Tip #5: Don’t Take Roofing Shortcuts
Quality Roofing Saves Money in the Long-Run
Have you ever heard the saying that slow and steady wins the race? In any roofing project, this adage holds true. Even though it may be tempting to take a shortcut by buying cheap roofing materials or cutting steps out of a roofing project, it will always cost you in the end.
Poor Quality Roofing Materials Mean Sooner Repairs
Case in point – while using cheaper roofing materials may seem like an attractive solution to keep a DIY project budget low, you may find yourself paying for unnecessary repairs or a full roof installation years before it’s needed.
If steps are skipped altogether to save time and money, you will certainly pay for it later when you have to climb up onto your roof to replace improperly installed flashing or to repair missing / broken shingles after the first rainstorm of the season.
Poor Quality Roofing Materials Compromise Safety
At the very worst, taking shortcuts in a roofing project could compromise your safety. If a roofing material isn’t rated highly for fire safety, it may not protect your property in the event of a fire. As a result, you’ll be forced to pay thousands of dollars to compensate for property damage that could have been avoided completely.
Hiring a Quality and Reliable Roofing Contractor
When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, the same principle holds true. While it may be tempting to hire the cheapest guy in your neighborhood, paying for quality will ensure proper, long-lasting roof installation:
- DON’T forget to check references. Checking past customer history is the most effective way to find out if a roofer provides a satisfactory final product. Ask customers specific questions about their roof performance, taking into account weather, leaking, and structural integrity.
- DON’T allow a roofing contractor to cut corners. In many cases, a roofing contractor may be just as guilty of trying to keep costs low by cutting corners on the job or when purchasing materials. Ask a contractor for regular updates to ensure that all project specifications are up to par.
- DON’T skimp on safety. A roofing contractor that doesn’t use the proper safety materials should not be hired, plain and simple. A contractor should be able to provide bonding, licensing, and insurance policy information and follow strict safety regulations on your property.
Evaluate Roofing Materials
To stretch your dollar even further in a DIY or professional roofing project, take the time to evaluate materials to ensure that you get what you pay for. Even though you may have chosen reliable, competitively priced roofing materials, you want to make sure that premium materials are delivered to your door.
A manufacturer that delivers broken, damaged, or poor quality roofing materials is unacceptable. Before laying your first shingle, make certain that all roofing materials pass inspection to confirm that your money is well spent.
Now that you know what not to do in a roofing project, we’re going to move right along to help you better understand how to assess roof damage on your property.
Roof Inspections
If your roof is in need of some upgrades or repairs, please contact A & J Reliable, Inc. immediately. Roofs that are immediately fixed could end up saving you more money in the long-run, as smaller fixes can usually be the solution. When you continue to wait, you make it more likely for an entire new roofing system needing to be installed. A & J Reliable, Inc. services the Tri-State area with over 6 locations including Nanuet, NY.
Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of residential roofing.
