Shingle roofs are often guaranteed to last twenty or more years, while some slate roofs could be warrantied for up to a hundred years. Whichever material you have over your head, it may be a long time before you have to consider roof replacement. That said, the time may eventually come when repair and replacement becomes necessary.
Unfortunately, this can be a major expense for most homeowners. You therefore want to make wise decisions that will ensure you have a solid and reliable roof for years to come. Here are a few things you’ll want to avoid when you make decisions about your roof.
1. Opting for DIY
If you have a background in roofing, there’s no reason why you can’t maintain, repair, and even replace your own roof when the time comes. This could be a great way to save money on an expensive project.
However, most homeowners are not professional roofers. There are several reasons why you should call in a company that specializes in roof repair in Fort Worth Texas for your home. First and foremost, you want a roof that works.
The last thing any homeowner wants is a leak. This isn’t to say hiring a pro is foolproof, but at least a roofing contractor or company will guarantee work and offer some reparations should your roof fail within the warranty period.
In addition, these professionals are well aware of building codes and permits and they’ll make sure that your new roof is legal and will hold up under inspection. If you want to go it alone and save some dough on your roofing project, proceed with caution. This DIY project could end up costing you more in the long run if you don’t do the job right.
2. Relying on the First Bid
It’s tempting to hire the first contractor that comes along, especially when you’re experiencing a roofing problem like a leak. However, this is a mistake. It’s important to take the time to comparison shop and get several bids before moving forward with a contractor.
First of all, you need to make sure you find companies or contractors for roof maintenance in Arlington Texas that are licensed and bonded to alleviate your liability. They may not come at the lowest prices, but they’ll offer the expertise and insurance you need.
In addition, you want to find not just the best price, but the right people for the job. You should feel comfortable with the company you hire and confident that they will complete the job in a timely and professional manner.
3. Failing to Sign a Contract
Most homeowners are aware of the importance of having a contract when it comes to hiring workers for home repairs, so it is truly surprising how many still elect to start work without a contract in place. Not only does this legal document protect you in the event of a dispute over work, but it spells out the work to be done, the timeline for completion, and the cost for the project. You should discuss and agree on all of these components before work commences.
You don’t just want to sign the contract, though. Spend the time to actually read and understand what it says. Otherwise you may sign up for something you didn’t necessarily agree to.
4. Purchasing the Wrong Products
When it comes to roof repair or replacement, you may decide that upgrades are in order. However, spending beaucoup bucks on pricey new products doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a better result.
For example, you may like the look of flush mounted skylights, but they could be more susceptible to leakage if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain. You should therefor discuss your intended roof repair in Fort Worth Texas with qualified professionals. Their expert advice could help you to avoid overspending on products that won’t work for you.
5. Ignoring Maintenance
You’ve hired a contractor and installed your new roof. Now what? It’s time to hire a qualified provider for regular roof maintenance in Arlington Texas.
You might think that your new roof is good to go for the next twenty years or more thanks to the warranty, but the truth is that a failure to properly maintain it could lead to deterioration, damage, and leaks that significantly reduce the life of your product. A failure to maintain your roof could also negate the warranty in some cases.
This is why you should have your roof inspected annually and repaired as needed. You should also keep gutters and downspouts clean and in good repair. This will help to ensure the greatest longevity for your roof.
