Regardless of the condition of your home, at some point you’ll need to deal with your roof. You have to schedule roofing inspections and likely repairs as well at some point. Depending on how long you’re in your home, you may need to replace your roof one day. That’s why it’s vital to understand how to deal with your local roof contractor and avoid the misconceptions that come with the industry. Here are a few myths, busted, about roofing contractors that you should know.

 

1. New Installations Go Over Old Ones

According to Forbes, more than 5 million new roofs are installed on U.S. homes annually. As long as these roofs are installed by a professional contractor, they’ll never be placed over an existing roof. Installing a new roof over an old one isn’t safe and also not how a professional roofer was trained. Anyone who does this would end up voiding the warranty of the roof and creating major structural problems. When you get your roof replaced, understand that the old roof will be removed, as well as any underlining insulation. Plus, you have to understand that a new roof may involve new roofing materials. Therefore, your roof contractor may have to update the underlying structure to prepare and support the new material.

 

2. The Lowest Price Is the Best One

A standard rule of thumb when reviewing potential roofing contractors is to get at least three or more quotes from different companies. That way, you can make a comparison to see if you’re getting a fair price compared to the services being offered. Homeowners should bear in mind that a more experienced roofer may charge a little more money, especially if they’re in high demand. Automatically going with the lowest price while not making other considerations regarding the quality of service, reviews, referrals, credentials, and materials used can result in buyer’s regret.

 

3. Permits Aren’t Needed

Before you do any type of major construction on your home, understand the rules and regulations of your local area. Some locations do require a permit for a roofing replacement, while others don’t. A permit isn’t just an extra expense, it’s a way to ensure that local building codes are met and that your home is safe during the process. Failure to get the necessary permissions to replace your roof can later result in a void of your warranty as well as fines. Any professional will understand whether they have to get a permit. That’s why you should always work with somebody who has the right credentials and experience in your area.

 

4. You Don’t Need a Roofer for Repairs

Many homeowners pride themselves on being handy around the house. While it’s great that you enjoy your home and can do various projects, your roof isn’t something you should fool around with. There’s a reason why roofers go through certification and training. Roofing is a dangerous job that requires a vast amount of skill and safety procedures. Roofers work with different types of materials such as flashing, shingles, insulation materials, and so on. If you attempt to do your own roofing repairs or installation, you can end up with a bigger, more expensive mess on your hands that could also be a safety issue. In addition, doing your roofing repairs or installation can create an issue regarding your roofing warranty. In other words, if you do bad work on your roof that ends up needing a professional to fix it, your roofing warranty may become void. With a voided warranty, you’ll have to pay money out of your pocket for any future repairs.

 

5. Contractors Can Install Any Roof You Want

When you’re doing a consultation with your potential roof contractor, they’ll go over the desires you have for a new roof. However, you must also take their professional recommendations to heart. The reality is all roofing styles and materials aren’t suitable for all home types. They have to consider the size and style of your home, its shape, as well as the slope. For example, maybe you now want a flat roof. However, if you currently have a very sloped roof, incorporating a flat roof would involve way too much construction and not be feasible. Climate and environment are also a big concern regarding the best type of roof for your house. Your roof isn’t just about aesthetics and personal design choice, as the main purpose of a roof is to protect your home from the elements. If you live in a very wet environment like Washington State, you need a roof that’s strong enough to prevent constant water leaks from coming in. That way, you won’t have a weak or destroyed foundation.

 

6. Minor Cracks Aren’t a Big Deal

You might hesitate to call your local roof contractor to fix a small crack, but that can cost you money down the line. What today is a small crack can later develop into a bigger one or a hole. The slightest vulnerabilities can turn into a major problem in which you could easily go from needing a minor repair to later needing a full-on replacement. A small crack or hole can allow water to seep in through the roof. Once water is inside, mold can begin growing in the attic and other parts of the home. It only takes mold 24 to 72 hours to sprout in a wet environment, according to FEMA. After your wooden foundation gains exposure to water, it can easily rot. Therefore, the foundational integrity and the health of your home can become easily compromised in a short amount of time because of one small vulnerability in your roof. When you notice any problems with your roof, you should call a roof contractor right away.

 

7. New or Good Conditioned Roofs Don’t Need Inspection

According to Bob Vila, your roof needs a professional inspection at least once a year. Roofing professionals also advise homeowners to have another inspection after a major storm, even if your roof appears to be in good condition from the outside. Even after a new roofing installation, things can go wrong that you may not notice immediately. That’s why you need a roofing technician or inspector to check things out as soon as possible, so they can pick up on any abnormalities and quickly fix them. A failure to get your roof inspected also plays a role in your roofing warranty. Your roofing warranty states you should have regular inspections and maintenance to avoid preventable problems. If there isn’t a record of regular maintenance and inspections before something goes wrong that requires replacement, it can void your warranty. Then you’ll end up paying several thousand out of your pocket for a new roof.

These are some misconceptions that people may wrongfully have about a roof contractor and their industry. The more that you understand about roofing, the better prepared you’ll be to handle any repairs and possible replacements that come your way. After all, your home is a major investment, and a big part of that investment is protecting it. One of the best ways to protect it is with a solid roof that is handled by a certified professional. If you need repairs or installations for a residential or commercial property, give All Star Contractor LLC a call today.