How To Avoid Bad Roof Repairs & Installations
Choosing the right roofer to install, repair, or replace your roof is by far one of the most important decisions you will need to make as a homeowner. One thing to keep in mind is that roofs are not inexpensive, so it is not good to cut corners to save money. A roofer who is willing to cut corners on the job isn’t going to give you a reliable roofing system because the corners they cut have nothing to do with their labor costs but with the materials they use and the important steps they neglect during the installation or repair.
For instance, it is not uncommon for us to repair or replace a roof and see that the roofer did not use the 6 nails as instructed by the manufacturer. They cut corners by only using 4 nails on each shingle. While this may have saved the homeowner a little money, maybe or maybe not, it will cause early roof failure. You also need to be sure that the roofing contractor you choose is experienced and honest. Check the roofing warranties, their guarantees, and ask questions when you call for estimates.
Choosing A Roofer – Cheaper Isn’t Always Better
Keep in mind that the most expensive roof is the one that has to be repaired too many times and replaced early. A roof that doesn’t last or doesn’t perform as it should is going to wind up more expensive than installing a better quality roof by an experienced roofer who doesn’t cut corners to give you the cheapest price.
In fact, more than half of the roof repairs that have to be done are because corners were cut during installation. In almost all cases, the homeowner chose a cheaper roof option and found that leaks and other problems are going on that shouldn’t be a problem for decades. Many times, a cheap quality roof shingle doesn’t even last ten years, especially if corners were cut during installation. If you have to replace a roof early or have to pay for repairs all the time, it’s much more expensive to get that deal.
At Stevens Roofing, we see these examples often. We recommend that you choose a durable roofing shingle or roofing system that is going to perform well and that won’t have to be replaced for several decades. When you are looking for a roofer, be sure they are going to do the work right. Remember that the cheapest estimate is rarely worth accepting, especially if it is much lower than the others. Try to aim for the middle ground and choose roofing materials carefully.
Roof Installations – What To Ask A Roofer
Sometimes it’s hard to keep asking questions of a service contractor, especially when the one you just talked to seemed frustrated or rude by them. You should never let a reaction like that keep you from asking all the questions you need to ask. If they don’t have time for you or don’t want to answer, you’re better off going on to the next one anyway. Here are a few important things that you should do and that they should do.
- Install new quality underlayment
- Install all new drip edges & flashing
- Install quality roof shingles or roof panels
- Install shingles according to manufacturer, no corners cut
- They carry the minimum 50K insurance required to be registered contractor
- They hire experienced people
- Speak to their references
- Read written guarantees on the contract
A good roof installation should mean that your roof lasts near or beyond the rated life of all the materials installed, and it should mean no significant repairs. You can add value to your home if you choose a good roofing system and it is installed right. All the way around, you will be avoiding roof problems before they could ever start.
