Mistakes to Avoid When Thinking About Your Roof

Do I cut costs by hiring a less experienced contractor?  Can I buy my own materials to save money?  Should I do my own repairs?
 
Your roof is a major investment, so it’s important to weigh your options before making any major decisions.  Avoid these mistakes when making decisions about roof maintenance and preservation:

1.Start a major roofing project by yourself

Unless you are an expert on roofing, it’s best to leave the work up to an experienced roofing professional.  Just climbing up on the roof is dangerous and can cause serious damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.  Tearing off a roof is even more dangerous.  In our years in the roofing business, we’ve seen people start a project and quickly realize they were in over their heads.  This mistake is often made when someone is trying to save some money, but it ends up costing more in the long run due to the damage caused by lack of knowledge. 

2. Purchasing your own materials
We all like to shop around for good deals, but when it comes to roofing materials, it is best to allow a qualified roofing contractor purchase the materials for you.  Many roofing contractors have long-term relationships with suppliers and are able to get a more competitive price than you could.  Not to mention they will know exactly what you need and how much.  Having a new roof installed is typically a package deal, so a reputable roofer will be able to provide a manufacturer’s warranty as well as a warranty on the workmanship.

3. Installing products that can cause damage over time
Just because a product sounds like it’s great doesn’t mean it’s always the best thing for your roof.  For example, rain diverters sound like something every roof should have, but in actuality, they can cause more damage than good by forcing rain water up under the shingles.  Another example is a flush mounted skylight.  While they look great, they typically aren’t very sturdy and are unable to support large volumes of water.  Be sure to consult with a professional roofer about which products will perform best with your roof structure.
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4. Hiring the wrong contractor
It is extremely important to do your homework before hiring someone to work on your roof.  Price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when it comes to the quality of work being done on your home.  Talk to friends and family, and ask your neighbors and co-workers for names of roofing companies in the area with a good track record of quality work.  Check online reviews, social media reviews, and the Better Business Bureau to get a better feel of what customers say about them.  Your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, so spend the extra time to find a company with integrity and a high quality finished product.