Connecticut Roofing Contractors

About Connecticut Roofing

In both commercial and residential construction, roofing contractors play an invaluable role. Not only do they install new roofs and repair damaged ones, roofing contractors also provide consultations and job estimations. They know the best type of roofing for your area. Roofing contractors use tar, gravel and rubber-based materials on the commercial side. On the residential side, roofing contractors primarily use asphalt and metal. Some use cedar shank, based on the location and climate. Roofing contractions are also responsible for waterproofing and winterizing roofs.

Common Roofing Issues

Due to its climate, roofing in Connecticut requires the ability to withstand wind and ice. Connecticut roofs are particularly vulnerable to ice dams. Ice dams form when heat from inside a building causes snow to melt on the rooftop. As the melted snow slides down the rooftop, it may refreeze if the weather is still cold enough. This creates ice dams. Homes with flat roofs are more susceptible to ice dams than others and would benefit from cool, flat roofs.

Licensing

Connecticut requires registration for roofing contractors. Those who are performing home repairs, improvement, or new home construction must also be certified. To obtain a registration in the state of Connecticut, a contractor must provide credit references, proof of insurance, three references, a statement of good standing, and a catalog of previous and current projects. To find out if a contractor is licensed in the state, consumers can call (860) 713-6135, or check with the Better Business Bureau.

Energy Efficient Roofs

Energy Star has one partnered roofing contractor in Connecticut, Liquid Plastics. Liquid Plastics provides various roofing membranes and adhesives, such as Decadex Finish, a synthetic finishing material for water-proofing pitched or flat roofs, and Decostik, a polyurethane adhesive that combines installations with base sheets. Connecticut roofer Classic Metal Roofs also sells energy-efficient roofs. The company uses aluminum metal shingles, which are made from 98 percent recycled materials. And their roofs are hurricane-rated and can withstand winds up to 150 mph.

Typical Climate

Connecticut has a moderate climate, with an average winter temperature of 27 degrees and an average summer temperature of 70 degrees. The coastal areas feature an even more moderate temperature, with mild winters and cooler summers. The highest temperature recorded in Connecticut was 106 degrees on July 15, 1995. The lowest recorded temperature was -32 degrees on February 16, 1943. Connecticut is vulnerable to both devastating droughts and damaging floods. Connecticut also suffered a hurricane in 1938 that killed 85 people. On average, Connecticut receives 46.2 inches of rainfall each year, as recorded between 1971 to 2000. Snowfall ranges from 25 to 60 inches each year.

Unusual Roofs

Connecticut has an abundance of unusual roofs. The Johnson House, also known as the "Glass House," is located in New Canaan. Built in 1949, this steel and glass structure features a flat-top roof. Inside the all glass rectangular building is a brick cylinder that houses the bathroom. The cylinder rises through the rooftop. Another interesting building in Connecticut is found in the city of New Haven. The Beinecke Rare Book Library is a six-story marble rectangle. In the center of the building is a glass shaft that not only supports the library's books, but also the roof. Rounding out buildings of interest in Connecticut is the Art and Architecture Building, made entirely of concrete. The roof is a series of structured heights.