The roof of your home. You'd be all wet without it, and if it needs to be replaced, it can cost an arm and a leg. But before you shell out for that new roof, you need to make sure that you actually need one. If you know what to look for, you'll know if it is time to replace your roof, or if it still has some life left in it.
Looking at the condition of your existing roof can tell you a lot. If the shingles are starting to crumble, have a lot of missing granules, or if the ends are beginning to curl, or if it's been more than 30 years, then you should seriously consider hiring a professional roofer to replace your roof. If you only have roof stains, which are caused by algae sticking to your shingles, then roof cleaning is an option. And cleaning your roof can cost a fraction of the price of replacing the entire roof.
If you inspect your roof and find out that you do need to replace it, you will need to hire a professional roofer to do the work for you. There are many ways to find a local roofer that is reliable. Your favorite search engine, the yellow pages, or your neighbors and just a few ways to find a roofer in your area. Whichever method you choose, don't stop with the first roofer you speak to. Getting a few written quotes is always advisable. Don't be surprised when you find that the prices you get will vary from contractor to contractor. Ask for references from each contractor that you speak with, and check into all of these references. Make sure the company is insured, and if it is required in your area, properly licensed and bonded. Make sure they do honest, reliable work. Trust your gut. If you talk to a roofer rand don't feel they are capable of performing the quality job you expect, move on.
Remember that the cheapest quote you get is not always the best choice. Get a few prices, find the highest quote and the lowest quote, and choose one that's somewhere in the middle.
Eventually, everyone needs to replace the roof of their home, and if you follow the guidelines above, picking out the right roofing company to replace the roof on your home can be an easy and rewarding experience.