Pittsburgh Roofing

If your house is typical, its roof is covered with asphalt shingles, which may need to be replaced every 15 or 20 years. Temperature extremes and sunlight can crack, curl, and split the shingles. Rain and sleet wear them down. Wind tears them.

Although Pittsburgh homeowners may select the type of roofing, they usually leave the brand to the roofer, and that may be unwise. Even experienced Pittsburgh roofers are apt to judge quality by two seemingly sensible but not always reliable criteria: weight and warranty. Warranties on asphalt shingles typically run from about 20 to 40 years, but that's not as generous as it may seem. Generally, the warranty covers both materials and labor only for the first year. After that, the cost of labor may be excluded, and the cost of the shingles is prorated, sharply reducing the warranty's payback over the years. Some warranties are transferable, a consideration if you're planning to sell, or buy, the house. But some manufacturers charge a transfer fee or reduce the coverage sharply. Many won't transfer the warranty at all. Check when you choose a brand.