many other locations in New Jersey, Harrison Township is not immune to the unpredictable weather patterns that often strike the state. From scorching summers to frigid winters and everything in between, Harrison Township residents must be prepared to face the elements. One crucial line of defense for any home in Harrison Township is a high-quality roofing system. Let’s take a look at how high-quality roofing can safeguard your home from storms and other weather conditions.
What is Considered High-Quality Roofing?
High-quality roofing is called “high quality” because it is fabricated with durable materials, built-in resilience, and also boasts long-term performance. Here are some of the key characteristics of high-quality roofing:
Professional Installation
Skilled and experienced roofing contractors in Harrison Township, NJ, like RGB Construction, is necessary for high-quality roofing to function optimally. Make sure you select a reputable contractor, as they will utilize the correct techniques and materials. Keep in mind that improper installation can lead to premature deterioration and reduced performance, regardless of the quality of the materials used.
Material Durability
High-quality roofing materials are designed to withstand the elements and have a long lifespan. They should be resistant to damage from rain, wind, UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental factors. Examples of durable roofing materials include asphalt architectural shingles, metal roofing, clay or concrete tiles, and slate.
Weather Resistance
One of the reasons high quality roofing is considered the premium option is due to its materials, which can effectively protect your home against various weather conditions. This includes resistance to heavy rainfall, snow, hail, wind, and extreme temperatures.
Ventilation and Moisture Management
High-quality roofing systems include proper ventilation and moisture management features. Adequate attic ventilation helps regulate temperature, reduce moisture buildup, and prevent the formation of mold and mildew. Moisture barriers, such as underlayment and waterproof membranes, should be installed to protect against water intrusion and leaks.
Long-Term and Enhanced Warranties
Manufacturers of high quality roofing materials often offer extended warranties to provide assurance of their product’s durability and performance. These warranties can cover defects in materials, workmanship, and specific performance guarantees. It is important to review and understand the terms and conditions of the warranty before making a roofing material selection.
How Does High-Quality Roofing Protect Your Harrison Township, NJ Home?
Now that you know what makes roofing high quality, let’s take a look at how this kind of roofing shields your Harrison Township home from weather damage.
Protection from Rain and Moisture
One of the primary functions of a roof is to protect the interior of your home from moisture, wind, and other weather conditions. As you are aware, Harrison Township experiences a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year, making it essential to have high quality roofing that repels moisture from your home. High quality roofing materials, such as architectural shingles, clay or concrete tiles, or metal, are water-resistant and provide a reliable barrier against leaks. For example, asphalt shingles are constructed with overlapping layers that create a watertight seal, ensuring excellent protection against rain.
High Wind Shielding
The Northeastern United States, including Harrison Township, is no stranger to severe storms, including high winds and even hurricanes. These powerful gusts can wreak havoc on a home, particularly if the roof is not adequately constructed or maintained. A durable and well-installed roof acts as a shield against high winds, protecting the structural integrity of the house.
Additionally, high quality roofing is typically made from robust materials that can withstand strong winds. For example, architectural shingles with a higher grade and thickness are often more resistant to wind uplift compared to low-quality options. Some shingles may also have fiberglass reinforcement, which enhances their strength and durability.
High quality shingles are also tested and assigned wind ratings by industry standards organizations such as the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). Wind ratings indicate the shingles’ ability to resist uplift and are typically denoted by a class or rating number. For example, Class F or Class 4 shingles are designed to withstand high wind speeds and provide superior wind resistance compared to lower-rated shingles. You will find that many high quality roofing materials are rated very highly with the ASTM.
Furthermore, high quality shingles often feature advanced sealing mechanisms that improve their resistance to wind uplift. This includes features such as adhesive strips or sealants on the shingles’ underside, which create a stronger bond between the shingles and the roof deck. These seals help prevent wind-driven rain from infiltrating underneath the shingles and provide additional protection against wind uplift.
Snow and Ice Defense
Winter in Harrison Township brings freezing temperatures and substantial snowfall. A robust roofing system is essential to handle the weight of snow and the formation of ice dams. For those who are unaware, ice dams occur when warm air from the house melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the eaves, potentially causing water to back up under the shingles and into the attic.
A high-quality roof, equipped with proper insulation and ventilation, helps regulate temperatures and minimize ice dam formation. Adequate attic insulation and ventilation prevent warm air from escaping, reducing the risk of snow melting and refreezing.
Another feature of high-quality roofing is ice and water shields. These are self-adhesive membranes applied to vulnerable areas on your roof, such as the eaves, valleys, and roof edges, where ice dams are prone to occur. The ice and water shield acts as an extra layer of protection, preventing water infiltration caused by melting snow and ice.
Hail Protection
Premium quality shingles, as mentioned earlier, have features that add a greater level of protection. One example are shingles with impact resistance. Impact-resistant shingles are tested and assigned a specific impact rating, often referred to as a Class or Grade. This rating indicates the shingles’ ability to withstand the impact energy of hailstones without sustaining significant damage. The higher the impact rating, the better the shingles’ resistance to hail.
Impact-resistant shingles are typically constructed with additional layers or reinforced materials to enhance their durability and strength. They may have a fiberglass mat or a polymer-modified asphalt core that improves impact resistance and helps prevent granule loss upon hail impact. The granules on impact-resistant shingles are designed to provide extra protection against hail. These granules are often made from a harder material, such as ceramic-coated mineral granules, which can withstand the impact of hailstones without being dislodged or crushed. The granules act as a protective layer, absorbing and dispersing the energy from hail impacts.
Energy Efficiency
Beyond protection from the elements, a high-quality roof can contribute to energy efficiency and home comfort. In the sweltering summers and chilly winters, a well-insulated roof acts as a thermal barrier, reducing the transfer of heat or cold between the interior and exterior of the home. This helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while easing the burden on heating and cooling systems. By reducing the need for excessive energy consumption, an energy-efficient roof can also lower utility bills and contribute to environmental sustainability.
How Much Does High-Quality Roofing Generally Cost in New Jersey?
High quality roofing is indeed an investment—one that you are not going to regret. With the advanced protections, high-quality roofing will keep your home safe from various weather conditions for a longer duration. Plus, high quality roofing has more curb appeal and better warranties than standard roofing.
The cost of high quality roofing in New Jersey can vary depending on various factors, including the size and complexity of the roof, the chosen roofing material, the scope of work involved, and the specific location within New Jersey. For architectural shingle roofs, which are a popular and cost-effective option, you can expect to pay an average of $3 to $7 per square foot for materials and installation. This means that a 2,000-square-foot roof could cost between an estimated $6,000 and $15,000.
Metal roofing, which is known for its durability and longevity, tends to be more expensive. The average cost for metal roofing, including materials and installation, ranges from $8 to $15 per square foot. Using the same example of a 2,000 square foot roof, the cost could range from $16,000 to $30,000 or more.
Other premium roofing materials, such as clay or concrete tiles, slate, or cedar shake, can be significantly more expensive. These materials often require specialized installation techniques and have higher material costs. The average cost for these premium roofing materials, including installation, can range from $15 to $30 or more per square foot.
It is important to obtain detailed quotes from reputable roofing contractors in Harrison Township, NJ to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific project requirements. The contractors will consider factors such as the roof’s complexity, any additional work needed (such as roof repairs or replacements), and any specific customization or design preferences you may have.
Does High-Quality Roofing Have Better Warranties for Weather Protection?
Yes, high-quality roofing does usually have more extensive warranties providing weather protection. These warranties are offered by the manufacturers and do vary in terms of coverage, duration, and specific conditions. If you use a roofing contractor that is certified by the manufacturer (like how RGB Construction is certified by GAF), you are often able to purchase addendums.
Here are some ways the warranties on high-quality roofing shield your home from weather damage:
Lengthy Duration
Most reputable roofing manufacturers offer warranties that cover their roofing products against manufacturing defects and certain types of weather damage. These warranties typically specify a duration, such as 20, 30, or even 50 years, depending on the type of roofing material.
Weather Coverage
High quality roofing warranties often include coverage for specific weather-related damage, such as wind, hail, and sometimes even severe weather events like hurricanes or tornadoes. For example, some warranties will cover your shingles or other roofing materials for wind speeds up to 130-160 mph.
Transferability
Some manufacturer warranties for high quality roofing products are transferable, meaning that the warranty coverage can be transferred to subsequent homeowners if the property is sold. This can be an attractive feature for potential buyers and may add value to the property.
Installation Requirements
Manufacturer warranties for high quality roofing products typically require professional installation by certified or authorized contractors. It is important to ensure that the roofing installation is done in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications to maintain warranty coverage. Failure to meet the installation requirements may void the warranty.
Prorated Coverage
Some manufacturer warranties offer prorated coverage, where the coverage diminishes over time. This means that the warranty provides full coverage for a certain period and then gradually reduces its coverage percentage as the warranty approaches its expiration date.
Available Addendums
In some cases, roofing contractors or installers may offer their own warranties to supplement the manufacturer’s warranty. These additional warranties may provide extended coverage or address specific installation-related issues. Be sure to speak with a reputable roofing contractor about the available add-ons.
Looking for High Quality Roofing in Harrison Township, NJ?
High quality roofing is essential for safeguarding homes in Harrison Township, NJ, from various weather elements. From rain and moisture to high winds, snow, and hail, a well-constructed roof with superior materials provides robust protection. Moreover, high quality roofing effectively repels water, prevents leaks, and reduces the risk of water damage due to additions like waterproof materials and fortified granules. If you are looking for high quality roofing in Harrison Township, NJ, consider a local roofing company like RGB Construction.
Our team is highly experienced and holds the prestigious GAF Master Elite certification. We work diligently to get your home covered with high quality roofing. Give us a call today at 856-264-9093 to schedule a consultation or to ask more about our services and recommended products.