8 Roof Replacement Mistakes to Avoid for Homeowners in San Antonio
This time of year brings with it plenty of inclement weather. From falling debris to high winds, storm systems inflict all kinds of damage to the roof of a home. The roof is the first line of defense from the elements, and any homeowner knows that keeping it in tip-top shape is crucial.
The average homeowner in the U.S. spends just over $8,000 replacing a roof. While some homeowners may be tempted to cut roof replacement costs, conducting an entire roof replacement on your own can be tricky, if not dangerous.
If you’re a homeowner in San Antonio, keep reading to find out seven common roof replacement mistakes to avoid.
1. Taking a Do-It-Yourself Approach
While it might be tempting to begin a roof replacement process on your own, doing so can be dangerous. The most common roof replacement mistake a homeowner can make is to take a do-it-yourself approach.
Professional roofers understand the necessary components of what it takes to properly install a roof. Does the roof need two downspouts or one? What type of impact resistance does your roofing material have?
From roof decking, to battens and shingles, roofers have a wide knowledge base of the specific materials needed for all types of roofing projects. Laying a roof takes a special skill set. By attempting a do-it-yourself approach, you leave yourself, and your roof, open to the possibility of injury or damage.
2. Focusing on Price, Not Quality
Yes, a full roof repair can be costly. However, if you decide to cut corners and take the budget route, you leave yourself open to more fixes and major repairs down the road.
By focusing on cost-cutting measures and using budget materials, the quality of the roof itself will begin to show in things like cracked shingles, leaks, water damage, and structural issues.
Cost-savings now can lead to shelling out significantly more money down the road. To that end, avoid focusing solely on price, and instead focus on the quality of craftsmanship and materials.
3. Hiring Uninsured Roofers
Replacing old roofs can be a dangerous job. If your roofer happens to sustain an injury on your property, as the property owner, you want to be protected.
In the event of an injury, a roofing company that is insured indicates that coverage will be in place for injuries sustained on the job. Insured roofing companies tend to show that they’re serious about following safety standards and minimizing risk.
An insured roofing company keeps safety top of mind. Hiring uninsured roofers leaves room for potential liabilities that you simply shouldn’t have to deal with.
4. Ignoring the Signs
If the shingles on your roof begin to curl, or you’ve started to notice small leaks, it’s probably time to get that roof repaired. If you do start to notice residential roof damage and ignore it in favor of searching for the cheapest repair route, you’re only leaving yourself open to further damage.
Waiting too long to start roof repairs can lead to significant problems such as major roof leaks, rodent infestations, and more. Waiting too long to replace a roof could leave your home open to fire hazards from exposed electrical work, and can even lead to a full roof collapse.
5. Keeping Old Shingles in Place
There’s only one shingle type that can be placed over old shingles: composition shingles. While it is certainly possible to put new shingles over the top of old ones, it’s not a recommended practice.
Added layers of shingles doesn’t automatically protect your roof from damage or leaks. Professional roofers will know the specific amount of weight your roof is graded for. By adding new shingles on top of old ones, you’re simply adding extra weight to an existing structure.
An overloaded roof can lead to a potential collapse. Not to mention, sticking new shingles on top of old ones doesn’t give your roofer a chance to check for any outstanding issues like spongy areas or rotted areas before installing the new roof.
6. Avoiding Signed Contracts
A complete roof replacement includes many steps and varying materials such as:
- New shingles
- Decking
- Flashing
- Underlayment
- Fascia
- Soffit
From removal of old materials to the installation of new materials, replacing a roof is a fairly involved process. To that end, homeowners that avoid reading through a signed contract leave themselves open to unplanned surprises like hidden fees.
Obtaining a contract prior to beginning will help you fully understand the materials needed and the time it will take to complete the job. A contract will provide an itemized list of materials and holds the roofing company responsible if something were to go wrong during the process.
7. Forgoing the Inspection
You might feel like it’s possible to go ahead with a roof replacement without obtaining an inspection first. This is one common mistake you’ll want to avoid.
A roof inspection is a way for your roofers to scan for things like the condition of the roof deck, the presence of mold, or how many years you have left for certain sections of the roof.
Having an inspection done prior will give you a more accurate cost of replacement, as well as provide details as to the scope and timeline of the job.
Avoid These Roof Replacement Mistakes
Installing a new roof is no easy task. Without professional help, roof replacement mistakes can be costly and time-consuming. At WeatherTech Roofing, our roofing experts are here to provide the professional roofing services you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with general wear and tear or you’re ready for a full roof replacement, we’ve got you covered! Schedule an estimate with us today. We’ll go above and beyond to ensure all of your roofing needs are satisfied.
