When it comes to having your roof fixed, you can’t afford to get it wrong. There are plenty of misconceptions about roof repair, and most of them can lead to expensive blunders. Before you hire a roofing contractor, make sure you know the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to these myths about roof repair.
FICTION: “There’s no visible damage, so my roof is fine.”
FACT: While shingles may not completely detach or visibly deteriorate, they may still be damaged. Though you may not see it, shingles will lose their seal over time and become brittle in the hot sun, making your roof vulnerable to corrosion, as well as leaks, mold and pests. Waiting to call a roofing contractor until there is an obvious leak, a mold takeover or a gaping hole in your roof will only ensure that the damages will be more extensive and costly to repair.
FICTION: “I can fix the leak(s) myself.”
FACT: Even if you are able to locate the source of a leak and patch it, you will have to repeat the process every few months. While it’s true that you might be able to temporarily address the symptoms of a leak if you manage to find its source, even the best materials supplied by home-improvement stores aren’t designed to hold up against the elements for long. As a homeowner, it is more economical to have a professional roofer perform the necessary repairs.
FICTION: “Going with the lowest price will save me money.”
FACT: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. When a roofing contractor offers a significantly lower price than other roofing contractors, this should be a red flag. While a contractor’s estimate may appear deceptively affordable in the short run, consider what corners are being cut in order to make a slashed rate possible.
FICTION: “I know a guy who is a handyman on the side. He can fix my roof with materials from a home-improvement store.”
FACT: Unlicensed roof contracting is dangerous and unlawful, and it makes you liable. Unlicensed roofing contractors rarely carry the types of insurance required by law, so if anyone is injured on your property, you will be left to foot the bill. Hiring a handyman instead of a certified, experienced professional can turn a simple repair into an expensive, stressful ordeal.
FICTION: “I have to pay a large sum of money in advance for my roof repairs.”
FACT: A stable, successful roofing company may ask for a reasonable deposit up front, but will not require large payments in advance. Unfortunately, many former construction workers have become “overnight roofers” with nothing more than a truck, a ladder and a hammer. Most don’t have the financial stability to buy materials or pay workers up front, which is why they may insist on being paid in advance. Don’t do it! Make sure that you are dealing with a reputable, licensed and established roofing contractor before making any sort of payment.
FICTION: “If a company says they’re a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or a Chamber of Commerce, they must be qualified.”
FACT: Companies are able to renew membership with the Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce without having to undergo reinvestigation. Such organizations only conduct cursory assessments of member businesses, often neglecting to revisit past clients or examine completed jobs. If your roofing contractor is a member of either organization, check to see if their membership is current and if there are any complaints against them.
FICTION: “My lifetime warranty covers everything.”
FACT: Your roof’s warranty becomes void in the absence of regular upkeep. Your warranty can also be voided by installation errors committed by your roofer, which is why it’s especially crucial to find a reliable contractor with a good track record, proper certifications and top-of-the-line products, not your friendly neighborhood handyman.
When it comes to fixing and maintaining your roof, don’t take chances. By consulting with a knowledgeable roofing contractor, you’re bringing on skilled partners to help you extend the life of your roof, preserve your warranty and protect your home and family. Let an experienced professional do the job.
If you have any questions about requesting an inspection, or suspect that your roof might be overdue for some repairs, email us at office@tadlockroofing.com or call us toll-free at 855-964-7663.
