Whether you are installing a new roof or repairing your existing one, finding the right person or company for the job can be quite taxing. The house’s roof is an essential feature that helps hold the house together. Therefore, roofing choices can be intimidating. However, with the right team, you can always depend on getting a quality job done.
There is always an ongoing debate in the home improvement business about working with professional roofing companies or employing local contractors. While the advantages may often outweigh the associated disadvantages, there are still some common problems that users should always consider.
We have put together a list of potential issues and problems when working with a roofing company:
To Repair Or Replace Roof?
Whether one should repair or replace a roof is perhaps the most commonly asked question when meeting up with a roofing company. It is also the most concerning the question, especially since hiring a roofing company can be a costly endeavor on its own.
While a new roof can exponentially increase the value of your property and add to its overall aesthetics, it can also be quite expensive and time-consuming. This is one of the primary reasons why people prefer roof repairs as they are comparatively cheaper. However, if done at the wrong time, you may be stuck with a higher cost associated with ongoing repairs over the year.
At the same time, many roofing companies may encourage replacing the roof because it allows them more room to ensure a sturdy build. For starters, they will be able to plan and incorporate high-quality elements such as shingles that will last a long time. Additionally, they are also usually in partnership with many manufacturers of these parts. Therefore they may be getting a cut of the sales made. In the end, it is often a tug of war that may cause problems in your working relationship.
As a solution, we suggest trying a few of the following to help you make a balanced decision:
- Evaluate the lifespan of your roof and its parts. Like everything tangible in your house, the roof also has a certain lifespan. Rubber roofs typically last anywhere between 30 to 50 years while metal roofs can last longer up to 75 years. Similarly, Asphalt shingles have a 15 to 30-year lifecycle, while wood shingles can easily last up to 25 years. Determining the lifespan of your roof can help you make a better decision about replacing or repairing your roof.
- Get a second opinion. Most companies, such as Cache Roofing offer free consultations. If you are unsure about repairing or replacing your roof, we suggest getting a second or even third opinion from other specialists in the business. This will also help broaden your perspective and help you get a better idea about market prices.
- Set a mutually agreed budget. If you are worried about the costs associated with replacing a roof, we recommend setting a cap on your spending budget with the roofing company. This mutually agreed budget will help you make a calculated decision that is not heavy on the pockets either. A commonly agreed budget will also ensure that you are kept in the loop about every single service and product cost.
Choosing Roof Type
Deciding on the type of roof you want can be challenging especially if this is your first time working on a major home improvement project. While slate roofs last the longest up to 150 years according to NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), they are also much more costly. On the other hand, clay and concrete also have a long expectancy of about 100 years.
However, replacing a roof is not just about choosing the right material, it is also about whether your home can carry the excess weight. Slate is a heavy stone and may not work well over the structure of an older home. Similarly, heavier materials also tend to increase the costs associated with stronger supporting materials.
Here are a few things that you can keep in mind when deciding the type of roof to get for your home:
- You don’t need to replace the whole roof and can also opt for only replacing a part or side of it. However, this may not work for every roof type and may need to be discussed with the roofing company before any commitments.
- In some roofs, you may be able to lay the new shingles over the old ones. This will not only save money but also time otherwise spent tearing off the roof completely and building it from scratch.
Your roofing company will also need to check for any regulations regarding this procedure with the local authorities.
- Metal roofs have a considerably good lifespan of almost 50 years thus, making them a great contender against slate, concrete, and clay materials.
Warranty Entitlement
Word of the wise: always read the fine print on any warranty provided by the manufacturers. You will find that many manufacturers proudly advertise a lifetime warranty associated with their products, such as shingles. However, these usually have a lifespan of ten to 12 years depending on the roof’s relative lifespan. This is also the period during which you can claim your warranty for a full refund. However, after this time the manufacturers will only reimburse you for any depreciated value of the product provided.
If it isn’t already clear, warranties are specifically tricky if you do not have a reliable roofing company to back up your claim. You will also find that warranties do not cover every incident or circumstance. For instance, acts of God are mostly not covered and must be dealt with personally or via a homeowners insurance claim.
Additionally, many people consider getting solar panels when they are redoing their roofs. However, these are often not supportive of your roof’s warranty and may cause issues at the time of claim. Therefore to help prevent any mishaps, you should always check your shingle manufacturer’s warranty, as well as the solar panel company’s warranty.
Here are a few things to consider when dealing with warranties provided by the manufacturer:
- The fine print is the key to all nuisances. For example, your full reimbursement or replacement may be dependent on purchasing certain upgraded features or other products in combination.
- Make sure your ventilation system is up to date and without any issues because the manufacturer’s warranty becomes void otherwise.
- A manufacturer’s warranty will not apply to acts of God such as a tornado or tsunami.
- Try to find a manufacturer that will allow you to transfer your warranty to the next homeowner. This will help increase your property’s market value as well as attract potential buyers.
Although you may come across many problems when working with a roofing company, we have found that these also tend to be the more reliable option compared to local contractors. It is always a better idea to opt for a company after verifying references and licenses to present fraud and determine credibility. Moreover, as a basic rule of thumb, we always recommend getting quotations from at least three different companies. This market research will also help you narrow down your vision and find the right company to execute your dream roof job.
If you’re interested in exploring roofing options, call Cache Roofing today at 904.887.ROOF for a free consultation.