Long Island
Roof Replacement 

Our experienced team of certified professionals can provide you with the best solution for your new roofing needs. Whether you complete replacement or minor repairs to your existing roof, we are here to help! Based on "squares" (100 square feet). Cost Estimate: Low end: $500 per square High end: $700 per square Example: For a 2,000 square foot roof (20 squares), expect $10,000 - $14,000. Cost Factors: Size: Larger roofs require more materials and labor. Material Type: Prices vary by material. Asphalt Shingles: 3-Tab: $20 - $30/sq ft, lasts 20-30 years. Architectural: $500 - $800/sq ft installed. Designer: $600 - $900/sq ft installed. Wood Shingles and Shakes: Shingles: $12 - $20/sq ft. Cedar: $7 - $12/sq ft. Cypress: $8 - $15/sq ft. Tile Roofs: General: $10 - $20/sq ft installed. Clay: $20 - $25/sq ft installed. Concrete: $19 - $23/sq ft installed. Metal Roofs: Aluminum: $7 - $14/sq ft installed. Steel: $8 - $15/sq ft installed. Synthetic Roofs: Rubber: $8 - $10/sq ft installed. Plastic: $7 - $10/sq ft installed. Pitch of Roof: Low-slope (less than 3:12) costs less but requires more maintenance. Steep-slope (greater than 6:12) costs more but offers better protection.

Many people assume that a roof will last for as long as they own their home. However, this is not the case. The life expectancy of a roof is determined by various key factors including: The material it is made from The quality of the original construction The weather it is exposed to Level of maintenance If you don’t get your roof replaced when necessary, then it can result in your home no longer getting the protection from the elements it requires. The damage can be extensive. For instance, a damaged roof could lead to structural issues caused by high levels of moisture or mold and mildew. You may also notice your energy bill climbing because your home no longer has the right level of insulation. Issues with the age and condition of your roof could even impact your insurance over time. If you do not replace your roof after significant damage, this could result in a future insurance claim being rejected or your home insurance being deemed invalid. This is why it’s important to get your roof replaced at the right time. A roof may need a replacement as often as every ten years. Again, this will depend on the materials used. Some materials will last far longer overall and may even last for as long as you own the home. It also depends on the location of your property. If you live in an area with severe winters, then you may need to think about replacing your roof before the ten-year point. When you install a new roof, your roof contractor should always provide information on when your roof will need to be replaced or upgraded Generally speaking, you can live with a roof until it is twenty or twenty-five years old. At this point, it will need a full replacement.

If you’re replacing your roof, it’s essential you take some time to pick the right materials. There are so many different options you can choose from when selecting roofing shingles. There is a huge variety of materials, all of which have different compositions, strengths, and functions. It’s essential you weigh up the pros and cons of each, and arm yourself with all the available information to help you make an informed decision. Asphalt Shingles Info: Made from asphalt, fiberglass, granules, and sealants, these are the most common and cost-effective roofing material. They come in various styles including 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. Pros: Affordable, durable, easy to install, variety of options. Cons: Cheaper options are less attractive, premium options are heavy, can warp in extreme temperatures. Aluminum Shingles Info: Lightweight and easy to install, aluminum shingles are known for their energy efficiency as they reflect heat. They are also resistant to corrosion. Pros: Durable, energy-efficient, lightweight, stylish. Cons: Expensive, noisy in rain. Standing Seam Metal Shingles Info: These shingles have raised seams, offering a sleek look while providing the durability and energy efficiency of metal. They mimic the appearance of asphalt or slate shingles. Pros: Durable, attractive, energy-efficient, lightweight. Cons: Expensive, unsuitable for low-slope roofs. Corrugated Steel Shingles Info: Made from roll-formed metal sheets, these shingles are commonly used in commercial and agricultural settings but also suitable for homes due to their durability and low cost. Pros: Durable, affordable, high strength-to-weight ratio, weather-resistant. Cons: Not very attractive. Copper Shingles Info: Copper shingles are highly durable and weather-resistant, providing a unique and attractive appearance that can increase home value. They develop a patina over time. Pros: Extremely durable, weather-resistant, enhances home value, low maintenance. Cons: Very expensive. Clay Tile Shingles Info: These tiles offer a distinctive and exotic look, typically in vibrant colors like orange-red. They are forged in heat, making them durable and long-lasting. Pros: Attractive, durable, eco-friendly, mold-resistant. Cons: Expensive, heavy, brittle, difficult to install. Slate Tile Shingles Info: Made from metamorphic rock, slate shingles provide a unique and appealing look but can be prone to cracking due to their layered structure. Pros: Long-lasting, distinctive appearance. Cons: Prone to cracking, expensive. Concrete Tile Shingles Info: Concrete shingles mimic the look of clay tiles but at a lower cost. They are durable and offer excellent protection against various weather conditions. Pros: Durable, affordable, fire-resistant, low maintenance. Cons: Heavy, color can fade, less attractive than slate or clay. Wood Shingles Info: Typically made from cedar, spruce, or pine, wood shingles provide a natural, rustic look. They are environmentally friendly but require proper maintenance. Pros: Eco-friendly, attractive, reasonably priced. Cons: Less durable, vulnerable to fire, rot, termites, and extreme climates. Impact-Resistant Shingles Info: Designed to withstand damage from debris and extreme weather, these shingles are made from materials like copper, resin, plastic, or aluminum. Pros: Durable, protects against debris and impact damage, ideal for storm-prone areas. Cons: Expensive, limited variety. Solar Panel Shingles Info: These shingles look like conventional roofing materials but generate energy by absorbing sunlight, helping to power your home. Pros: Energy-efficient, eco-friendly, long-term savings. Cons: High installation cost, fewer skilled installers. Rubber Shingles Info: Made from recycled materials, rubber shingles are durable, weather-resistant, and eco-friendly. They are also recyclable at the end of their lifespan. Pros: Eco-friendly, durable, weather-resistant, recyclable. Cons: Less attractive, initial odor.

It’s no secret that a quality roof is the key to a durable home. A roofing contractor can help you choose the right roof for your home and install it properly. Ready Roof is a full-service roofing contractor that serves Long Island, New York—including all of Nassau & Suffolk counties. We know that roofing can seem complicated to homeowners who don’t have prior knowledge or experience in the industry. That’s why we created this guide—to help you understand what to expect when working with a roofing contractor. We often hear the following questions about roofing contractors: What are the benefits of hiring a roofing contractor vs. DIYing my roof? What is the difference between a roofing contractor and a roofer? What does a roofing contractor do? How do I find a reputable roofing contractor? How much does a new roof cost? How should I prepare to work with a roofing contractor? We are about to answer all of these questions and more. Let’s dive in! What is a roofing contractor? A roofing contractor is a professional who specializes in the installation and repair of roofs. They are usually licensed and insured, which protects you from liability if something goes wrong during the roofing process. A roofing contractor will also have access to better quality materials and equipment than the average homeowner, which means your roof will be more durable and last longer. The benefits of hiring a roofing contractor There are many advantages to hiring a roofing contractor instead of attempting to do the job yourself. Here are a few examples: Save time: A roofing contractor can complete the job in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself. Save money: A roofing contractor will have access to discounts on materials and labor that you wouldn’t be able to get as a homeowner. Get it done right: A roofing contractor has the experience and expertise to make sure your roof is installed correctly and will last for years to come. Peace of mind: When you hire a roofing contractor, you can rest assured knowing that the job will be done correctly and that you won’t be held liable if something goes wrong. Protect your investment: Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Hiring a roofing contractor will help you protect that investment by ensuring that your roof is installed correctly. Should I DIY my roof? Especially if you have home improvement experience, you may wonder if you can simply install or repair your roof on your own. While it is technically possible to do so, we would advise you to hire a roofing contractor instead. Here’s why we do not recommend DIY roofing: It’s dangerous: Roofing is a physically demanding job that requires working at heights. If you’re not experienced in roofing, it’s easy to make a mistake that could result in serious injury or even death. It’s time-consuming: Installing or repairing a roof is a major job that will take a significant amount of your time. If you have a busy lifestyle, you likely won’t be able to dedicate the time necessary to do the job right. It’s expensive: If you make a mistake while roofing, you could end up spending more money to fix the problem than you would have if you had hired a roofing contractor in the first place. It’s stressful: Roofing is a complicated job that requires a lot of planning and coordination. If you’re not experienced in roofing, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the process. You could void your warranty: If you roof your home yourself, you could void the warranty on your roof. If something goes wrong, you’ll have to pay for the repairs yourself. So, while you can DIY your roof, we strongly recommend hiring a roofing contractor. They have the experience and expertise necessary to get the job done right, and they can do it in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself.

Many people believe that roofers and roofing contractors are the same—but while their services are similar, there is a crucial difference between them. On the other hand, a roofer is a tradesman who specializes in the installation and repair of roofs, but they are not required to be licensed or insured. As a homeowner, you could be held liable if something goes wrong during the roofing process if you opt to work with a roofer instead of a roofing contractor. So, while there is some overlap between roofing contractors and roofers, we advise you to work with a roofing contractor instead of a roofer. They are qualified and can do a better job, which will save you money in the long run.

Choosing which roofing contractor to work with is tough as is—but knowing what to ask roofing contractors before you hire them can make the decision a little bit easier. After all, your roof is a big investment, so you want to be sure you’re working with a quality contractor who will do the job right. Here are 15 questions you should ask any roofing contractor before hiring them: What is your roofing experience? How long have you been in business? Do you have liability insurance? Do you have workers’ compensation insurance? Do you have references I can contact? Can you provide me with a list of previous customers? Can you provide me with photos of previous projects? Are you licensed and insured? What type of warranty do your roofs come with? What is the expected lifespan of the roof you install? What is included in your quote? Is there a charge for the estimate? What are your payment terms? When can you start the project? How long will the project take to complete?

At Ready Roof, we provide complete transparency and outstanding customer service to everyone we work with. But unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are like us. There are some dishonest contractors out there who will take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. Be on the lookout for these red flags when hiring a roofing contractor: Pressure to sign a contract immediately Some roofing contractors may pressure you into signing a contract on the spot. They may say that the price will go up if you don’t sign right away or that the materials they have in stock are limited. Don’t fall for it! If a contractor is legitimate, they will be happy to give you time to read and understand the contract before you sign. Request for a large deposit upfront A reputable roofing contractor will not ask for a large deposit upfront. A small deposit of around 10% is standard to cover the cost of materials, but anything more than that should be a red flag. Unprofessional behavior You should expect courteous, professional behavior from any contractor you hire. If a roofing contractor is rude or aggressive, that is a sign that they are not the right person for the job Refusal to provide references A good roofing contractor should have no problem providing you with references from past clients. If they refuse or say they don’t have any available, that’s a red flag. Lack of insurance or licensing As we mentioned, all roofing contractors should be licensed and insured to work on your home. If they are not, that is a major red flag, and you should not hire them.

At Ready Roof, over 90% of the roofs we replace are completed in one day. A professional Roofing Contractor should be able to handle this kind of work load. If your roof is exposed and left torn off for too long before it is waterproofed again, you could be dealing with a massive headache. That’s why it is so important to discuss the timeline of the project with your roofing contractor. Of course the size of the roof, amount of existing layers, plywood rot, and a handful of other unforeseeable damages all play a major role in how long a replacement takes. In most cases, for the majority of roofing contractors, removing and replacing a 3,000 square foot roof in a day is completely possible.