After a busy day, we always look forward to the comfort of our own homes. The confines of it provides rest, relaxation and quality time with our families. Now imagine if one part of our home is dysfunctional or is in badly need of repair. Take for example the one thing that would protect us from the sun and rain – our roof.
Residential roofing is defined as an essential necessity for the quality of our homes. In order to keep our homes in the best shape, the roofing structure should be regularly evaluated and fixed as needed. This would have to be carefully planned and well invested to ensure long-term quality and durability. Being a leader in the roofing industry, A & J Reliable, Inc. has helped over 1,000 homeowners in the tri-state area install a high-quality roof and fix common issues that could have costed more in the long-run. To fully get your time and money’s worth, we have put together a list of the most important things to do and the most important things to avoid for every residential roofing project.
Things to Do to Ensure Quality Residential Roofing:
1. Do your research and get references
It is an absolute must to inquire and gather the information needed on the project. Research will provide more context to the questions and instructions at hand. This will also provide options and alternatives that can pave the way for thorough planning. Budget estimation for the project will also be made easy in this step.
2. Set a budget
You need to be equipped with the investment you’re about to take part in. A planned budget ensures the quality of materials needed, a well-compensated workforce, a happy contractor, and swift execution of the process. Having all of these elements can also eliminate delays in the project timeline.
3. Find an accredited roofing contractor
The residential roofing business has made a prominent name in the field, so there are many contractors to choose from. Part of the required research is landing a deal with a reliable contractor who doesn’t take shortcuts to finish the project. You can check with the business bureaus for an accredited roofing team that will surely provide customer satisfaction guaranteed.
4. Pay extra attention to roofing shingles
Roofing shingles not only provide the design aspect of the project, but they also provide protection. Shingles are laid from the bottom edge of the roof to the top. They come in various materials, including materials such as wood, slate, fiber cement, plastic or metal. The materials chosen are dependent on the roofing project and how durable your roof needs to be. The most important part of the shingle installation is how the shingles are being nailed. Shingle manufacturers and roofing experts highly recommended to hand nail the shingles versus doing it with nail guns. Using nail guns usually require the shingles to be renailed earlier than usual. Having them properly nailed will ensure quality and durability.
5. Get involved with the roofing project
Given that we have equipped ourselves with the information needed and the required knowledge about residential roofing, taking part in your roofing project is important. Not only can you monitor the job progress, we can take part in every decision that needs to be made. Cost, project timeline, workforce, and materials are the things to consider in every roofing project. After all, it is your own roof that’s being compromised if you do not.
6. Properly maintain your roof
Once the roofing project has been complete, it’s important to not forget about regular roof maintenance. Roofing evaluations and regular maintenance are required to ensure durability over the years to come. This is one of the most common steps that homeowners overlook, especially if they have just recently had their roof replaced or a new roof installed. Roofing evaluations can find immediate issues that can be solved with a simple repair. If simple repairs aren’t fixed sooner rather than later, it can cost you a lot more in the future. When you don’t take care of your roof, your roof will not last as long as it potentially could have. Many companies offer a variety of roof maintenance services, including roof washing or gutter cleaning.
Things to Avoid in Residential Roofing Projects:
1. Don’t use the wrong roofing materials
Choosing the wrong roofing materials is a recipe for disaster. Trying to cut corners and save money by using cheaper materials can actually cost you more in the long-run. Contrary to what some manufacturers may advertise, not all roofing materials are created with the same quality that you should be looking for. Learn more about how the wrong roofing materials can lead to a disastrous roofing project.
2. Don’t underestimate the size of your roofing project
Understanding the size and scope of your roofing project is important, especially for DIY projects. On many occasions, it can be difficult to know when to call for professional help until it’s too late. If you don’t understand the basics of finding a leak source, you risk the possibility of wasting hours trying to fix the leak. It’s important to ask yourself how valuable your time is and how valuable it is to have a quality repair / install. On larger roofing projects, it’s usually best to call a professional roofing company – even if it’s just for a second opinion. Learn more about how underestimating the size of your roofing project can cause issues.
3. Don’t start without a project blueprint
When it comes to roofing, it’s strongly recommended to never “wing it.” Having a clear and defined blueprint will lead to a more successful completion of the project. A roofing blueprint should provide the roofing type, materials, ridge covering, ventilation, overhang, and pitch. Learn more about the importance of creating a project blueprint.
4. Don’t forget to prep the roof before you begin
Many DIY roofers make the simple mistake of not preparing the roof before diving in to plug the hole. When a roof is repaired without properly removing the old materials or using the right techniques, cracks / holes can appear that lead to even more leaks. Learn more about the importance of preparing the roof before beginning your roofing project.
5. Don’t take shortcuts to save money
One of the most common mistakes in residential roofing is trying to save money upfront, rather than focusing on the long-term. Buying cheaper materials and using poor-quality products means sooner repairs. When you use quality materials and invest in the necessary measures upfront, you will actually save money in the future. Learn more about the shortcuts to avoid doing in residential roofing projects.
With these reminders, you will be able to ensure that your residential roofing project is done the right way the first time. For more information about residential roofing services or to get a second opinion on your roofing project, please contact A & J Reliable, Inc. today!
