You will then have to spend even more to fix the issue. There can be all sorts of errors or mistakes like using nails that are too short, keeping the nails exposed, not installing the drip edge, sagging roof gutters, mismatched or misaligned shingles, improper attic ventilation, and many more.

Even a professional roofing contractor can make mistakes. This is why you need to be careful about selecting the right contractor. Of course, you can also do the roofing yourself if you have the knowledge and experience.

Here are some common roofing mistakes that many homeowners make – 

1. DIY roofing

When it is time to replace or repair the roof, many homeowners think that they would be able to do the work themselves. Yes, many jobs around the home can be carried out on a DIY basis, but roofing is usually not so easy. You can’t just apply shingles and tar. There are many factors in installing a good roof. It would be very difficult for an average homeowner because it is unlikely that the person will be familiar with these factors. A professional, on the other hand, will have the knowledge and experience in repairing or installing many roofs.

2. Selecting a roofer without adequate information

Roofing is important for the structural integrity of the house and is thus very important. It is essential to find a good roofer. First, ask your friends, colleagues, and neighbors for recommendations. Find information on licensing and insurance. Ask for consumer reviews. Make a shortlist and then interview to finalize the contractor. Ask for pictures to see and analyze the completed work.

3. Ask for insurance coverage

Working on a sloped roof can be dangerous. A responsible and reputable roofing contractor will be covered by general insurance and there will also be liability insurance. Some contractors may offer an extremely low bid for your job. One way of keeping it low is by avoiding insurance. Ensure that the contractor you select has full insurance coverage and also make sure that the coverage will be for the full length of your work.

4. Check the experience

Experience always matters. Find out how long they have been working in the roofing industry. In roofing, knowledge and experience will always matter greatly. In some websites, the experience and knowledge will be mentioned clearly. Ask if you cannot find this. Always hire someone who has extensive experience. Hiring someone with little information about the background and qualification is always a big mistake.

5. Always seek a proposal or estimate

First, contact a few qualified roofing contractors. Next, you must get proposals and estimates from them. Ideally, you should get both. The estimate is a short document that will have the bid price, an estimate of the time required to complete the job, and also a list of materials needed. The proposal will be more detailed. It should have different types of materials, which will let you select the option that will fit your budget. A proposal may even include a brochure that contains samples or photos of the materials the contractor is proposing.

6. Price is just one of the factors

Never get lured by a low price. Contractors offering a significantly lower price are sure to cut back in some areas. For example, they may use low quality materials and work without insurance coverage. Always select someone who is offering a reasonable estimate and price.

Also, be sure about the inclusions in the estimate, especially for special jobs like torch down roofing. In this method, modified bitumen sheets are rolled out on the roof and the professional will be a hand propane torch for heating the material and sticking it to the surface. Ask specific questions about the pricing, like is the torch down roofing cost included?

7. Hire with a contract

There are many devious businesses out there that try to lure customers by offering low prices or making promises that sound too good to be true. They will also say that there is no need for a written agreement or contract. Don’t get fooled. A verbal agreement has no legal standing. There won’t be any recorded agreement on what has been promised. So, you won’t be able to do anything if the roof fails. This is why you must insist on having a written contract. Walk away if the contractor does not agree to sign such a contract. The contract should have many important points like – 

• Permits
• Payment terms
• Work procedures
• Materials and products
• Repairs and warranty

8. Consider the climate

There can be climate-related requirements and needs, depending on your location. For example, do you live in a place that has frequent hurricanes, a place that sees heavy rainfall or snowfall? Ask the contractor the considerations related to the climate and make sure that the right construction methods and products are used for your roofing job. After all, you don’t need your roof flying off in a storm and the contractor saying that this was not discussed during the hiring process.

So you see, there are a lot of things to consider while choosing a contractor. The roof is perhaps the most important thing in your house. It will protect your home and family, and everything important you have. It has to be installed correctly. A good job will ensure that the roof will last for many years without damage, which means, you will have to spend less on repairs. Eventually, this will save you money.