A new roof is one of the largest single investments the average homeowner will make in his or her home. The cost is significant, but that's because roof installation is a complex process and requires a lot of manpower to execute efficiently. However, a quality roof installation is well worth the money. It should last decades and provide you and your belongings with protection from the elements.
However, because the scope of a roofing project is great, there are plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong during installation. Fortunately, many of those potential pitfalls can be avoided before the project even starts through diligent planning and dedication to the process. Keep reading to learn a few things that you should avoid when considering a new roof.
Using Improper Materials
On a project with as large a price tag as the average roof replacement, there may be a desire to cut costs by using subpar materials. However, doing so is a huge mistake. For example, using mismatched shingles can be problematic, not only from an aesthetic standpoint but from a roof integrity perspective as well. Shingles are merely parts of your roofing system, and as such, they're built to match one another in size, shape, and color. When you mismatch shingles, the result can be gaps that allow moisture in and result in reduced wind resistance. Neither risk is worth the amount of money that you may save by buying mismatched shingles, so make sure your materials are top-notch. Also, never reuse old materials such as flashing. Doing so can cause future damage to your roof and leave you with a costly repair bill.
Failing to Get Permits
There's a good reason that roofing permits are required for roof replacement projects in many jurisdictions. They ensure that industry-accepted installation tactics and top-quality materials are used to replace the roof. They also guarantee that the final product will be up to code, which is important in the event that you ever elect to sell your home. Skipping out on the permit could begin a cascade of problems for the homeowner that could include heavy fines, removal of the new roof, and an inability to get insurance on the roof. Make sure you and your roofing contractor cover the bases when it comes to obtaining the proper roofing permits.
Hiring a Handyman
Roof installation is a specialized type of construction that requires specialized training, experience, and equipment. While there may be a temptation to save money by hiring a jack of all trades or general handyman to put the new roof on your home, cutting that corner is a bad idea. The average handyman doesn't have the equipment or experience to install a viable roof, so the roof could require premature replacement. Therefore, you should always hire a professional roofing company that specializes in the type of roofing surface you want installed. Not only will you be sure that the roof replacement is installed correctly, but you'll also get a warranty that covers the materials and workmanship.
A wise homeowner will avoid these common pitfalls of the roof replacement process. While many would like to save money on roof replacement costs, in most cases, the negative outcomes outweigh the supposed savings. To learn more about roof replacement, contact Findlay Roofing at (770) 516-5806.
