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What You Need To Know About Roof Repair

A roof is a key factor in keeping any home safe from the elements. A compromised roof could allow significant damage to your home, inside and out. Sometimes you need roof repair. It’s easy to overlook the importance of the health of your roof; after all, it’s up there and whoever sees it close up? Remember that fixing problems early is much more cost-effective than taking care of them when they’re advanced.

The Dos and DONT’s of Roof Repair

DO meet with and fully vet prospective roofing contractors. Ensuring they are properly licensed, qualified, have insurance, been in business for a while, and have plenty of positive references.

DON’T decide based on price alone. It is important to determine value, quality and what is covered before making a decision. A cheaper estimate could leave out important elements such as ventilation, flashing, old roofing disposal costs, as well as the experience level of the contractor and installers, etc. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

DO choose a local roofing company with a long history in the community. A company with deep roots in the community has proven itself to be trustworthy and customer-focused. Look for a company whose employees think of their employees as extended family. And look for a company that supports local charities, nonprofits and schools. Investing in businesses that give back ensures a responsible, accountable company culture.

DON’T hire a fly-by-night contractor or storm chaser. Some roofing companies drop into town after inclement weather or natural disasters to prey on homeowners’ desperation to put their lives and homes back together. You might get a great price, but not such a great result. Will they give you an honest warranty? And where will they be when you need a repair?

DO choose a certified roofing installer  Not many homeowners realize that the warranty on your new roofing structure depends greatly on who installs it. Choose a contractor that invests in ongoing training, skills updating, and has certifications from roofing material suppliers.

DON’T risk invalidating a manufacturer’s roofing system warranty. A reliable contractor will provide a warranty, but they must install according to the requirements of the manufacturer of the roofing materials you selected; otherwise, the manufacturer’s warranty could be voided.

DO plan for ventilation. Proper roofing ventilation can prolong the life of your roof. Talk with your roofing contractor to see what kind of venting is included with the estimate and determine if it is sufficient to modulate attic temperatures during the warm season, as well as reduce moisture build-up during cooler periods.

DON’T assume the roofer will make the best choice for ventilation without your input. Make sure they know your lifestyle, and how you use – or don’t use – heating and air conditioning. There are many types and configurations for ventilation, and some will cost a little more, but it is something you might want to opt to do. Get all the information from the start.

DO give serious thought to removing the old roof. While roofing over a current roofing system is much cheaper, it could lead to more costly problems in the long run, especially if there is structural damage that goes undetected.

DON’T just choose the easiest option. Our belief is that it is rarely advisable to add a layer to a roof.

DO ask your installer to explain the various types of roofing materials. There is a wide variety of roofing materials to choose from – asphalt shingles, metal, wooden shakes, slate, and clay tiles. Choose the style that matches your home, preference, and budget best.

DON’T automatically choose the same asphalt shingles everybody else has. Although asphalt shingles tend to be the most affordable, are easy to install and come in many colors and styles, some of the other roofing options can improve your home’s curb appeal and make it stand out from the others.

DO schedule roof replacement when the weather will cooperate. We can roof in almost any weather, but inclement conditions can cause a delay in the job. If possible, plan to have your roof replaced during moderate weather so that the need to protect your home from the elements is minimal. Many roof replacements are completed in one or two days. Plan accordingly.