Since a residential roof is a substantial investment, errors in selecting a contractor can be costly. With so much at stake when you select a roofing contractor, it is vital to avoid these 10 roofing mistakes.
Common Roofing Mistakes by the Homeowner
Too often, homeowners make avoidable errors that needlessly increase their roofing costs both over the short-term and the long-term.
1. Not Performing Due Diligence
It is vital to do your research before entrusting your residential roof replacement or roof repair to a roofing contractor. Realize that your roof system protects your home and your belongings, as well as family members and guests.
Ask neighbors, friends and work associates for referrals. Review testimonials that often appear on contractors’ websites.
2. Selecting the Lowest Quote
With something as important as your roof, it is important to carefully select a local, full-service roofer that offers quality, service and value. Know that the cheapest is not always the best.
In fact, a roofer that cuts corners to low-ball the competition may cost a homeowner far more in the long run. Improperly installed shingles, flashing and other roof components may cause your roof to leak even when it is relatively new.
3. Selecting a Substandard Service
Proper installation is a critical factor when dealing with roofing in Bergen County NJ. Modern roof systems, properly installed, will typically withstand high winds and heavy snow/ice accumulations.
However, carelessly nailed shingles, poor caulking, improper flashings and other failures may lead to leaks. Moisture intrusion, especially when undetected, can rot framing, destroy drywall and even cause mold outbreaks.
4. Skipping Roof Inspections and Maintenance
With disciplined, periodic maintenance, it is possible to maximize the lifespan of your roof, which is an important investment. There is no real substitute for having a certified roof inspector examine your roof.
Spring inspections can reveal possible winter damage done by ice dams, heavy snow accumulations and high winds, while fall inspections can reveal possible summer damage from severe thunderstorms. Also, if you suspect roof damage due to a falling tree limb or another hazard, it is important to have a certified roof inspector come out right after the storm.
Any damage revealed by a professional inspection can then be remedied in a timely manner. It is possible to deal with holes, missing or damaged shingles, loose flashings, and other problems before water intrudes into the roof’s substructure. It is also possible to remove fallen branches, leaves and other debris.
Common Roofing Mistakes by the Contractor
Certain roofing contractors may make mistakes that ultimately hurt the homeowners they are supposed to serve. These mistakes can adversely impact a homeowner either when the roof system is first installed or in the years that follow.
5. Ignoring Codes
It is critical for a contractor working on roofing in Bergen County NJ, to respect and to fully adhere to local codes. To protect your home and get the maximum life out of your roof, it is important that a roofing contractor install your roof “up to code.” Local codes are carefully written to account for local conditions so roof components perform as they must during extreme New Jersey weather events.
6. Insurance Omissions
To cut expenses, some roofers will only have home insurance or none at all. Should an accident occur during a roof installation, home insurance does not cover roofing and is essentially worthless.
When a contractor lacks the proper insurance, there is a risk that the injured party will file a claim against the homeowner’s insurance policy.
7. Permitting Problems
An experienced, local roofing contractor will ensure that the right permitting occurs. Municipalities typically require specific permits for roof replacements.
Local officials want to ensure that property values are maintained, and they want safe, predictable conditions for first responders in the unlikely event of a fire or other catastrophic event. Homeowners who use roofers that don’t do proper permitting may face fines.
8. Improper or Non-Existent Licensing
Not all homeowners realize that roofing contractors must be licensed by the state, just like other home improvement specialists. Unfortunately, some property owners unwittingly find themselves working with unlicensed contractors that may do shoddy work.
Perhaps the state refused to issue a license because of repeated past violations. Unlicensed out-of-state roofers may also prey upon unsuspecting homeowners when natural disasters strike.
9. Inadequate or Inaccurate Warranties
A homeowner has a right to expect decades of service from a new roof. So why do some contractors offer warranties as short as five years? And why do others fail to qualify for the best manufacturer warranties?
It is only natural that roofing manufacturers will offer the most comprehensive warranties when their materials are installed by contractors they can trust. For example, GAF offers the best warranties in the business to homeowners who use its own certified Master Elite contractors.
10. Poor Timing of Installations
Roofing contractors must be disciplined as to exactly when they perform their roof installations. For example, it is important to work around significant rains so moisture doesn’t get trapped in the sub-roofing. Also, crews can cause damage if they walk around on the roof when it’s too cold or very hot.
Contact Us Today
CRS is proud to be a GAF Master Elite contractor. We’ve been serving those who need roofing in Bergen County NJ since 1977.
We are here for our valued clients when they need us for minor/major repairs, roof replacements, residential roof inspections, routine roof maintenance and emergency services. To arrange for a visit by our certified roof inspector, please contact us today!
