Installing a new roof is an expensive process, to be sure, and most homeowners are looking for some savings when faced with this major home repair. But cutting corners can actually turn out to be far more costly in the end. Here are five roofing-related mistakes you don’t want to make in your efforts to be money-conscious:
- Laying Your New Roof Over Your Old One
This one sounds like a good idea. If you lay your new roof over the old one, it will probably be twice as strong, right? Actually, the opposite is true. Multiple layers of roofing materials make your roof more susceptible to damage, especially from hail. In some places, it’s even against local ordinances to do this. The bottom line is that it’s worth paying a little more to have the old roof removed and the foundational beams checked.
- Choosing the Wrong Materials for the Slope
There are so many different types of roofing materials that you should have plenty of options to fit your budget and chosen design style. The only caveat is that those types need to be properly matched to types of roofs, too. Most roofing materials have a recommended minimum slope that you’ll need to pay attention to if you want to avoid problems down the road.
- Hiring Underqualified or Unlicensed Roofers
When it comes to actually hiring roofing contractors, you don’t necessarily want to go with the lowest offer (in fact, it’s extremely likely that lowball offers could be scams). Quality workmanship matters when it comes to maximizing the lifespan of a roof, and a good contractor will be licensed, as well as insured and bonded. Those things may increase the price a bit, but they limit your risk.
- Not Preparing for Climate-Related Issues
Each climate has its own challenges. The problem that’s normally inadequately addressed is that of ice dams, which can form anywhere with cold and snowy winters. These ice dams can cause expensive water damage, so it’s best to make sure your installers are using the right materials and techniques to combat the problem before it ever materializes.
- Accidentally Voiding Your Roofing Warranty
Especially if you’re a relatively competent DIY-er, laying your own roof or just doing some minor repairs over the years may sound like a good idea. But before you do so, you should read the fine print on both your materials warranty and your workmanship warranty; doing work yourself or failing to have professional inspections on a regular schedule could void one or both. That’s not worth saving a few bucks.
What other mistakes do homeowners commonly make when it comes to roofing? Share your thoughts in the comments.