It’s funny how easy it is to overlook your roof. After all, it’s one of the most essential parts of your home, providing a first line of defense against rain, snow, wind, sun, and extreme temperatures, and it plays a massive role in your home’s energy efficiency, insulation, curb appeal, and more. Yet many people totally ignore it — until something goes wrong. Whether you’re trying to be proactive about maintenance, scheduling a repair, or planning a full replacement, we’re here to help. Let’s discuss some common roofing mistakes so that you can keep your home safe and well-protected.
The Most Common Roofing Mistakes — And How to Steer Clear of Them
Putting Off Repairs
Minor issues may seem harmless — a tiny leak here, a loose shingle there, granules amassing in your gutters — but if you wait too long, they can escalate into much larger problems with much pricier repairs. Always address roof problems early. Delaying inspections or repairs will almost always make the situation worse, and it tends to lead to a big headache and a hefty price tag.
Choosing the Cheapest Contractor
When assessing quotes from contractors, remember that the cheapest bid isn’t always the best choice. It might save you money upfront, but the poor workmanship and low-quality materials will almost certainly cost you more down the line. Price isn’t everything, especially when it comes to a significant investment like your roof. Always check reviews, licensing, and warranties before you hire a roofer.
Ignoring the Gutters
Your gutters are an essential part of your roofing system. If they become clogged or damaged, water might back up under your shingles or pool around your home’s foundation. Maintaining your gutters through basic inspections and routine cleaning is a simple way to protect your whole home from water damage.
Neglecting Routine Inspections
As we mentioned above, homeowners tend to forget their roof exists until a pressing issue pops up and forces it to the front of their mind. If that sounds like you, add regular roof inspections to your yearly calendar. Better yet, call your roofer right now and schedule your annual appointment. In addition, consider scheduling roof inspections after all major storms so that you can catch issues early and prevent surprise repairs.
Failing to Understand the Warranty
Most roofing warranties have specific requirements, such as using approved materials or hiring certified installers. If you don’t follow those requirements, you could void your coverage without realizing it. Pull out your warranty right now, and take note of any such specifications.
Mishandling Insurance Claims
Remember that your insurance company isn’t your friend. If you delay filing a claim, fail to document damage properly, or trust your adjuster without question, you’ll likely fail to get the coverage you deserve. Schedule a roof inspection with a trusted roofer right away after a storm, and ask them to take photos. That way, when the adjuster arrives, you’ll be prepared and can help ensure nothing is missed. In addition, make sure that you hire a qualified roofing contractor to prevent your claim from being denied or underpaid.
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Have you accidentally made any of these common roofing mistakes? If so, just remember that you’re not alone and it’s not too late! If you take good care of your roof, it will take good care of your home and family.
Ready to give your roof a boost? If you live in the Springfield, Missouri, area, give us a call. As a local company with more than 20 years of experience, Taylor-Made Roofing is committed to delivering top-line roofing to homes and businesses throughout southwest Missouri. We’re fully licensed and insured and prepared to assist you with all your roofing needs. Whether it’s a new roof, roofing repairs, inspections, maintenance, or gutters, we’ve got you covered. To learn more about our services or request an estimate, contact Taylor-Made Roofing today.