Discover the Best Places to Buy Roofing Materials: A Repairman’s Guide
For the wannabe DIYer, few household projects offer as much satisfaction—and as much opportunity for forearm flexing at dinner parties—as roof repair. It's not just the feeling of accomplishment that comes from tackling a major project on your own. It's also about cash savings, which can be enormous. But before you can start strutting around in your new tool belt, you're going to need some supplies. And of course, as an illustrious repairman myself, I’ve got you covered with all the tips and suggestions about where to buy roofing materials.
The Roofing Materials Shopping List
Before we dive into the best places to buy, let’s go over the basics you'll likely need for your DIY roofing project. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it can serve as a starter kit:
- Shingles/Tiles (these come in a variety of materials, including asphalt, slate, metal, and wood, among others)
- Underlayment (a waterproof layer beneath the shingles)
- Flashing (metallic material used to prevent water leakage)
- Roofing nails and/or screws
- Roofing cement
- Roll roofing for eaves or valleys
- Gutter parts and downspouts (if replacing those as well)
Visit Your Local Builders Merchants
Your first and most accessible route, the local builders' merchants. These businesses cater to all types of construction needs, including roofing. They carry all the basics you'll need for your project, and their staff members are usually knowledgeable about the materials they sell.
With a local merchant, you can explain exactly what you're doing and ask for recommendations. You can even bring in a piece of your existing roofing for them to match. Plus, there's the added benefit of supporting local business!
Big Box Stores
Your neighborhood may house more familiar names like Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, and others. These large retail home improvement stores offer a wide selection of roofing materials. The advantage to these big box retailers – aside from their omnipresence – is their consistent sales and discounts.
Online Retailers
Like everything nowadays, you can buy roofing materials online. Online shopping offers flexibility in terms of pricing, brands, and even delivery options. Websites like Amazon and eBay have an array of roofing materials from different sellers, giving you the ability to compare prices effortlessly.
Specialized online retailers, such as roofing superstores, provide a vast selection of brand-specific and material-specific options. Their stock often goes beyond what's available at a physical store. You could find some unique materials or tools that can make your roofing job easier or more distinctive.
Direct from manufacturers
If you have a certain brand in mind for your roofing project, there's no better place to buy than directly from the manufacturer. It's like buying straight from the wholesaler, albeit with slightly higher prices. However, the assurance of getting genuine, high-quality products directly from the source could make up for the extra cost.
Salvage Yards and Reuse Stores
If you're looking to add some quirky flair or historical authenticity to your home, consider buying used roofing materials. Many salvage yards and reuse stores carry a stash of historical or reclaimed building materials. Not only are these roofing materials interesting conversation starters, but they're also eco-friendly and potentially very budget-friendly.
Wrapping it all up, where you buy your roofing materials might ultimately come down to what you're after – whether that's cost-effectiveness, easy access, expert advice, or a less common type of material. But no matter where you shop, always remember to take your time, compare options, and most importantly, have fun with your DIY roofing project.
So, strap up your tool belts, ladder up, and let's get this Party on the Roof started!