4 Roofing Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Avoid these pitfalls so you can make better decisions about your home. 

No one tells homeowners what to watch out for when it comes to repairing a roof or hiring a professional. Most homeowners won’t think about the roof until they have to, since most will only need to replace a roof about once in their lifetime. It can be overwhelming to make choices about your roof when the investment is so expensive and without a lay of the land, making the wrong decisions can happen. So, here are a few roofing mistakes to avoid when it comes to your roof.  

1 – Not calling the professionals first 

Fixing a roof is a difficult and downright dangerous job. Hiring a professional is key to preventing future problems safely and with minimal mistakes. 

Hiring a professional ensures more than just your safety as the homeowner, it ensures the safety of your home too. Not only do professionals have the knowledge to get the job done right, but they also have the tools needed for whatever challenges your roof may possess. Their equipment allows them to do all the repairs while staying safe. 

You should call in an expert the moment you notice missing or cracked shingles, missing vents or damaged flashing.   

2 – Repairing when you should replace 

Sometimes the best way to avoid future headaches is to simply replace the roof. Influencive claims that roof replacement becomes crucial in the case of damage and leakage. If your roof looks like it isn’t doing very well, your intuition is probably pretty sound.  Sagging, curling shingles, leaks or granules in the gutter are all cause to get your roof inspected.  

If your roof is looking old and worn out, chances are that it is. Owens Corning recommends getting your roof inspected if you see your neighbors repairing and replacing their roofs, as this could be a cue that your roof is nearing the end of its useful life. 

Depending on how severe the damage is, your roof will either need to be replaced or repaired. To help you make this decision, South Florida Reporter suggests asking yourself these questions: 

• Do you have time to wait for a roof replacement? If the emergency is severe, you might not have the time needed to replace the roof. 

• Is your roof over 20 years old? If so, it is probably time to replace it. 

• How much of the roof is damaged? If the affected area is very large it might be easier to replace the roof. However, if the areas damaged is smaller, a repair might make more sense. 

• How much will a repair cost? Evaluate the cost comparisons of repair verse replacement. If you calculate it will cost about the same for both, then go for a new installation. 

• Did your roof deck and attic get damaged? If the roof’s interior structure shows moisture damage, then only repairing the exterior roofing will not solve the problem. In this instance it may be best to replace your roof. 

3 – Not doing maintenance or roof inspections 

Roof maintenance is the number one way to extend the lifespan of your roof and catch costly repairs before they get exorbitant. The number one cause of roof problems comes from a poorly maintained roof. Your roof, as one of the most vulnerable parts of your home, needs regular inspection, maintenance and repair. Roof Revivers, like most roofing experts, suggest getting a roof inspection once a year. The lifespan of a roof can be shortened dramatically if neglected, but with proper maintenance, your roof can last an average of 15 to 30 years.  

4 – Going with the cheapest estimate over quality 

Cost is going to be an important factor in your decision. While it isn't necessarily wrong to choose the company with the cheapest quote for the job, you want to make sure the low price tag won't compromise the quality. Finding a company with a high quality of service takes precedence over cost. 

AZ Big Media suggests making sure your estimate includes start and end dates as well as what materials will be used. You should also contact several companies to get quotes for the project to figure out the average price for the reroofing. Knowing the average cost for your project will help you select a roofing company that offers quality workmanship and is budget friendly.   

Conclusion 

Hopefully this quick overview of roofing mistakes can help you make better choices for your home and avoid some of these roofing mistakes.  

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About Cass

Cass works as a reporter/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When she isn’t writing about roofs, she is writing about movies for her master's degree and dancing with her plants.