Common Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid, Say Top Roofing Contractors

Roofing installation is a huge and expensive project. Whether it’s a new construction or a replacement roof, months of planning are required. This way you can avoid making mistakes that can cost you months of hard-earned savings, especially when the need for inspection and repair starts to kick in. Here are some of the major mistakes you should avoid, ensuring the success of your roofing project in Colorado Springs.

Not Going for Top-Quality Materials

Choosing between cheap and expensive materials is never easy, especially if your resources are limited. This, however, isn’t supposed to be your approach when making decisions about your roofing project. Instead of looking at the price tags, look at the quality of the materials you need. It may seem a tough choice but choosing top-quality materials offers a great deal of financial benefits down the road. If you take this into account during the planning stage, you won’t have trouble making such a decision when the time comes since you will have saved more or looked for more resources.

Neglecting the Papers

You may think that roof installation is no more than a simple home improvement project that any other family in the neighborhood does now and then. The truth is that the local government may have a say about it, considering that it involves a tremendous amount of liability and money, and they have to make sure that the contractor you will hire will follow building code. During the planning stage, inquire about the permits and other documents needed for conducting such a project.

There are three major documents you need to obtain before starting the project. First is the building permit, which contains the contractor’s obligation to follow building code. Next is a contract that specifies the details of the project, including the materials needed and the overall cost of the project. Lastly, a letter from the contractor’s insurer confirming the coverage of the project. Without these documents, you will not be able to recover losses if something goes wrong.

Not Taking the Roof Framework into Account

One of the biggest mistakes you could possibly make when planning a roofing project is not taking the roof framework into consideration. The framework consists of the boards, joists, and rafters that hold the decking and main roofing materials together. Most homeowners would just think of replacing the old shingles. If they want the job done more quickly, they would even go for reroofing in which the new roof is installed on top of the old one, basically doing away with dismantling.

Check the framework for damage. If you live in an old house, considering replacing even that part of the roof, especially if you are planning to upgrade to a tougher and more durable material such as tiles and slate. These materials are heavy and may require a more complex base structure. Most importantly, you need to consider this section of the roof because it will surely affect the project’s cost.

Because of the complexity of a roofing project, it is crucial to consult with roofing contractors before going in for any plan. A professional roofing contractor can help you make educated decisions by carefully inspecting the roof and determining the best plan possible.

Sources
5 Things to Know Before You Replace Your Roof, time.com
Know Your House: Components of a Roof, houzz.com
6 Most Important Foundation Construction Components, doityourself.com