Installing a new roof is a big decision, a big job, and a big financial investment. It’s also a job that, because it’s done infrequently, you probably don’t have a lot of experience to draw on when it comes to finding the right way to get the job done. There are some common roofing mistakes you can avoid, especially if you know to watch out for them.
Hiring the wrong roofing contractor is the primary mistake you can make. First, you need to know that your roofer is licensed, insured, and bonded. No matter what the savings, this is a risky move. You set yourself up for plenty of headaches and expense. Assuming you have done your homework and are getting estimates only from contractors with all their paperwork in order, a dishonest, inexperienced, or poor-quality roofer will cause many problems. Look at customer reviews, make sure you are involved in the estimate, and interview your roofer thoroughly.
Roof damage gets worse the longer you put it off. Damaged shingles cause water damage, and water damage can cause structural damage. If you go too long, the leaks can get into your walls, causing issues with mold or worse.
When getting your estimate, it’s important to make sure that it includes everything. There may be charges your roofer leaves out of the estimate to make the cost seem lower. One piece that should always be included is the roof removal. Removal charges can be a significant portion of the total cost, and it will vary greatly depending on the size, layout, materials, and any damage. When getting estimates, make sure they are complete. This is the only way to budget correctly.
Layering a second layer is almost never the right choice. Yes, the cost will be lower since you won’t have to deal with removal, but it nearly always ends up being costlier in the long run. If there is any damage beneath the shingles, and there often is, it will be missed, and a new layer won’t repair any damage. In fact, with damage, the new tiles will not sit correctly and therefore won’t protect your home properly. Finally, the weight of two layers of roofing tiles can put a strain on your house.
A roof is more complicated than just shingles on top of your house. It’s a multi-layered, precisely installed, complicated system to keep water from your home for decades. A good roofer will inspect your roof thoroughly, inside and out, before doing any repairs or a replacement. Many signs of water damage aren’t noticed by a cursory inspection. But some roofers don’t put in the time for a thorough inspection before giving you an estimate.
The roofing material you choose is the biggest factor in how long your roof will last. The materials your roofer uses (as well as the quality of the work) will determine how long your roof will last. It’s best to choose a roofer that offers a wide range of materials and can help you sort through all the options.
If you haven’t hired the right roofer, your roof installation will be at risk for plenty of mistakes made by inexperienced or less competent roofers. Your roofer may not install starter shingles near the eaves, which will allow water to enter the sheathing, leading to leaks, ice dams, and much more damage. Other common roofing mistakes are incorrect nailing, improper ventilation, incorrect shingle alignment, and wrong shingle exposure or overhang. All of these may be difficult to notice unless you yourself are an experienced roofer, which is why relying on low-quality roofing companies who may seem less expensive, but don’t have a good track record, can leave you in a worse position.
While there are plenty of ways to fall short of the best roofing installation you can buy, they all really come down to hiring a roofing contractor that you can trust, with a good reputation and work they will stand behind. We are a local roofing contractor with the experience and reputation you can trust. Contact us today for an estimate on a new roof for your home.